Democratic messenger., 1903-09-12
ONE TOUCH
OF
NATURE.


before We were married. | knew quite
we'll that il would not last long. The
house is not big enough TO hold your
mother and me. and one of Us has got
10 find other quarters. She's your
mother and | haven't a word TO say
against her. but we don't get on to-
ge;her. and that's the whole truth Of
the natter
John Ferguson looked down 1T his
wife with little furrow of perple2iiy
on his sunbIrnt forehead.
You might have told me so before.
Nellie" he said. The Pearl sails to-
night, as you know well enough. and
there's no chance for me TO do any
thing. My mother is good woman.
take it,
'.Oh. of course it's all my fault"
Il don't say whose fault il is. but
don't know what you expect me TO do.
can't turn the poor old soul out into
the street at a minutes notice. She
doesn't deserve that scrt of treatment
from me"
And I'm not asking II. John. I'm
not unreasonable. If you were 1T hocie
always things would be different per-
haps. but you'll be away for six
months certain. and maybe longer. and
We shall quarrel all the time. | can't
stand il. indeed. But | don't wish her
10 be turned out. III so myself. Sterh-
en- will be very glad TO have me back
again fol- the time you are away"
Your brother has his housekeepar
Yes but she does not make hi.I
comfortable. and he told RE yesterday
that he only wished for his own sake.
though not for mine. that | had re-
nained single. | said would 20 and
keep house for him again. and he was
ever so glad about it,
And the baby-will he care to te
bothered with a young child?"
"Oh. he won't mind. Why should
he?"
Captain Ferguson considered for a
moment.
Mother will be very lonely he said
at last.
"Ch. no. She never minded IL before
you we're married" said his wife. has
til!
,rhaps not. but she is three years
ole since then. Well. you can do as
yoL ike. Nell. shall not prevent YOU
Just please yourself"
And you are not angry?"
Angry? Oh. no."
"Or vexed?"
He smiled a little bitterly.
I'm not exactly gratifed." he said.
1T isn't likely should be. But that
makes no difference. OF course. will
tell mother. and put things straight
with her. She is very fond OF little
Nellie, and will miss the child a good
deal. but that can't be helped. Poor
old mother
Il shall come and see her sometimes,
Of course, john"
"Oh. you will? Well. tnat is some
thing"
Il am sorry you are vexed. John"
"Oh, never mind, my dear. | never
did profess 10 understand women, but
it's all right
But Mrs. Ferguson was not alto
gether satisfied with her interview with
her husband. She was very foad OF
him. and she could not help seeing that
he was deeply hurt and grieved He
would set out on his long voyage with
a sore heart, and il might even be that
he would not return. She almost
wished that she had made up her mind
to lear with her motherin-law's little
peculiarities for Johns sake. hut it
was too late now; her pride woull not
let her turn back.
ITS all settled. Nell said the cap
tain. coming back TO the little p2r!or
a few minutes later. You will do
just what suits you. and my mother
will not interfere. And now | must he
going. my dear This is the longest
goodbye We nave said since our mar
riage. isn't il? There. Don't cry, I'll
be back by midsummer at the latest. 50
look ont for me when TIE roses are IN
bloom Goodbye, sweetheart"
I'll you'd rather | stayed. John
sobDed Nell. clinging To her husband in
last long embrace.
nc. I'd rather leave you happy. my
dear girl. and mother says She CO:
manage alone. Now. no more tears i,
you love me! Once more goodbye"
He was gone and his wife, sobbiag
her heart out on the old horse-hair coy
cred sofa. had no thought 10 spare fcr
am grief but her own. Later on. when
his mother entered the room. the girls
eyes were dry.
I'm sorry you can't get on with me.
the old woman said quietly. but its
natural enough no doubt. When are
you going TO your brother"
He expects me tomorrow. thinl
it is best"
"Oh. yes. of course II is best, since
you wish it, You will like to be alone
this evening, | know. SO | am goins
out II do not see you again. good
night"
'If you please. ma'am. don't thinl
baby is quite well; she's fretin'
dreadfully, and can't get her To sleep
Ii you'd just come and look al he
you'd know what to give her 10 maxi
her better"
Mrs. Ferguson looked al her nurse
troubled face, and rose n cEce-
Yes. I'll come. Bessie" she said. =