The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1895-01-17
UNCLE JOSEPH'S WOOING.

UNCLE JOSEPH'S WOOING.
BY SARAH H. GARDNER.
One of the prominent figures il 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.
He occupied the second scat in the
mems gallery, and it was with him
that the elder shook hands in sign that
Friends should separate, when it
seemed likely that the spirit would
move no others to utter gentle words
Of blessing or stern warning against
the tempter.
As children we regarded Uncle Jo-
seph 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.
He was 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
was no uncommon thing for my parents
to refer to his ministratiOns as being
'tlabored." We had a consciousness,
based perhaps upon accidental knowl-
~<l< he, n1vys 5rryo11
to do, and also that there was consid-
cradle feeling in the society that Sarah
Sidney, with her clear insight and
facile speech, would be a fit life com
panion for the good man But time
wore on, and there seemed no ikeli-
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 conscien-
tiously touched upon that j was great
~ impressed. y s95
Ny 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 distance, and among
the children little unaccustomedd duties
were distributed. I 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 stir
bonnets. It was always q 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 I have al
luded meeting broke up somewhat
later than usual. l hurried home,
warmed my chilled fingers and ran up
stairs, where a bright fire was burning
on the hearth. glanced about to see
that the wood box was full and looked
out of tie window, where my eye
rested upon short line of carriages
all bent in the direction of our home.
First came father and mother. grand
father and the three younger chill
dren, then vehicle well known to me
as that of Elias Chase from Derry
Quarter, and thus counted them on
as they drew up beside the horse block.
missed Sarah Sidney, who general
ly came with Theophilus Baldwin,
family, and, having seen her placid
face in its usual place on the seat be-
meath the gallery, fronting the meet
ing, was at a loss to explain her ABB
sence. She was tenderly attached to,
mother, and could not believe any
light matter would take her to an-s
others table.
Agcntae voice called me to my duties.5
why, Katherine dear, thee must
have been very spry to get home be-
fore MS. was pleased to see thy in
terest in the meeting to-day"
The good woman kissed me and
thanked me for the little aid ! wass
able to give in unpinning her shawl.
Directly afterward, sweet Jane Spen-l
Ger came tripping up the stairs. She
was frequently spoken of as exhibit
ing .sovermnch ardor'' in all her good
works, but we children loved the en-
thusiastic little woman
80 Katherine. II am glad to make use
Of thy quick fingers. My cap strings
are sadly awry. have been most un-
com fortab bic in them all through the
NEE ting. Our breakfast was a trides
late this morning, and we had far to-
drive. .
One and another arrived, each with
. thought of me- ..How thee grows,
child, . or: Thy mother is blessed il
her little helpers. Z 4
The room was well-nigh full, when
some one asked the question that hsd
been trembling on my lips:
Where is Sarah Sidney?'
No one directly replied. but after =
moments reflection nearly all had
suggestion or little interest in her to-
express
Me thought her face bore traces Of
anxiety this morning. trust she has
met with no further financial disaster.
Thee knows, Rhoda, she is benevolen. 6
to surprising degree in one whose
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