The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1893-12-08
JOY AT THE FAIR.
The Delightful Experience of a
Hard Working Family.

"Wall, when be we a-goin' to the
fair, Alviry?''
'Hev you gone plum crazy. Eben
Jenkins? The fair amt for the likes of
us. It's only for rich folks an such!
Don't you read ev'ry night bout the
big doin's an the hifalutin' times of
the directors, an the furriners, an the
fixed-up women, gallavantin' rOun'
everywhere? How'd we look, I'd like
to know, attendin' of them receptions
they're a-havin' of pink an yeller an
ali sorts of colors, to suit the skins,
s'pose, of all them natives from far
away countries?"
Its noways likely, Alviry, that we'd
be obleeged to j'ine these doin's. I've
ben a-wOrkin' an savin' for a hull
year, jest to 20 to the fair few days
you an me an the children. 1t seems
like it would give us taste of some
thin we've needed all our lives"
Il s'pose you'll hev your way, Eben
Jenkins; you most always do. But
can't for the life of me tell how we're
goin' to pay for the winters coal, an
the flannels an shoes, an ev'rything
that1l be comm along soon enough!
OF course, if you go to the fair Pm
boun' to go, too, for didn't promise to
be your pardner for better Or for worse,
and if it's to be the city of destruction,
SO longs draw bre'th you'll fin me
by your side!''
''Never mine that, Alviry! I know
you for savin' an a helpin' wife, but as
long as I've two good hands you an the
children'll never go hungry, an it's
cause of all this that l think we ought
to go to the fair, an I'm mos sure the
money we'll spend'll be made up to us
some way"
II hope it's not flynn in the face of
Providence we are Eben Jenkins, that's
all I've got to say!''
Next week the shop'n shut up few
days for repairs, an then, Alviry, we'll
al take vacation an see some of the
wonders that the world has sent to Chi
cago."
Full, indeed, were the next few days
for the members of the little house
hold. There were two children, Hiram, a
sturdy boy of twelve, whose fertile brain
was hourly working with tremendous
zeal upon half-hedged impulses, and
his little sister Ruth, who had quiet,
dreamy ways, ''for all the world jest
like her father, imaginin' an visionin',"
her mother said, ''but sweet an lovin'
for all that!'
It was but few hours ride to Chi
cago, and then Eben Jenkins and his
wife and children drifted into the great
human current sweeping on in ceaseless
course to the White City and its won
ders.
1t was pleasant sight to watch this
family of four within the gates. The
father was thickset and strongly built,
with an air of rugged strength and pur-
pose. His garments We're chosen more
for wear. than nicely of fit; his necktie
was awry and his stiff boots creaked,
but there was something wholesome
and helpful about him that rested all
who saw him..
His wife was slim and spare and
moved with nervous energy. Her cloth
ing dated some seasons back, but this
she did not mind. Fashion did not
bother her. Hiram's jacket and trousers
"father's," and large enough to grow
in" The only bit Of finery about the
party was little Ruthie's hat. with it's
pink ribbons and apple blossoms, no
prettier than the childish face beneath
them. The children carried between
them huge lunch basket woven of
sweet-scented grasses, a family souvenir
from ''way down east
Through the streets, and over bridges,
and on and on untiringly they went un-
til they reached the Administration
building. Scarcely had a word been
spoken, the silence only being broken
by the children's EXPLANATIONS.
Suddenly Mrs Jenkins stopped. She
seemed strangely agitated. The veins
upon her forehead were swollen, and
her looks betrayed depressed emotion.
What is it, Alviry? Is anything the
matter? Are you feelin' sick?"
'sFeelin! Eben jenkins, what amt
feelin'2 Knight as well out with it
first as last! I'll give in, twas Jest a
burnin' shame of me opposin' you
bout comm to such he'venly place!
Seems like can't get over it, an amt
lie
nor how glad am that you went right
on so quiet like am had your own way.
Why, it's worth livin' full lifetime to
leave the homework an the drudgery,
and forgit it. as if it never was! With
al the whiteness, an the music play
I'm, an the peaceful feelin' everywhere,
it's mos like the fu1fllin' of the blessed
Promise!''
It's pah already. Alviry, bein' its
done you good" said her husband, in
gentle tones, turning toward her a
beaming face. with kindly light. in
his honest eyes. st is real helpin' an
upliftin' like. An don't you notice,
Z Alvirv. how there's nothin' noisy. nor
o0asterous 'mongst all the people. It's
lest as if there was somethin' of Sun
! day sacred feelin' in the grandness of it
allls.
Frugal and hard working and indus
trious, Eben Jenkins and his wife had
found little tine for even the simple
pleasures within their means. hut
now there had come to them priv
ileEe passing beyond mere pleasure.
md Weakening to life the unworded de-
light Of new thoughts and purposes and
ideola
The same earnestness that entered
into their daily duties ruled them. n
their Visits to the various BUILDINGS
end sxhihits The children asked ques-