The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-07-02
TIE EVENING STORY
A Plain Understanding.
{ By Irving L. McGilvray. }

EIJan BAKER, farmer, rather prided
himself on his straightforward way
If he said no, it meant no; if he said
yes, he would stick to It, He was a
widower with three children that
needed a mothers care. He had for
year past kinder admitted to him
SeH that he would marry again il
ne found the right woman, but he
nadnt found her the day the tin ped
der came along and sold him three
pans and wash dish and jocuIarIy
said:
IF I was a widower. ia get mar
ried again."
You might not be able to find
her." Elijah replied.
1T wouldn't take me over an hour.
She lives back here about four miles.
aIong.'
'tWho is she?''
"Widder Jones. with two children.
Shes right up-and-down woman.
She says to her hired man or children
DO this or do that. and they do it. I
told her she ought to marry again"
And what did she say?"
said husband wasn't so darned
easy to find"
II guess it's so on both Sides
sighed Elijah. what gets me in the
matter is the time lost in falling in
love. counting and then waiting for
the wedding. When fellows got
work enough for three men and only
one pair of hands to do it with. how's
he going to fool away six months
timer"
He can't do it," replied the ped
dIer. HE may do it the first time,
but not the second. He sees that the
game amt worth the candle"
But women expect to be courted.' -
Yes, mostly; but widders don't ex-
pect so much as gals. This Wilder
whether shed marry you or not. Yes,
in half that time. You could tell Jest
as quick if you wanted her. I'm first
cousin to Cupid myself, and I believe
in moonlig t nights, turtle doves,
shady dells. and whippoorwills, but
you see I amt a widower cooking my
own meals, and Il amt pressed for
time. Drive over there and have a
we don't want to skip many good
things"
"She gets around lively, does she p"
asked the farmer, though trying not
to betray too much interest
Jest as If she had springs under
''Think she's a good cook?"
Her children are fat and healthy"
"She may be extravagant."
"She don't look it. Everything
well. I'll see about it. Much
obleeged."
If the peddier hadn't given the
farmer matter for serious thoughts he
NAG at least dTOuSSQ HIS
In three or four days it got the
better of him, and one day he put on
his best clothes, had the children
wash up and don Sunday attire, and
all piled into the wagon and drove
off.
The Widow Jones was killing the
bugs on her garden potatoes when
Elijah drove up. He hadn't got out
of the wagon yet when the woman
came to the gate and asked:
s,,B% q
you are the Wilder Jones. take
it %
1.-THE same.'
"Then I'm right so far. Can un-
load the children
why, yes. This is no orphan
asylum, but they are welcome.
ct wanted you to get close view
of them and hear 'em talk. None OF
over there seem to be all
Nothing wrong with them. stranger.
Let's see? Did you say your name was
Lord. no. It's Baker. live four
miles up the road"
And you are a widower?"
Jest So"
"I've heard of you. Reckon you've
come to ask me to marry your?
Il may before I'm done. You see,
have no time to court.
Same here Sit down on the door
step and let me get pencil and paper.
Now, then, what sorter farm you got?
"A hundred and twenty acres, and all
good sile. House and barn as tight as
drums. Horses, cattle, sheep, hogs
and poultry. Three children, as you see,
and they are as healthy as rabbits.
Don't have to lick one once g. week"
That's purity good,'' replied the
wicow as she touched the pencil to her
tongue. i've got a hundred acres
here, and you can see what shape
everything's in. All going right and
300 in the bank"
Elijah stood up to look about him,
and he felt his heart warming toward
the widow as he sat down again.
"And your age?'' asked Mrs. Jones.
"Forty-eight."
Mine is forty-seven, and neither of
Us use hair-dye. Do you swear AMI
chaw tobacco?"
'T do
sGlad to hear it. A man who is too |
good can pass me by. had just as
darn itH when things go wrong. Let's |
see? You want good cooking?"
Purity fair"
do you snore in your sleep?''
ssNobody's ever complained"
Same here. Do you get mad easy?" |
mot unless step on the blade OF q |
noe and the handle flies up and gives
hog or a cow"
About the same as me. Do you |
Guild the kitchen fire winter morn |
nss?''
EVERY morning the year round"
That's decent in a husband. Think /
you could get along with my children? /
I reckon could With yours ]