Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-02-25

less iaborlng under mlSSapprehen-
sion, but [ did not exactly see that it
was my business to set her right. She
had evidently engaged a hired man.,
and took it for granted that I was the
parsonage in question.
what can you do?" she asked alb
ruptly. And with equal curtness | re-
sponded:
'Anything."
Come, [ like that" said my mother
in-law, rubbing her hands. AT least
you are not afraid of work. Do you
understand cows and horses?"
wv ell-nOt much" | owned. There
were no cattle at my last place."
(Which was very true, for | had been
a clerk in a bank at $500 year, But
| have not the least doubt that could
soon learn. if you would kindly show
me what is expected of me-"
"Can YOU cut wood?" she asked
@Certainlv," said I, rejecting to my
self that any fool might do that.
She asked one or two questions
more, which | answered with the blind
faulty which attends youth and con-
fidence. She seemed pleased with my
willingness to undertake anything and
everything.
And now about wages" she said
briskly. what will you ask-for your
own services and those of your wife
by the month";"
l fitted the tips of my fingers refec-
lively together.
CAS- we are both rather inexpe-
l.
the first month for our board. After
that you shall pay us what you think
we are both worth"
"Hum-hum" said my mother-in-
law. That's a sensible proposition
very sensible one, indeed. Well, send
for the young woman at once. In the
meantime I'll show you over the place
and explain to you the nature of your
duties"
So l hired myself out to my mother
in-law as farm hand, without further
ceremony, and Immediately wrote and
posted a letter to Nettie. On my re-
turn from the post office l met burly
young man meditating at spot where
four roads meet.
Can you tell me, sir, F." said he "where
Mrs. Abel Martin lives?"
"Oh yes, sir; can tell you" I re-
spOnded affably. But if you're look
ing for the situation of hired man /
may as well tell you that it's filled.
The burly young man made some
remarks, indicative, in general way,
of his opinion of the tickleness of
womankind and departed, while [ re-
turned rejoicing to the old farmhouse.
Here's a very nice beginning" said
I to myself ut is now my business
to give as much satisfaction as posi-
BILE"
Fortune favored me, in more ways
than one. My mother-in-law sprained
her ankle on the second day, and
played cook as well as man-of-all- work
with distinguished success, and | had
the satisfaction of hearing her say to
old Miss Priscilla Perkins that "she
didn't know when she'd taken such a
notion to any one as she had to the
new hired mani"
He's too young and good-looking to
suit me-" observed Miss Priscilla pur-
sing up her steel-trap of a mouth.
HE is good-loOking, amt hep" said
my mother-in-law. But he's dreadful
handy about the house, and he amt
one bit afraid of work. And you'd
ought to have seen the oysters he
stewed for my supper last night, and
the cup of tea he made. Why, | don't
miss Jemima Stiles one bit. If only
Nettie could have stayed single till she
met such a man as this!"
/ smiled to myself as | laid out the
kindlings for the breakfast fire. My
as Jack of all =
trades" had never done me much good
before. But now they were certainly
winning me some credit in the world.
At the end of the third day she had
told me the whole story of her daught-
er's runaway match with "a good-for-
nothing young city chap" On the
fourth day she had consulted with me
as to whether it was better to put the
fOrty-acre lot into oats or rye, and |
had won her heart by taking to pieces
the old hall-clock, which had not gone
for ten years, and restoring it to run
ming order once again.
Aud on the evening of the same day
Nettie arrived, all blushing and trem-
bling.
oh, Dick" said she, lis she very
angry?"
MY dear, said 1, "she hasn't an
idea who | am"
"But, Dick"
mo butts, my darling" said cheer
fully. LET Us be Julius Caesar over
again. We come; we see; we con-
quer."
And | dragged my unwilling little
wife into the back room, where my
mother-in-law lay on sofa, nursing
her ankle.
Here's my wife, ma'am," said l,
sand | hope she'll give satisfaction.
Mrs. Martin jumped up, spite of the
wounded ankle
"Nettie." she cric,l, in blank amaze
met.
~Oh, mother, mother" faltered Net
tie, throwing both hands around the
old lady's neck, please forgive me
this time, and I'll never, never elope
again"
please, ma'am, Wen be good"
added I.
And my mother-in-law relented on
the spot. How could she do other
wise?
Henrietta" said she, "you've been
naughty girl-there's no denying that.
But your husband seems handy man
about the house, and I'm tired of living
here alone. So take off your things
and 90 to work getting supper. AS for
you, Richard-'
Yes ma'am, | know" said l. 1--WE
been playing a double part and de-
ceived you all along. But l wanted you
to like me-and you know" I added,
AL is fair in love and war"
We'll, do like you little" adj