The record-union., 1892-12-27
MRS. FINCENT'S CHRISTIANS.
Written for the RECoRD-UNIoN by Mrs. !
en- Dormodv1

>
which only increased as she gazed into
the fire. The breakfast dishes were on
the table just as she and Earl had left
them when they arose from their morn
ing meal. A very enjoyable meal it
would have been, but Mrs. Vincent was
cross; cross in spite Of her husbands
jests and pleasantly; SO cross that Ear's
good nature seemed to be an aggravation
to her.
The little foot was brought down
from its resting place very inpa-
tiently and the other placed on the hearth
In its stead. This not seeming to satisfy
the little woman she rolled rocker up
to the ire, and, settling down amongst
the cushions, gave herself up to gloomy
train OF thoughts.
Three years ago next Christmas she
had married Earl Vincent. prosperous
young farmer. Everything had gone
along smoothly for awhile, then reverses
had come and they had been obliged TO 90
IN debt or sell part Of their comfortable
home.
Mrs. Vincent was living her life all
over again on this particular morning.
Her thoughts took her back to the days
OF her childhood-happy, careless days,
when ''Uld Santa filled her stocking as
full as could be. On, on, she dreamed of
the days when she was busy making
pretty gifts for her many friends and
they in turn bestowed lavish gifts upon
her.
They don't care much for Inc now"
she almost sobbed. 'They seem to think
anything is good enough for country
folks. Well, / can't make any pretty
things this year, that is certain. The
taxes must be paid, the interest will soon
be due, and we viii just have to econ
omlze and economic to keep from get
ting deeper in debt until the next crop is
harvested. Perhaps that will not be very
good either. Oh dear men'
One gloomy thought chased another
until tear stole down her cheek, fol-
lowed in quick succession by others;
then there was bountiful shower and
her face was buried in her apron.
A step on the porch, the door opened,
and Earl Vincent stepped into the room.
What! Crying again! Leila, what
shal! do? Don't 1 do all can to make
you happy? And here you are crying
about tour times week regularly. This
IS discouraging to q man, indeed" and
away he went to his work.
These were strange words and actions
for Earl Vincent. Many times he had
kissed away the tears and planned some
enjoyment for his petted wife, but to-day
L strange, hard feeling filled his breast.
Mrs. Vincent hushed her sobs just long
enough to fully comprehend what had just
taken place, and then gave way to a fresh
burst of weeping.
"And Earl too, is getting so he don't
care for me. Oh, what shall I do?' she
managed to sob aloud.
No Earl came TO soothe tired head. The
fOunt OF tears seemed almost eX hausted,
and the very, very much injured little
woman moved back from the stove,
glanced at the clock and arose. One
glance in the mirror showed a swollen
face and disheveled hair, which threat
ened fresh burst of weeping when there
was a crash and fall outside which made
her start and tremble. 1t had the effect
of stopping the tears and she rushed to
the door to look for Earl, while visions
OF desperate things scOldiDg and weeping
wives had led men to do rushed through
her brain.
1t was a great relief to see him working
busily away as though nothing had hap
pened.
/ see. The wind has blown the ladder
down.
The crash had diverted her mind from
her troubles just as it would have done a
mere child's. She gathered up the dishes,
washed them, placed the kitchen in or
der, and slipping on her overshoes, pre-
pared to go out.
Pm going for autumn leaves, Earl"
she almost sobbed from the porch.
'All right, dear, l hope you will find
some nice ones,' he rejoined while he
leaned on his spade and watched the re-
ceding figure.
Poor Leila" he said half aloud. 81
was cross, / know, but I do hate tears.
! do wish she would cheer up a little.
We would soon be out of debt. 1t is hard
to be obliged to deny ones self the little
pleasures Of life so often. 1 suppose she
was thinking of Christmas"
Mrs. Vincent went on in her search for
oh I'D 81
fence. Just back of their place lived an
old negro with his wife and six children
Mrs. Vincent had love for the ridicu-
lous and partly for her own amusement,
and partly out of sympathy she suddenly
resolved to call on old Joshua Jones and
his family.
"Mornin' Miss Vincent. Is powerful
glad to see you. Mighty cold this mornin'
down heah. Keeps O. frost and old
Josh's so bad. Rumatiz heep worse"
He still has the rheumatism! 1 am
very sorry to hear it,
"Yes'm, and what's NOAH, YOU see it's
nigh onto Christmas time and there's
those two dozen turkeys and four dozen
chickens what Josh alluz takes to the city
at Christmas to be sold some how, and
old Josh sick abed. It's mighty hard,
Mis- Vincent. You see Josh's been sick
nigh onto three months, and no peddling
done, and no wood sold. Dunno now it
win end. | alluz likes to keep Christmas
al leetle, Mis- Vincent, for dem young
sters sake, just like my ole massa did TO-
me, but can't dis yeah. Come in and see
Josh"
Josh had heard his wite's complaint.
and at the words of sympathy offered by
Mis- Vincent the pearly tears stole down
his rough checks.
yves gettin' mighty poah, Mis- Vim
cent, and nobody cares if niggahs is poah.
My little chillun'll soon go hungry"
DO not worry about that, Joshua. 1t
will not come to that. You need the
doctor, JOSH
"Yes, l know, Mis- Vincent, but it
costs so. L thought mebbe ia get well
without | amt SO sick, but / can't move
If only could go on de wagon with Nose
10 sell de turkeys and chickens, Mis-
Vincent, I'd be very happy. Moses too
young to send away over night to a big
city. We've got plenty of apples to sell,
TOO"
Two little rogues lay giggling and roll
ing on the floor, chewing some raw cab
bage, much to the discomtit Of old Josh
and his wife.
Hush, yo' noise. Yo' heah me? Can't
yo' set up when Mis- Vincent come to
see us?"
Josh Joined his wife in the scold, and
Annie, the Oldest girl, lifted each to a sit
ting posture, whereupon their heads fell
forward into their laps, and the giggling
went on.
''Those mighty bad young 'uns, Mis-
Vincent. Can't learn EN- nothin'. Nose
and Annie and the TWO what's out
playin' was alluz good, but those two
alluz AK dat way when we has company"
Mrs. Vincent had a strong desire to
laugh-such a comical figure did they
make. The visit was like pouring oil on
troubled waters for Mrs. Vincent as well
90 tho TODess Nose went homo will, ba,-