The state republican. (Jefferson City, Mo.) 1871-1896, 1895-12-26
A DIVIDED HOUSE
A Story of the Civil
War in Missouri.
BY SIDNEY u. rowHLt-


AalAAtE "HE AhNNANNANN
Christmas meant mince pies, cakes,
plum puddiugs, turkeys, sausage and
good .hnGstoo numerous to ment on
VIII ~ somehow found their way to
the "hlaek folks" table.
Mars charlie and Mars John was
Of home snd dem two never forgits
&c black iolks," eaid Aunt Els; as
she lreeed the good things around,
there was no stint at Mrs. Dab
ney's table, for her rich Missouri
farm had furnished her bountitully
with every substantial. Her harms
were literally bursting out with
plenty snd there was 3 long bank
account besides TO draw from.
Resides this, Or. John Dabney had
some money Of his own and he was
not niggardly in spending it. He
wanted a Christmas of good things,
not to enjoy himself, but to make
others have enjoyment. John was
doing all he could TO bring about q
little kindly feeling between the
inmates Of "The Elms." His
brother could not be spared to 60 to
town so much, he wanted him to
hunt squirrels and quails with him.
He needed him at home, he told
Charlie, to help brighten the old
house. Somehow he could do more
with Charlie than any n else; and
on Christmas day when the parlor
fire was kindled, and the dining table
was set, and the big dinner almost
ready to dish up, who should walk
in among them all, for the Claytons
too were there, but Charlie in his
best suit and spirit.
His mother looked up a little sur
prised but said nothing.
Life who sat near the door rose
and handed her chair to him. She
looked so bright and smiling, that
Chall lie smiled too and asked her to
keep her seat.
81 can talk as well standing" he
said, "and l have such a little while
10 stay"
"Oh CHARLIE" begged Ellie in her
most coaxing tone, ''don't go away
to. day-it has been so long since we
were all together and you know we
never could have a nice time with
put you"
John did not say anything. He
thought tharlie could not resist the
pleading in Elfe's tones and eyes.
What beautiful eyes she had, he
thought he had never noticed before
the lovely expression, but she was a
very beautiful girl anyhow. The
soft pink cheeks looked as clear as
n shell and how dantily the brown
curls clustered on the broad fore
head.
} The oueenly head was perfect in
b shape and every movement of the
1.-THE form graceful and easy. "One
In a thousand for beauty" John sale
=, to himself.
MI. Clayton was noting all thii
l too, very probably, for he did MOI
q seem to hear Mrs. Dabney as she
, talked OF the impending war.
r Miss Margaret Clayton had a sea
t by John on the sofa and their con.
g versation seemed cutie animated
considering their short acquaintance
Mrs. Dabney saw with great pleas
t ure that John admired her. She di'
. not doubt that the young lady woul'
be pleased with him.
K AS they were now paired off Mrs
Dabney had to entertain Mr.. Clayton
/, and a hard task it was, for he wa
t apparently listening with one ear TO
d Eli els and Charities talk, while tn,
a other was given to John and Mis-
Margaret.
'If there is a war;" asked Mrs
j.. Dabney, twill the negroes be ap
II to 60 into the union army 20
Think"
3, "Well it is likely, but he is 8
young, he could not stand it,"
"Of whom do you speak?" she ad
: ded.
= "Why Charlie" he said. al thin
1t he will JON the army"
a (Which side will he join," sh
a asked in the tone Ellie and the boy
d knew 80 well.
"Well it seems to me Mrs. Dabne
that he is inclined to the uniol
strange as it is, for his interest
, clearly On the other side, as m ne 1
I have twenty thousand dollars ii
volved in it. Enough to decide n
: to go with the south"
le Charlie looked up in surprise
~ the speaker and whispered to Elh
"What a lie he told, for he is for Il
union"
"You surely are Mistaken" 50
Ellie, feeling RULED that Char
I'd should think SO mean Of him.
l. "And why shonld he be for t
L. union"
n ''Time will prove,'' said Charlie.
or "You despise him SO you cal
r. think any good OF him." said Elf
a. sand 1 hate to see any one have su
a a spirit"
be sob, I don't expect to please ys
ce 1 have despaired OF that. But Eli
o. even if you hate me, for mere,
hit sake don't like that mani wo'
rather see Won dead than married