The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-12-01
The New Home.
"a Story by Amy Randolph. In Two
Parts)
PART IL

PART II.
There was not a word of reproach-not
questioning look, not sidelong glance
all welcome and tenderness and loving
commiseration. And when Clara went TO
sleep that night, with wood fire giancing
and glimmering softly over the crimson
hang:ngs of the ''best chamber" she be-
gan to think that perhaps she had been
mistaken in some of her ideas
The next day she had long. confidential
talk with her father-.n-law, while Mrs.
May was making mince pies in the kitch-
en-.
.But there's one thing I haven't dared to
tell Walter about she said, with tears IN
her eyes.
What is that, my dear?" said the old
man.
MY dressmaker's bill,' said Clara. ut
came the night before left New York
o. such a dreadful bill. 1 hadn't any idea
it could possibly amount UP SO fear
fully
How much was it?" said Mr.. Noah May.
patting her hand.
"a hundred and fifty dollars" said
Clara, hanging her head.
Don't fret, my dear; don't fret" said
the old gentleman. walter need never
know anything about it. I'll settle the bill
and there shall be an end of the mat
ter
30, sir will you, really?'
'NIy dear" said old Mr.. May, I'D DO
much more than that TO buy the color back
to your checks and the smile to your
lips"
And that same afternoon, when Mrs. May
had been talking to Clara in the kindest
and most motherly way, the girl burst
!; hot faaa ha n
lady's nsoulder.
40" she cried, ''how good you all are!
And 1 had an idea that father and moth
er-in-law were such terrible personages!
o, please, please forgive me for all the
wicked things 1 have thought about you.
'It was natural enough, my dear" said
Mrs. May, smiling, "but you are wiser now
and you will not be afraid Of US any
Ion ger"
When Saturday night arrived Walter
May came out to the old farmhouse, de-
jected and sad at heart. He had discover
Ell that situations do not grow, ike black
berries, on every bush; he had met more
than one cruel rebuff and ne was hopeless
~ discouraged as to the future. More
over, he fully expected to be met with
tears and complaints by his wife, for he
knew well Clara's inveterate prejudices in
regard 10 country life.
But to his infinite amazement and relief
Clara greeted him on the doorstep with
radiant smiles.
Tell me, DEAR" she said, shave you got
a new situation?'
He shook his head sadly.
I'm glad OF it." said Clara, brightly.
and t.
Its all Clara's plan," said old Noah
May.
But it has our hearty approval" ad-
ded the smiling old lady.
We're all going to live here together"
said Clara. And you are to manage the
farm, because papa says ne is getting too
old and lazy with a merry glance at the
old gentleman, who stood beaming on his
| daughter-in-law, as If he were ready 10
| subscribe to one and all of her opinions,
''and 1 am to keep house and take all
the care off mammals hands. And, o.
# is pleasant here, and I do love the coun-
! try so dearlyi So, il you are willing,
| dear"
willing" cried out Walter May, ecstat-
| ically, I'm more than willing It's the
| only thing ! have always longed for.
| Good-by to city walls and hearts of stone;
| good-by to hollow appearances and grind
ing wretchedness! Why. Clara, shall be
! the happiest man alive. But"
There" said Clara, putting up both
hands as if TO ward off all possible objec-
| tions, Il was sure there wouldn't be a
| but "
II thought, my dear, said Walter, that
| you didn't Ike the idea of living with your
! husbands relations?''
! Clara looked lovingly up into her mother
| in-law's sweet old face, while she silently
| pressed Mr.. Noah Mays kindly hands
| Il am a deal wiser than 1 was a week
ago." said she. And, o, so much hap
| pier!''
| 80 am l." said Walter.