Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-05-15
A CLEVER RUSE.

pa. Jennie-he's had his own way
round here continal. for more'n thirty
wears. an you'll jest hev TO give in, no
use .talkin at him. II only makes
him wuss.
Poor little Mrs. Olcott had been ac-
customed during the whole OF her
married life TO jest give in and her
only chance OF peace was in yielding
to her selishly-Getermined husband,
and allowing him to carry his point
without opposition.
Jennie was differently constituted.
She inherited her fathers strong will,
and he had, much TO his surprise,
suddenly discovered an opposing force
in his youngest child.
She had been away from home for
nearly three years-this pretty, brown
haired girl with the determined face
and graceful carriage, aud the father
secretly admired and almost feared
her. A wealthy and childless aunt in
the city had besought Jennie to share
her home, and Hiram Olcott's pretty
daughter, though clinging tothe farm,
with all its dear memories OF child
hood and childhoods joys, chose
wisely when she yielded TO her aunt :
request. 1t was better-far better
for her, for even after her going there
were plenty of children to keep the
misery old farmer in Il perpetual
grumble about money matters.
1t was May and the country wore
one glad smile, aud Jennie hailed
with delight the prospect Of visit to
her home, assuming very willingly
the responsibility Of housekeeping
while her two unmarried sisters at
tended the wedding Of cousin in a
distant town.
This morning she was cooking, and
with her sleeves rolled above her
elbows stood beside the kitchen table
In one hand she held an earthen
plate while the clip, clip, clip OF a
fork sounded noisily as she whipped
some eggs 10 froth.
Yer sisters had TO marry to suit
him, - walled the nervous little woman,
AN you'll hev to, too ef you don't
there'l be awful fuses, SO you'd jes'
better give in. o"
That morning the father had spo-
ken to Jennie OF II young farmer,
whom he termed likely catch. >
She had expressed her opinion Of
him in so decided a way as TO alarm
Mr.. Olcott for the safety Of his much
priced authority.
He was wont to speak of himself as
marvellous example of the patriarch.
Make 'em mind" he would say.
Keep yer household beneath yer
feet, govern EN- well, an they'll git
along"
Jennie's bolGness in opposing his
Judgment so stupetled him that his
anger had not yet had time to blaze
forth but Mrs Olcott knew it would
come and so. after her husband had
left the kitchen, she pleaded with the
girl to give in." Jennie had been
very thoughtful during the little
woman's appeal, but now she was re
- Ia ~, har
nature which spoke: Il wouldn't
marry Jordan Moggs though father
should threaten to murder me.
The eggs were stiff now, and rs she
set the plate down on the table, she
turned from her mother and busted
herself among the ingredients for
cake baking which were before her.
Jennie was blushing as she began
softly There is some one in Poole
| like very much, mother, and he's
coming out here to
He needn't mind comm" said
Farmer Olcott, grimly, as he stepped
quietly into the kitchen. His face
wore cunning leer, and his wind
Redeemed cheeks We're distorted by
the sneering curves of his hard-lined
mouth. Seating himself on one Of
the painted wooden chairs, he drew
the boot-jack toward him and took
of his heavy shoes with calmness
and deliberation that warned Mrs.
Olcott that he was thoroughly arous-
ed. The poor, little. nervous, broken
spirited woman had learned that this
particularly quiet and inoffensive
manner of removing his footgear
always proceeded burst of passion.
Hiram Olcott set his cowhide boots
by the stove 10 dry, kicked the jack
under the table. and turning toward
his daughter, shouted:
Don't let me ketch none O yer
city fellers comm to see you. Ef they
do. III talk to EN-; not word now.
he growled, shaking his long finger
menacingly at Jennie, as she essayed
to speak. I'm master OF my own
house an you'll not talk till such