Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1892-07-08

It was after dark when the old couple
once more trudged up the grassy slope
from Kewatchet Station toward the old
farmhouse.
Uncle Joshua was very tired, and
imped as he walked. Aunt Persis
dragged behind in a spiritless sort of
way.
"And we didn't see the procession,
arter all p" said the old man, rather re-
gretfully.
81 wouldn't ha' minde that 50 much,"
said Aunt Persis. "But Luella has
changed sol She used to be such trim,
trig little body. And then her house
keepin'l Did ye see them black beetles
in the bread closet and the dirt in the
corners of the room and the nose marks
ON the win1er glassl And she hadn't
sign of collar on, and l don't b'ieve
her hair had been combed since she got
up. didn't bring her up no such way,
an wouldn't hev believed five years
could a-changed anybody that way"
ats Nathanel's influence" said
Uncle Joshua. II always supposed he
was church member; but l must be
mistook, for he wanted me to play cards
with him and another feller; but wasn't
to be took in like that, if there was hay
seed in my hair. Aud l didn't like the
looks of jamie and her young man. l
know the young feller drinks; smelt it
ia his breath. Persis, I'm going home
to change my will. I'd ruther leave my
farm to Abial's son, out in Michigan,
than trust it with jamie aud that young
man. Aud, Persis-"
"Well, Joshual"
81 wasn't goin' TO tell ye of it till we
GOT home, but I've ha my pocket
picked. My watch is gone aud the roll
of bills in my breast pocket. hadn't
only jest enough money left to get home
with"
"Oh, Joshual'
"Yes, an b'lieve JAMES young man
did it when he was so oificious about
helpin' me down that last flight o'stairs,
for fear should fall an break my neck,
US he said"
ooh, Joshua2" walled the old woman.
"All the chicken and butter money T"
"Yes, was blamed fool enough to
take it with me!' sighed Uncle Joshua.
ard sort of notion to give jamie enough
for a weddin' dress. But when l see
the cut of these folks jib, l changed my
mind"
"Can't we go back and tell the
policei"
Joshua Cricket shook his head.
"No," said he, "we can't. I've made
myself redid.cklous enough already. I'll
Jest swaler the loss, an set it DOM to
profit and loss. Arter all, it ain't the
money so much, though we're hard
workin folks, and can't afford to lose it;
but it goes to my heart to think Luella's
folks is run down so low as tbatl'
And big tear rolled over the old
mans cheek bone and lost itself in his
grzzled beard.
"Hullo" he suddenly exclaimed,
"what's that9 A light in the settin'-
rooml Persis, l hope to goodness the
old place amt a-fre with powder
crackers and rockets from the store and
sich7'
NO" said Aunt Persis, straining her
spectacled eyes into the darkness, otis
lamp on the table. But / can't think
who can have got in. I'm sure | locked
the door and put the key Luder the fla.
stone by the well curb"
"Of course you did, aunty, darling.in
the old place where | knew exactly
where to find it, interrupted sweet,
chcery voice, as pair Of arms was flung
around Aunt Persis's neck. 1--WE clne
down from New York this morning to
surprise you aud spend the day here.
picnic fashion, Nat and jamie and Will
Haps:t and ], AID waep We get here