The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1890-05-08

Cant you pick over these blackber-
ries, Emily don't know how FL ever
get through If you don't" and Mrs. Moore
sighed as she thought of the many things
to be done that day.
why, | would ma, but you know how
dreadfully they stain body's hands,
and he Is coming tonight
Could any but silly girl make such a
apeechS And yet Emily Moore was not
silly girl except upon one subject.
She had the foolish, but not uncommon,
idea that woman's chief aim In life is
to secure a husband. She had been on
the outlook for some time and had near
ly reached twenty-five without having
found one. She had, however, left no
stone unturned
Her first attempt was with the village
doctor. lie was young and handsome
and had good practice. She was 10 too
good health to need his professional ser
vice, but she began to evince a wonder
full interest in Materia Medicia, and much
solicitude for all his patients, especially
among the poorer classes, to whom she
offered to act as nurse, and to whom she
frequently carried little delicises. The
doctor often complimented her tact and
seeming aptitude for nursing, and spoke
In high terms Of her kindly interest In
his patients. 1t WAS not long before she
began to imagine the doctor to ne in love
with her; and she was about settling
down to the happy contemplation of this
and what she would do as soon rs she be-
came Mis-. Doctor, when one day he sud-
denly disappeared from town, leaving
word he would be gone one week, but
hsd arranged with old DR.. Payne to at
tend to those who might need his SER
vices during that time. Emily felt dis
sapointed that she had not been taken in
to confidence concerning this absence,
but when week later he returned,
bringing with him bride, her chagrin
and vexation knew no bounds.
Her interest In the sick began to wane,
and 1t is doubtful what would have be-
come Of her and her surplus energy had
not the Presbyterian church soon after
called a young minister. lie had not
been in town long ere Miss Emily began
to take greater interest in the sewing
circle and a more active part In the mis-
sionary society, and became quite regu-
lar In attending all meetings. Thanks
giving came, and the minister was asked
to share the turkey. Next a fair about
Christmas and box for home mission
airy, In the planning and working for
both of which Miss Emily was most act
i've and much thrown into the company
of the minister. He frequently called
at the house to consult her on various
matters, and she was fast beginning to
feel quite certain that by this time next
year all would be settled, when 1t was
whispered through the congregation that
the minister was going to marry that
quiet Miss Norton, who lived two miles
out Of town, to whom nobody ever SEEM
ed to give a passing thought, and who
was rarely seen In town except on Sun
days. Emily couldn't see just why 1t
was, but she accepted the inevitable, and
In course of time recovered sufficiently
to feel desire to attempt fresh con-
quests.
Her next object was the new clerk her
father had hired. Mr.. Moore owned
and kept the general store in the village.
Harry Ames was a pleasing, intelligent
young man. Emily would have liked
him In spite of herself, and he In turn
liked her. AS he boai ded with them
they were thrown much together. Her
father took good deal of Interest in
him and had more than once limited that
he would give Harry better chance
some day. To MARY her fathers clerk
was, perhaps, not as pleasing to her van
ity as becoming the doctors or the min
ister's wife would have been; but then,
1t must be remembered, the doctor was
married and the minister was to be soon,
so what WAS the use of wasting more
thought on either of them? To marry his
employers daughter is usually consd-
cred quite distinction, and 80 Emily
did not feel it incumbent upon her 10
exert herself In order to be interesting
and attractive, and for this reason she
really appeared to better advantage than
ever before. She was naturally a kind
hearted, agreeable girl; and, when not
affecting something for which she only
imagined an interest. was q pleasing
bright and entertaining )companion. She
would have made Harry Ames q good
wife, and he would have soon become,
not only sutton, but an accepted sutton.
II something had not happened.
Widow Wilson's Summer bOarders had
arrived. and among them were two
Young ladies' from the citvI Emily made
their acquaintance, and, ere long, be-
eagerly drank In all they said of the city
and Of city ways; while they. In Urn, en-
joyed playing upon the credulity OF one
who knew % more Of the city than q
squirrel. Thew were vain. foolish girls,
who had been brought up with the idea
that work Of every kind is derogatory,
and they soon made poor Emily believe
that only those who never worked were
real ladies.
Little by little she became more eau
tious In her Intercourse with Harry
Ames and began in one way and anoth.
er 70 ah0w that bis addresses were not
altogether pleasing to her.
Not long after the advent Of the two
young ladies at Mrs. Wilson's there cams
4 gentleman, also from the city. He was
soon attracted Nv. the fresh face and
pretty ways Of Emily Moore, not imag.
iuin9 the foolish ideas these two silly