St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1893-08-26

|
pathy than in person, but always with
the self satisfied feeling that he was pro-
viding comfortably fer them. Their life
began and ended in the affairs OF the
household, and John Hunter firmly be-
lieved that such narrow, restricted
sphere was essential to the happiness of
| woman, for broader field of thought
| and action would be confusing and stul-
tifyng to her mind.
Mrs. Hunter had always been meek,
modest wife, ready to console her hus-
| band and to slave for the common good;
and during the dark, gloomy days of
their early lives she had Goied and econ
Omized bravcly as her share in the mu-
tual burdens. These early lessons of
self-denial formed her character and
method of life, so that when prosperity
came she still chung to her work. AS the
far, and house we're increased in size the
work assumed gigantic proportions, and
Mandy and her mother were pushed
night and day to get through with it
before bedtime. Mrs. Hunters modesty
forbade her to request the services Of
hired help" in the house, and her hus
band, absorbed in his own work and
thoughts, seemed oblivious to the fact
that a servant was essential to the
household. He had his own men to
work in tho fields by the dozen, but
these were all necessary during the short
harvesting period, and the farm could
not be carried on without their hel p.
Mrs Hunter and Mandy toiled on under
the additional burdens, and found very
little time for self-cuitu1e and improve
ment. In this way the separation of the
family gradually widened; for the sue
cessful man developed in the line of
thought and action in a larger sphere,
while the wife and daughter narrowed
and restricted their existence in the little
details Of household slavery.
The new wing had been built on the
already large house without Mrs. Hun
ter's advice, and, although she secretly
rcbelled against the enlargement of the
old naterna home, she made no open OPP
position. The idea of opposing her
husbands wishes had never yet
entered her mind; but when she
found that the new addition was being
fitted up for city honrders defiant spirit
rose in her.
John Hunter never considered it nee
essary to tell his wife Of any new ar
rangemcnt until it was all completed.
The fact that he was going to take
boarders from the city during the sum-
mer was not mentioned until the west
wing was all completed and nicely fur
nished. Then one day he remarked to
his wife just before leaving for the vii
lage: The rooms are fitted up nicely,
and I guess our city people will find it
to their liking"
Mrs. Hunter gulped down lump in
her throat, and then said in voice that
seemed unnatural to her: "We can't take
city boarders here, Father"
John Hunter did not seem to com
prehend the meaning of his Wife's re-
mark, aud he continued in an absent
minded way: 1--WE can accommodate Il
young couple, or even three, in the west
wing"
There was another lard gulp, and
then, in the same unnatural voice: ''But,
Father, l say we can't take city board
ers.n
The man began to understand the
meaning Of the little woman's opposi-
ton, and he looked a little embarrassed.
eve have no servant to do thc.work,"
his wife continued, land we do not
need the money. Mandy is worn out
with work, and I cannot do any more.
We can't take city boardcrs."
One of the farm laborcrs interrupted
the conversation here, and the meek
woman retired thankfully from the |
scene. Her courage was fast ebbing away, |
and the little body was all in trembe. |
Nothing more was said about the city |
bGardcrs for some time, and Mrs. Hunter |
in her quiet way was thankfully congrat-
uIating herself On her easy victory. 1t
was the first time she had ever OBJ jcctcl |
TO any Of her husbands plains, and the |
grace with which h. yielded made her |
love and respect him all the more She |
haifregrctted that size had openly refused
to take his boarders. and she eudeayorcd |
to atone for it Ivy nunberIcss little acts OF
and attcutlon. !
"Iave the papers come from the post
office yet, mother: All, yes, here's the
HcroM."
John Hunter always followed the news
If the day carefully, and, as he dropped
INTO chair to rest, he tore the covering
rom the paper, and opened the sheet
hastily.
Any news in particklcr?' asked his
wife, rubbing few specks Of dirt from
lie furniture
"No-that isl tbs man replied slowly.
my advertisement appears to day. l
Want to see how it reads"
Mrs Hunters bright face changed in
N instant, and she asked, in a trembling
Whisper: "What advertisement?
"Why, for boarders," was the impa-
lent answer. sit is time we did some
hing. The west wing is all ready for
He soon became absorbed in reading
he paper, while the poor woman stole
out of the house. Her face
vas white, and the bloodless Ii ps were
lrawn tightly over the teeth. Her breath
ng was quick and sharp. Nature no
ongcr Offered sights of beauty to her.
\ dark cloud seemed to obs urc the land
cape, and the sun appeared as an crn-
,lem of blackncss rather than of light.
jnder an old apple tree, where strange
yes could not see her, she gave way to
Ter grief, and wept bitter tears of poign-
mt sorrow.
John Starrow, the stalwart lover OF 1
Mandy, found her there and nearly (
tumbled over the STOPPING form. She
rlcd to hide her tear stained eyes from
lis bright, searching ones; but he was
OF so easily batf1ed. He had watched
nd pitied the careworn face too care
ully to fail to notice change.