Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-07-26

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all. Cousin Abbie seems just set IN
havin' us come"
"Well. | hope youll have good
time" she said, after sewing a few
minutes in silence. "lf there's any
thin in the world that I've a real de-
sire 20 do it's To go 10 the city and see
the sights. But | amt never seen my
way clear To do SO, bein' all alone in
the world" and Miss Jemima gave a
little sniff of self pity.
Her companion rocked comfortably
back and forth in her char without
making any response.
II see what she's comm to-" she
thought, AN if don't encourage her
then my conscience's clear; but she's
made mp her mind 10 90 along with Us,
an if there's any body in this world the
deacon can't abide, it's Jemima Hum
mers | do bclieve if can only tell
him she's goin' too, he'll give the whole
thing up"
She glanced anxiously at Miss Hum
mer's sharp features aud little bird
like eyes, which were blinking
thoughtfully over her work, as she
IF she don't follow this thing up
it'll be the first time She didn't do what
she set out TO; but | amt goin' TO give
her one mite of encouragement.
What day you goin'?' said Miss
Jemima at last.
Well Cousin Abbie said Saturday
in her letter-that'll be day after to-
morrow-so | s'pos the deaconll cal
c'late to go then" was the answer. Il
can look over my things an do my
packin' tomorrow, an we can get off
by the first train. III allow faint as
much time as | should like. There's
my brown merino's got TO he fixed at
the bottom, an the deacon's things We
got 10 be attended 10, an"
Miss Jemima arose. and taking her
hat from branch of the tree where it
had been hanging, tied it securely un-
der her chin.
well, | must be a-goin, she said.
"but I'll try an drop in tomorrow, TO
see how you're gettin' on"
The gate clicked, and Mrs Simp son
was left alone, gazing at Miss Jemima's
prim figure disappearing down the
road, and regretfully thinking: "She
never said she was goin' along with US;
but maybe she will tomorrow.
1t was Friday evening. The air was
soft and cool, and laden with the sweet
odor of fresh hay. The hens had gone
to their roost. and all was quiet save
an occasional cluck from belated
fowl, or the deep croak of some frog as
il jumped with a splash into the pond
back of the house. All about the barn
looked clean and orderly, and peace
and rest seemed 70 prevail every
where.
All was to the deacon's mind, and
still he was not happy, as he sat on
the broad, stone doorstep, with his
wife just inside, rocking rapidly TO and
fro. The yellow cat jumped into his
lap and tried TO make herself comfort
able for her usual evening nap, bat
without avail. SO, after purring loud
er and louder To attract his attention,
until ii had become gentle roar, she
jumped down in quite disguised man
ner and walked sedately into the
house.
Did you say the packin' was all
done, Maria?' he inquired for the third
or fourth time. Il hope you amt for
gotten anythin'. partic larly the medi-
cines. Ell we was TO be taken sick at
Abbie's ! dunno what we'd do"
"Well, there's no denyin' that it's
sickly season in the city" was the
cheerful answer; but if you should
happen TO have a long attack of the
rheumatism | guess Abbie an me could
pull you through"
Deacon Simpson gave a groan; then,
suddenly recollecting himself, turned
IL into a cough. There was long
pause, finally broken by the deacon.
'Ef there's disagreeable, homely
cretur in the world it's that Jemirra
Hummers. Still the rockers creaked
and there was no response; but a smile
overspread the occupants face, which
the increasing darkness kindly hid. II
don't deny but what she's got her good
p'ints," he continued, pricked by his
conscience, but they amt my style,
an that's fact. Besides, she amt
any right TO go taggin' on with us; an
you know it, Maria" he added. fret
fully.
well, l don't allow you have any
right 70 talk about the face the Lord
gave her l say it amt becomin' in
you, deacon Mrs Simpson arose and
went into the pantry, where she
lighted the lamp, but after a moment
put it out and resumed her seat.
What's the matter?" inquired her
husband, in surprise.
"Oh, nothin'. ] was goin' 70 put the
beans TO soak, an then | remem Der we
wouldn't be here TO eat EN-"
There" said the deacon; seems Is
tho | couldn't bear it. Why didn't
You calk'late TO have 'em tonight? Ef
there's anythin in the world love, it's
beans"
Deacon Simpson, did you ever eat
hot baked beans any night in your life
ceptin' Saturday night? When people
go to the city they've got TO give up
things"
A long-drawn sigh was the only re-
Spouse, and once again silence reigned
The spirits of Mrs. Simpson were
steadily rising, while those of her hus-
l.. 4 -. L.