Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1898-12-21
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have been easier; but to know that you
are alive, and don't care-that's the hard
part; 1t Is that that breaks my heart!
! shouldn't like to die before Rob comes
back. His brothers might be harsh with
him. William is very bitter. He has al
ways been a dutiful boy himself, and he
cannot understand such behavior. How
handsome he looked when he arrived to-
night, and how prosperous! He must be
making big income, should say, by the
way they live; but he was always close,
and he is worse than ever since his mar
riage. Emily must have bought new
travelling cloak! Last year she wore
brown one trimmed with fur. 1t didn't
look shabby to me, but she is SO extrava-
giant! Five servants now, and only those
two children. No wonder Will is getting
gray; it must be a strain on him to pro-
vide for such a household. wonder il
Hannah remembered to put frilled pillow
cases on her bed. shall be annoyed II
she has forgotten, for it is just one of
the things Emily would notice. She has
all her sheets hemstitched.
The children are beauties! Eric Is the
picture of his father at the same age, and
what spirit! Cecil takes after his moth
er's family. love them dearly, but it's
| good thing children come while one is
young-l couldn't stand the racket for
long nowadays. Ernest looks thin. He
doesn't get on. poor boy. 1t would have
been wiser IL we had given him his own
way and let him 60 abroad. but We did it
for the best. Father says we cannot do
more than act upon the light of the mo-
ment, and that it is useless grieving over
what Is irretrievabie, but / can't help
grieving. Amy has had hard time! No
one would think, to look at her now, what
a pretty girl she was when they were,
married. She has no nurse girl for baby,
and that is the same dress she wore last
year, with new trimmings to freshen it up.
We must give them a check with their
Christmas present, but not before the 9th
ers-they would not like that-just quietly
when we are alone.
Minette and Charlie came last, though
they live nearest of all. She planned that
the little rogue! know her tricks. She
was not going to arrive in the character Of
bride without making sure Of her audi
ence; and how pretty she was-a perfect
picture in those lovely furs. Father says
she is exactly what was as a girl, but
my hair was never so golden. And Char.
lie adores her. ought to be thankful for
that marriage. Her house is prettier than
any of the others, but don't know how
she will manage. She uses the best
things every day. and never draws tbs
blinds for the sun. When l say anytkirt
she pulls my cap on one side and asks II
l remember Aunt Christmas soft blanket.
They all laugh at me about that, but |
can't see the joke. 1t was far too grand
for our room, and the red and green
stripes made the furniture look shabby, 30
put it aside for one of the children, and
now none of them will have it. 1t can't
be soiled. for it is wrapped up in the same
paper in which it arrived ten years ago,
and it's beautiful thing-there must he
pounds of wool in 1t, not to mention the
silk,
Charlie sits next to Emily. wonder
what she will wear! / wonder which cap
should put on! The one with the pearl
drops is the most becoming, but the lace is
not real. I'll wear the new one, and let
her see that my Brussels is as good as
hers. think I'll give Amy the old Honi-
ton. She has brought presents for every
one. the kind little thing, though she Is so
shabby herself. She showed me Nelps
tonight. Pink silk covers for cushions!
She is going to sew them on in the morn
ing, and they will be on the couch as a
surprise for Nell when she is carried down
to dinner. The pink will make her look
less pale. My precious lamb! A week
ago ! thought she would not be able to
come down, but she has stayed in bed and
taken every care. She knew II would
spoil our Christmas IL she were not among
us. All! what was I saying? Last year
she walked down; this year she must be
carried-next year, perhaps My baby
The last of them all! I can't face it,
can't let her go! have nursed her night
and day for nineteen years, should have
nothing to do il Nellie were not here. And
, yet to see her grow more and more help
, less; to suffer worse pain! She would be
, well and strong, and she has had nothing
but suffering here-never any enjoyment
like other girls. There are worse troubles
than death-much worse. If could think
of Robbie in heaven! All! my boy, where
are you tonight? What are you doing
Have you forgotten me, Robbie, alto
, gether? Twelve o'clock striking! Father
|, In heaven, Thy Sons birthday! Hear q
mothers prayer. My children! Remem
Der my childrenl tf