St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1897-07-24

exertlOn OF q fresh toilet ere my hus-
bands mother extended to me her well
come? But could not refuse, and when,
my toilet completed, Hugh's proud
glance of approval met mine, l felt re.
warded. Then he led me downstairs,
and we entered the drawing-room to-
gether. In the farthest corner q tall
figure rose from an armchair, and in
all the rustling dignity of velvet and
lace approached me.
my wife. mother" Hugh said, while
felt cold hand take mine in a pas
sionless grasp. A kiss as if fallen
snowflake had rested on my brow, and
Mrs. Phillips fell back with graceful
ease into the chair from which she had
risen. ~ AD Nas =
1t was some six weeks before her
birthday that once heard her express
a wish that she had a picture of her boy
(for so she ever called Hugh), and in
stantly q resolution was formed in my
brain. 1 had always had talent for
painting. Before my fathers death it
had been my delight and his pride. and !
determined upon carrying miniature
of Hugh I possessed to an artist knew
well, and ask his assistance in trans
ferring the likeness and painting por-
trait. Perhaps thought as my work it
might soften her heart toward me. So
the next morning started out, and, to
my inexpressible delight. l found my
desire feasible, and received the artists
permission to use his studio for four
hours each day-the hours knew Hugh
would be away from home. 1t was not
long ere saw that Mrs. Phillips
watched my coming and going with sus-
picious eyes, but 1, picturing her
shamed look of surprise when she found
my mission. went silently on my way
until the picture was almost completed.
and had received the artists congratu,
lstion upon my success, when, entering
the house flushed and happy. over
heard her voice in the library address
ing my husband:
-Four hours every day, Hugh. she is
absent. What can be her purpose? ]
told you when you brought young.
giddy thing into this house you would
regret it. It is your duty to see where
she goes and what she does"
But I could hear no more, as, with
flashing eyes and head erect, entered
the room.
"Since entered this house six months
ago q happy bride. joyous girl. have
met, madam. at your hands. with in
suits and scorn, which l have suffered
in silence. AS my reward you now try
to take from me the last thing left me
my husbands confidence. What my
mission has been you shall know to-
morrow. Accept it as my gift-the gift
of an injured woman to q cruel injustice.
Hugh" turning to my husband) 1.-THE
same house no longer can hold us two.
Choose between u.s." and turned and
left the room.
My husband, following, strove to calm
me, but in vain.
II will not live with your mother" ]
said. IF you must have her share your
home will so"
Darling, cannot ask her to leave II
when old age is creeping upon her. She
does not know you yet. Wait! Have
patience yet = little longer, and you
will find your way into her heart. and
once there, you will know how really
warm it is, which she conceals beneat1
q cold exterior"
He has chosen between Us. He will
not give her up" With this thought
hugged to my heart for comfort. I saw
him leave me next morning with an
anxious frown upon his brow. and l
quickly gathering together a few
things, called a carriage and was driven
rapidly to the depot from which 1 had
determined to take the first outgoing
train. My plans were all formed. /
would 90 to the house of my old nurse.
who would care for me in my coming
trouble, and If I died there would be
none to regret me, since even Hugh hsd
given me up.
"My babe. my bonny child" Oh. how
the words Of motherly greeting fell on
nv heart as she clasped me in her arms
when I alighted at her door, and told
her in broken words as much Of my
story as thought necessary. But as the
weeks grew into months, and l spent
long, busy hours in fashioning the tiny
garments the little stranger coming was
to fill, softer memories began to creep
into my heart, and dim wonder AZ to
whether had let my pride gain too
much ascendancy, and if Hugh really
had given up his mother for my sake.
could still have loved him SO well?. So.
drop by drop, the gentle dew of repent
ance fell ON my heart, and tear after
tear upon my work. until there came .
day when all was done day when >
child's cry broke for an instant upon my
ear as If a sound from Heaven had
reached me, and then darkness closed
round, and knew no more.
In the anxious time which followed
was aware of some one near me with
Hugh's eyes, some one with Hugh's
voice, and 1 would try to catch and bid
it stay, but in vain, until one morning
the mists cleared up. and I-0pened my
eyes to see his dear face bending over
me, but he sealed my lips with kisses
as he murmured:
"Not a word. my darling! We can
not expect q woman's wisdom from a
child, but our little mother must grow
wise now for her baby's sake"
Then, with : happy, dreaming smile
1 fell asleep again. his hand claspe'
close in mine. When / was stronger he
told me how he never had lost sight Of
me. but thought it best to let my owD
better self work out the end, and when
he whispered: There il some one
Helen. waiting to SEQ you-some one
who said no one could take care Of baby
as she could. May sic come in?