Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-07
A CLEVER RUsE.

1T ain no use m agoln ag III yer
pa, Jennie. He's had his own way
round here continual for more than
thirty years, an you'll jest hev to give
in. No use talkin at him. 1t only
makes him wuss."
Poor little Mrs. Olcott had been ac-
customed during the whole of her
married life to "jest give in" and
her only chance of peace was in yield
ing to her selfshly determined hus-
band and allowing him to carry his
point without opposition.
Jennie was differently constituted.
She inherited her fathers strong will,
and he had, much to his surprise, sud
denly discovered an opposing force in
his youngest child.
She had been away from home for
nearly three years, this pretty brown
haired girl with the determined face
and graceful carriage, and the father
secretly admired and almost feared
her.
A wealthy and childless aunt in the
city had besought Jennie to share her
home, and Hiram Olcotts pretty
daughter, though clinging to the farm
with all its dear memories Of child
hoods joys, chose wisely when she
yielded to her aunt's request.
1t was better, far better for her, for
even after her departure there were
plenty of children to keep the miserlY
old farmer in a perpetual grumble
about money matters.
1t was May, and the country wore
one glad smile, and Jennie hailed with
delight the prospect of visit to her
home, assuming very willingly the
responsibility Of housekeeping while
her two unmarried sisters attended
the wedding Of a cousin in distant
town.
This morning she was cooking, and
with her sleeves rolled above her ell
bows stood beside the kitchen table.
In one hand she held an earthen plate,
while the clip, clip of fork sounded
noisily as she whipped some eggs to a
froth.
"Yer sisters he'd to marry to suit
him, walled the nervous little woman,
IAN you'll have to, too. Ell fyou don't,
there'll be awful fuses; so you'd jest
better give in"
That morning the father had spoken
to Jennie of a young farmer, whom
he termed "likely catch She had
expressed her opinion of him in SO de-
cided way as to alarm Mr.. Olcott
for the safety Of his much priced au-
thority.
He was wont to speak Of himself as
a marvellous example Of the patriarch.
"Make EN- mind" he would say.
"Keep yer household beneath yer feet;
govern EN- well, an they Il git along.
Jennie's boldness in opposing his
judgment SO stupefed him that his
anger had not yet had time to blaze
forth, but Mrs. O!cott knew it would
come, and SO after her husband had
left the kitchen she pleaded with the
girl to give in" Jennie had been
very thoughtful during the little wo-
mans appeal, but now she was re-
solved, and it was the Olcott in her
nature which spoke. 81 wouldn't
marry Jordan Moggs though father
should threaten to murder me"
The eggs were stiff now, and as she
set the plate down on the table she
turned from her mother and busted
herself among the ingredients for cake
baking which were before her. Jennie
was blushing as she began softly,
"There is some one in Poole l like very
much, mother, and he's coming out
here too"
HE needn't mind comm" said
Farmer Olcott grimly, as he quietly
stepped into the kitchen. His face
wore cunning leer, and his wind
Redeemed cheeks were distorted by
the sneering curves Of his hard-lined
mouth.
I'm master in my own house, an
you'll not talk till such time as I'm
done. You've been away an kinder
forgot how things is run here, but yeu
might as well get broke in now. l
tell you I won't have any city fellers