The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1901-02-02

! There was not word Of reDroach-
not a questioning look, not a sidelons
glance-all welcome, and tenderness
and loving commiseration And wher
Clara went to sleep that night, with q
wood fire glancing and glimmerine
softly over the crimson hangings of the
best chamber" she began to think
that perhaps she had been mistaken in
some of her ideas.
The next day she had a long, conf
dental talk with her father r-in-law
while Mrs. May was making mince
pies in the kitchen.
But there's one thing haven't
dared to tell Walter about" she said
with tears in her eyes.
What's that, my dear?" said the old
! gentleman.
My dressmakers BILL" said Clara.
1T came the night before | left New
York-oh. such a dreadful bill. |
hadn't any idea it could possibly
amount up so fearfully."
How much was IT," said Mr.. Noah
| May. patting her hand.
"A hundred and fifty dollars" said
Clara. hanging down her head
Don't fret. my dear; don't fret" said
the old gentleman. Walter need never
know anything about it. III settle the
bill and there shall be an end of the
matter"
"Oh. sir. will you really?"
My dear" said old Mr.. May, I'D
do much more than that to buy the
color back to your cheeks 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 into tears and hid her face
on the old lady's shoulder.
oh cried she, ''how good you all
are! And / had an idea that father
and motherin-law were such terrible
personages. Oh, please, please forgive
me for all the wicA.u things l have
thought about you."
1T was natural enough, my dear"
said Mrs. May smiling, but you are
wiser now, and you will not be afraid
of us any longer"
When Saturday night arrived Wal
ter May came out to the old farmhouse
detected and sad at heart He had dis
covered that situations did not grow,
like blackberries, on every bush; he
had met with more than one cruel re-
buff, and he was hopelessly discour-
aged as to the future. Moreover, he
fully expected to be met with tears
and complaints by his wife. for he
knew Claras inveterate prejudices in
regard to country life.
But to his infinite amazement and
relief. Clara greeted him on the door
step with radiant smiles.
Tell NE, DEAR" she said, "have you
got new situation?"
He shook his head sadly.
I'm glad Of it," said Clara. brightly.
'for we've got a place-papa and
mamma and H.
its all Clara's plan,' said old Noah
May.
But it has our hearty approval"
added the smiling old lady.
We're all going to live here to-
gether," said Clara. And you are to
manage the farm, because papa says
he is getting old and lazy" with a
merry glance at the old gentleman,
who stood beaming on his daughter
in-law, as if he were ready to sub
scribe to one and all Of her opinions.
"and am ready to keep house and
take all the care off mammals hands. |
And, oh, it is so pleasant here. and l
do love the country SO dearly! Sc if
you're willing, dear"
"Willing?" cried Walter May, ecs-
I'm more than willing. It's
the only thing I've always longed for.
Good-by to city walls and hearts Of
stone; good-by to hollow appearances
and grinding wretchedness! Why,
Clara, | shall be the happiest man
alive. But"
There" said Clara. putting up both
hands as If to ward off all possible OBJ
iections, Il was sure there would be
but"
Il thought, my dear" said Walter,
that you didn't like the idea of li9-
ing with your husbands relations
Clara looked lovingly up into her
sweet old face, while
she silently pressed Mr.. Noah Mays
Kindly hands.
Il am a deal wiser than l was a
week ago." she said 'And. oh, SO
much happier"
so am T." said Walter-Waverly
Magazine.
To Remove Splinters.