Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1894-11-08
UNCLE JOSEPH'S WOOING,
BY SARAH II. GARDNER,

One OF the prominent figures In our
meeting house for many years was
that Of Uncle Joseph, for thus was he
known by the young and old who FIRE.
quented our religious gatherings.
lie occupied the second seat in the
mems gallery, and 1t was with him
that the elder shook hands In sign that
Friends should separate, when 1t
seemed likely that the spirit would
move no others to utter gentle words
OF blessing or stern warning against
the tcmpter
As children we regarded Uncle Jo-
scph in the light Of q patriarch, al
though now know that his years at
the time Of which | write had scarce
reached the limit Of a half century.
lie was q comely man, straight and
tall, his smooth-shaven face BEAM
Ing with good nature, and his soft
blue eyes lighted with sympathy,
but he was not intellectual. Slow
OF movement and uncertain In express
sion, his hearers were often troubled
to follow his excellent thought, and It
wasno uncommon thing for my parents
to refer to his ministrations as being
"labored." We had consciousness,
based perhaps upon accidental knowl-
edge, that he was uncommonly well
to do, and also that there was consid-
cradle feeling in the society that Sarah
Sidney, with her clear insight and
facile speech, would DO fit life COM
panion for the good man. But time
wore on, and there seemed no likeli-
hood OF realization OF this desire.
/ can remember one occasion when
the subject really assumed the impor-
lance that is usually given to gossip,
but it was SO lovingly and conscicn-
tiously touched upon that was great
ly impressed.
My father and mother were In the
way OF inviting many friends to dine
with them on monthly meeting day.
Quarterly meeting brought even more
persons from q distance, and among
the children little unaccustomod duties
were distributed. | was frequently
desired to remain for time in the
front chamber and assist our women
visitors in removing their wraps and
adjusting the cap crowns that often
met with disaster beneath the stiff
bonncts. It was always pleasurable
duty, for friends never forget the
young, and as each one grasped my
little palm she did not neglect to
speak an encouraging word TO me.
On the occasion to which have al
luded meeting broke up somewhat
later than usual. hurried home,
warmed my chilled fingers and ran up
stairs, where bright fire was burning
on the hearth. Iglanced about to see
that the wood box was full and looked
out OF tie window, where my eye
rested upon short line Of carriages
oil bent in the direction Of our home.
First came father and mother, grand
father and tho three younger chill
dren, then a vehicle well known to me
as that OF Elias Chase from Derry
Quarter, and thus counted them Off
as they drew up beside the horse block.
missed Sarah Sidney, who general
ly came with Thcophilus Baldwin's
family, and, having seen her placid
face in Its usual place on the seat be-
meath tho gallery, fronting the meet
ing, ! was ut loss to explain her alb
scnoe She was tenderly attached to
mother, and could not believe any
light matter would take her to an
others table.
Agentle voice called me tony duties
"Why, Katherine dear, thee must
have been very spry to get home be-
fore us. ! was pleased to see thy In
tercst In the meeting to-day"
The good woman kissed me and
thanked me for the little MD was
able to give in unpinning her shawl.
Directly afterward, sweet Jane Spen-
Ger came tripping up the stairs She
was frequently spoken Of as exhibit
ing ''overmuch ardor' in all her good
works, but we children loved the en-
thusiastic little woman
10 Katherine, | am glad to make use
Of thy quick fingers My cap strings
are sadly awry, have been most I'M
comfortable in them all through the
meeting Our breakfast was q trifle
late this morning, and we had far to
drive"
One and another arrived, each with
a thought Of me. "How thee grows,
child" or. THY mother Is blessed in /,
har little helnere