The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1903-07-31
Left on Ship Island |
BY MARGARET A. LOGAN.
VoUNG MRS. BIIDLING always re

YOUNG MRS. BIHDLING always re-
] garded her husband with APP
proval, save in the light of country
editor. His store, she would argue,
drew more custom than any other in
the little town of Upton, and 1t
afforded him steady, though
modest. income; while this publishing
business brought much labor and
annoyance with very small recon-
pe.sc.
Rural subscribers seemed to con-
slider frewood and vegetables suffi-
Gent compensation for such ltera-
lure. and the editor frequently found
himself involved in difficulties: Mr.
Smith taking offense at some political
effusion, and Mr.. Jones feeling injured
because his friend, Mrs. Bland. was
not mentioned among the personals.
The society notes are written up
by Mrs. Nobling, who generally con
trives to get names wrong and
costum impossible. Jim gave her
the job, because he felt sorry for her.
Her husband is perfectly worthless
and out of work half the time
That's Jim's way, you know. He
calls poetry, because she is a poor
widow, and Supports herself and chill
dren by teaching and sewing"
While his wife thus unburdencd her
mind TO confidential friends. Mr.
Birding. man of literary tastes and
benevolent disposition. enjoyed his
peculiar management of the Upton
Chronicle. AMI day came when the
little woman was not so blind TO the
privileges of being an editors wife.
This was when the Printers Ink Fra
ternity. Of which he was a member.
decided to hold its annual meeting
at Gulfport, on the Mississippi
Sound.
That now famous shipping point
nomenal interest. and most of those
baclSwoods editors had never beheld
the beautiful waters of the Gulf Ex-
cursion rates were cheap and an in
yitation from Mrs. Hearty. her old
schoolmate. living at Gulfport, settled
the question Of hotel bills very COM
fortably.
come with us. l will run over at once
and make your mothers consent. The
child grows shy and reserved, never
going anywhere or seeing anyone but
village folks"
Bessie Birding. known as Little Sis,
might seem shy and qsaet beside Q
certain set in Upton; but she was
sprightly enough in the home circle
end among congenial friends. Gladly
did her young heart beat that April
morning as they boarded the train.
There came no prcscntment of evil.
no thought of any change of destiny
awaiting her. Beautiful were the
green. budding woods. the orchards
in pink and white bloom, the waving
fields Of corn and cane. and. full of
interest, the other editorial parties
among passengers taken on at differ
cnt stations.
Surely. we are not required To
wear those things. Mr.. Birdling"
by those things" she meant fra
ttih''s oh'SeS, paNphtN W NV w
casion. which some cxcursionists
sported with as much pride as il il
had been a Victoria cross. This badge
was an orangc-colored ribbon with
scarlet lettering. from which de-
pended deep and very brassy fringe.
II should as Willingly deck myself
with red peonv or a big sunhowcr.
II IL well brother did not get them
for us"
But three have been given me.
Bcss. and we must wear them Mt the
meetings, or brethren will think us
too proud. Here we are in New Or
leans"
After day and night in the Crcs.
cent City. full Of novel experiences,
they took the early morning train
for Gulfport Then came succession
Of delights. The shining river Of
pearls. Lake Catherine and the wild
ducks. marshes glowing with flowers !