The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1895-05-10

details Of trade. Y
Another silence followed, durinI
which Mary carefully measured tw
spoonfuls If coffee and put them II
the coffeepot with some crushed egg
shells
Make my coffee good and strong
Mary, you know j shall have to make
long talk tonight. 1t wearies me, bu
they all depend SO much upon my fill
ing in the greater part Of the time
that / cannot disappoint. them. Yor
had better pour out my cup first, anc
then weaken it down for you bit. i
you drink it strong it will probably
keep you awake, and there's no use in
your sitting up for me. A few of us
fellows will probably adjourn 10 the
club-room for social game and glass.
enjoy those little convivial times. It's
about the only recreation / get from
my writing. 1t has always been my
motto that it's better to wear out than
to rust out If hadn't always been
kept in an underling position by those
jealous of my literary talent, would
have bank account with the best Of
them, and you, Mary, would be dressed
in silk and diamonds. But, by Jove,
that would mar the eternal fitness Of
things. can't imagine your masque-
rading as q lady with your rough hands
and dowdy taste in dress"
Half an hour later the door closed
upon the retreating form of her hus-
band, and Mary was left alone. She
looked about her vaguely, then bowed
her head on the table and wept. Not
for what her husband had said-forty
years Of it had accustomed her to that.
But her tears were wrung from her be-
cause she felt so lonely.
A carriage with hired driver from
the town drew up in front of the gate
leading to the Raymond farmhouse. A
lady got out, and walking under an
umbrella held for her by the driver,
picked her way up the grassy pathway.
The raindrops beat heavily upon the
pinks and moss roses which bordered
the path. So intent was she in saving
her dress and shoes from contact with
the wet shrubs, that she did not notice
the wisp of Grape which hung dripping
from the door handle. But the driver
did and respectfully called her atten-
ton to it. She started-then drew back
for a moment, then knocked lightly.
The door was slowly opened by a
neighbor dressed in black, with large
Bingham apron round her liberal waist.
Excuse NE, l fear I intrude--does
Mrs. Raymond live here?" inquired the
stranger.
SWELL she do and she don't, ma'am-
that is--she as was Mary Raymond is
IN the best room. Ne and Miss Jones
lev just finished layin' her out, pore
hing. She had her cross to bear, and
she bore it like lamb. Her voice |
tailed her and she buried her face in |
Ter apron.
The lady shifted her position uneasi-
y, and applied black-bordered hand
rerchief daintily to her eyes.
just then Mr.. Raymond came to the |
loor. Martha, the neighbor, opened it |
md stood aside for him to enter. She did |
lot speak and without looking at him
he retired to the fireplace. The stu
,tion was awkward, but Will Raymond
vas not the man to feel it. He was
ressed in his best suit of clothes, was
leanly shaved and carried pocket
conspicuously in his
and.
viii you oe seated, madam? This
) indeed kind Of you to come to the
ouse of mourning"
The lady raised her veil and said: SIS
possible you don't remember me,
Viii Raymond"
"Why-can it be Ruth Parker-and
t such a time!" She did not look
luch like the slender girl he had
nown forty years ago, and his dis
did him credit. She was
portly, well-preserved woman, with
er blonde hair literally touched with
liver; her clothing fine and in the
stest fashion. She looked out of
lace in the plain little room.
"Alas, Ruth, you find me in sorrow.
Iy wife-the best of wives-has passed
way. That is, she has left her own
and is awaiting in ethereal
pace reincarnation." ~
The lady looked at him in dumb sur
rise for a moment, then said politely:
l beg your pardon?" She waited for
moment, but he made no reply.
II know how tosympathize with you
your terrible hour of affection. 1
'st my husband some months ago. My
1ly consolation is my children. /
ope you have like source of comfort"
mo. we have no children, and am
Ither glad of it. think Mary fretted
7er it, but il she had had them she
ould have worried over them, poor
'ul, it was her way. She never was
Die even with my example to get upon