Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1904-05-19
THE HUMBLING OF JANE.

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in bright, sharp tones.
Titus Tivy. a meek, undersized man,
responded to the summons and stood
INTERESTINGLY before his daughter while
in accordance with her bi-weekly Gus
tom she prepared him for his trip to
town. First she deity folded muf-
fer about his neck, buttoned his great
coat snugly over it-and then put on
his cap, tying the earlaps ia place.
She next handed him the memoran-
dunn for groceries and a letter to mail,
with instructions to carry it in his
hand all the way, 'lest he forget.
When he had taken his seat in the
wagon amid the molasses jug, kero-
sene can and butter crooks she put a
soapstone at his feet and tucked about
him heavy blanket shawl in lieu of
a lap-robe, albeit the day was bright
and sparkling.
When he had driven away she went
serenely into the house to put the
finishing touches to the toilet Of her
sister Rose, a girl of IA years. Rose
did not submit to her costuming as
meekly as her father had done. She
pouted at the hanging braids Of hair,
bucked against the white apron and
begged for dip to her blouse. Jane
authoritatively silenced and overruled
these objections and Rose went sui
lenly to school.
For FIVE years, since the death of
her mother, Jane had held tight
rein over the household, and its men,
bers were strictly under Jane-rule.
She was a woman OF convictions one
Of them was that her duty clearly lay
in managing the affairs of others. Peo-
pie were afraid of Jane. They sub
mitted to her domineering or avoided
it. There lived a man on an adjoin-
ing farm, however, who was not afraid
of Jane. For some time he had re-
solved to introduce her to her true
self, and he had chosen this morning
to do it. He appeared amid the pots
and kettles and Jane.
drop your work, Jane, and sit
down. l want to talk to you"
"Well, Joe, I guess you'll have to
choose some other time for visiting.
I'm 10 lady of leisure. This is my
time to work"
Jane, said Joel, with a new, quiet
ring in his voice, "you are going to
listen to me now. have waited your
convenience just as long as l am going
to.
James nostrils dilated dangerously.
but her heart beat faster than it ever
had before, although she had kept
company" with Joel for six years.
Joel Dixon" she replied, swapping
off her words as if she were biting
thread, "that isn't the tone to talk
with me; it doesn't go l have no
time to listen to you now
Jopl's stock ofpatience had endured
for six years; it was now exhausted.
He recalled the vision he had en-
countered on his way hither Of Titus
Tivy driving to town. He gave a
short laugh at the recollection, squared
his shoulders for action and crossed
the kitchen to Jane. He took the
dishcloth from her, threw it on the
floor and taking her arm marched her
into the sitting room and seated her
on the plush sofa.
Now we'll talk business" be said
decisively.
Jane was silent from sheer surprise,
but into her being were inOculated
the germs Of fear, respect and liking
for Joel-tiny germs, it is true, but
destined to flourish.
81 have waited six years for you to
name the day, Jane. If you don't do
it shall. After your mothers death
it was reasonable to wait year, or
maybe two, but I'll wait no longer"
Jane was returning to her normal
condition.
1--WE must wait a year" she de.
creed. "The mortgage will be paid
then. Rose will be through school.
You'll marry me a month from to-
day or not at all, he said compOsedly
Jane jumped to her feet.
Indeed Well, l am not going to
be forced or threatened by you, Joe.
Dixon I'll not marry you until SEE
fit"
"Jane," he replied cOOllY, "yOu are
acting under the mistake Of thinking
you are necessary to your father anc
Rose. They'd get along a great dea
better without yOu-or more to theiI
liking. ANYWAY"