Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1905-06-08
pieces again, and the happiness was

pieces again, and the happiness was
spoiled.
''It's curious we can't get along with
out so much quarrelling." said Marsh, !
one winter day, after he had just put
on heavy back log"
Matte felt the tears in her eyes in
a moment, and her heart softened to-
ward Marsh, and she was about to con-
fess her failings and ask his forgive
ness, when he continued:
'It is all your hateful temper, Mat
tie; you know it is"
ooh, dear me! It is my wretched
temper know it isl sobbed Matte,
after Marsh went out; "but he needn't
have said so''
IF I wasn't so blunt" said Marsh
to himself, with sigh, as he sauntered
toward the stable.
So things went from bad to worse
Little mistakes were magnif1ed into
terrible wrongs. The neighbors had
their fill of gossip about the matter;
and finally, one day, when Marsh was
away, Matte thought the thing over.
Il am a wretched little nuisance
she said, mentally; 81 don't know why
am so, either; but I can't help it,"
she said, despairingly, her lips quiver.
ing, and her eyes filing with tears.
''I've great mind to take Neddie and
go home, and stay there. My unhappi-
ness couldn't be greater than it isl
She elapsed the baby close to her
arms and the big tears fell fast on his
curly head. Her heart seemed burst
ing within her, but she wrapped the
child in her shawl, and with quicken
ing step she fed the place and hurried
across the snow-covered fields to her
mothers.
whats the matter, child?' asked
her mother, as Matte, pale and shiver-
ing, appeared at the door.
Don't ask me, mother" sobbed the
wretched little woman
"You haven't left homer"
eyes, mother, forever!'
Don't say that to me! You shall
go right back this Instant" said her
| mother, thinking of the scandal that
was sure to follow such proceeding.
ooh, don't, mother!" and Matte
| looked the picture of despair
Tell me about it, my child" said
| the mother, melted into tenderness by
| that look.
Then Matte, through her tears, told
| her mother all, and ended with these
pitiful words:
"But, oh, mother, love him, the
father of my child love him, but he
doesn't understand me. If he could
but understand me! and she fell Sob
bing beside her mothers knee.
'Let me advise you, my child,' said
the mother, softly stroking her daugh-
ter's glossy hair give passed
| through it all, and Ill tell you a little
secret. 1t is almost certain that little
mistakes will come up beween hus-
band and wife, and often words are
spoken that are regretted moment
afterward. But, my child, such word
can do no harm, if it is repented of
and confession made. If you have said
anything to wound your husband S
feelings, no matter what he may have
said to you, go and tell him your are
sorry, and 1 insure it, he will not only
forgive you, but will beg you to for
give him. The hour that follows will
be more delightful than the hour of
your wedding. Let me tell you of a
little instance in my own life;" and
the mother told her of one of those lit
tie family differences that come up be-
tween so many worthy couples. The
story ended so pleasantly that il
soothed the tempest in the breast OF
the heartsick daughter
After the story was done, Matte
still kneeled, resting her tired head or
her mothers knee. Her mother
stroked the glossy hair in silence fol
a quarter of an hour; but Mattie's
thoughts we're busy. Suddenly sht
arose, took her child in her arms
wrapped it close in her shawl, AM
prepared to go.
Where are you going, my child? p
: asked her mother.
"To make my confession" answered
: Matte, through her tears.
Heaven bless you!" said he
mother, with deep emotion
! When Marsh Hunter came home tha
night pretty scene met his view. TIL
fire was burning joyously on tn
} hearth, and before it stool Matte