Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1897-05-13

sarcastic tone, "how thoughttuI yoI
are for u.s.
John made no further comment, but
inwardly wished that prayer meeting
did Mary the good they once had done
and wondered why his wife was 81
changed.
Il am going with Squire Towne tc
see new reaper; he says he hardly
wants to buy without my opinion.
This was next day.
John left his wife ironing with the
half sick baby sitting at the table il
the company of an army of flies, and
in spite of the home scene, enjoyed his
ride along the pleasant shaded road
well pleased to be seen in company
with the big man of the town. AT
supper time he came home with the
new reaper behind the wagon.
"By taking two we made hand
some saving, and, as l intended tc
buy one, I might as well take it now,
he remarked, by way of explanation.
at will save time and strength, and
pay for itself i'm a year.
Mary made no comment, but set her
teeth tightly together when she re-
membered that she had asked in vain
for something to make her work easier
A sewing machine had been pro-
nounced hurtful Better have fewer
changes of clothing than run a ma
chine John had decided when the
subject was discussed. "a clothes
wringer would be constantly getting
out Of order. To bring water into the
house would be just to spoil the water.
Mother would never have a pump in
her day"
"My mother used to say men are
selfish, and begin to think she was
right, Mary muttered, as she went to
the kitchen for the plate of hot bis
cults John was so fond of for his tea.
Her husbands appetite was good,
but, from fatigue and overheating her
self, Mary could not eat. His ride
and the society of the genial squire
had acted like tonic, but there was
no tonic in the air of a hot kitchen.
"a commonplace life, she said ;
and she sighed, as she cleared away
the dishes, while John tilted back in
his armchair on the cool, draughty
porch and talked over things with
neighbor Jones.
"Why don't you buy Widder Patch s
cranberry medder ?" asked Mr.. Jones.
at is going dirt cheap, and you can
afford it" The sum was named
figures that astonished Maryland
she was more surprised when she heard
her husband say
81 have half mind to buy it.
I've had an old bill paid in, and, to
tell the truth, affairs in the money
market are so squally, don't know
Just where to salt it down"
No tears came to Marys tired eyes
but her heart went out in one mighty
sob as she stood, dishpan in hand, be-
fore the disordered table, and thought
how cheaply she had sold herself ;
really for her board and two dollars a
week, to a man who had promised to
love and cherish her until death.
The beautiful piano she had brought
to the farm had never been opened,
but looked like gloomy casket where.
in was buried all the poetry of her
life. The closed parlor had long
since assumed the grimness and cheer
lessness O. country parlors, Of which
in her girlhood days she had made
such fun. John was rich man, and
in spite of his marriage VOWS, was al
lowing burdens grievous to be borne
to press on her shoulders in order that
he might "salt down his dollars
Had she not duty to perform {?
Ought she allow him to preach and
never practice? Had she not rights
which were not respected by her hus-
band ? for, she reasoned, if he allowed
her to do what could be done by an
ignorant hired woman at two dollars
a week, then he rated her at that
price.
"Widder Patch has had a rough
time ont, said neighbor Jones; "she
is going West to Tom, if she sells the
medder, and Jane is going out to work
She tried sewing, but it don't agree
with her. DR.. Stone recommends
housework, as it's a healthy business. ="
"Tis healthy business" chimed in
John. "Now my wife is a good deal
better than when I married her.
Why, she never did washing in her
life until she came to the farm. l think
washing and general housework is
much better than piano playing and