Year: 1873

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the morning, and was about to seat myself at
my sewing, when Miss Nancy Turner was an
nounced. She began the conversation by say
ing


"Well, Matte, who would have thought
it! The Elmwood family becoming the talk
of the country"


II am afraid I do not understand exactly
what you wish to insinuate. Will you ex-
press yourself little more clearly, if you
please"


81 am not insinuating, child. What Ihave
to say, say right out, and if people choose
to get angry at my plain talking, it is their
loss, and not mine. If they would only listen
to me and take my advice, there would be
much less trouble in the neighborhood. But
you always did carry high head, Matte, as
if you could manage your own affairs better
than any one could manage them for you"


81 am still of that opinion, Miss Nancy
therefore, it is useless to give me any advice.
I feel sure it would not be in my power to fol-
low it."


II did not come here to give advice this
morning. I only come to let you know what
people were saying about you"


GAS I have before remarked to you, Miss
Nancy, it makes not the slightest difference to
US what people say. Suppose we change the
subject of our conversation to something more
pleasant"


"Just as you please, Matte; but when you
hear what I heard yesterday, don't say your
friends did not try to help you, for 1 can prove
the contrary"


I was rather anxious to hear what she had
heard, but I knew if I once allowed disa-
greeable subject to be mentioned between u.s.,
might say something she would misrepresent
to the next person to whom she gave friendly
advice. 1 thought it best, however, to remain
silent. But she was not to be put off thus
easily She continued the conversation, say
ing


"They do say there is to be law suit about
the Elmwood property, and that John and
yourself will lose it. I don't believe this; but
you had better make all the friends you can,
child. 1t is an awful thing to be turned out
of house and home, and have no place to 60"


II should think that would be very hard
to BEAR" said I, smiling; "but I anticipate
nothing of the kind. Even if it should oc-
cur, am certain shall never want for
home so long as you have one, Miss Nancy.
Your great friendship for our family, will
surely induce you to offer me shelter"


Don't count on that, Matte You know
I am situated as you are. have to play
second fiddle to sister.in-law, too. do all
the good 1 can by giving advice; but, Of
course, if people do not take that, they CAN
not expect me to do anything more for them"


II think you are right. 1 would never
throw my advice away by offering it to those
who are better without it. Have you heard
when Henrietta is to be married?


"Oh! yes; I know all about that She is
to be married next spring, and she is buying
her wedding clothes now"


"Will Mr.. Howard remain in the neighbor-
hood until the wedding takes placer"


"He certainly will, if Henrietta has the
management of his affairs. 1t is my opinion
that she is afraid to trust him away from her"


"You must be mistaken in regard to this,
Miss Nancy. Mr.. Howard seems very fond
of her."


II know he seems, my dear but that is very
different from being"


"It is pity she is going to marry him, if
that be the case. cannot imagine much
greater unhappiness than marriage in which
affection is wanting"


"Well, you ought to know, for you have
seen enough oft in your own family. shall
tell Henrietta what you say, and may be she
will take your advice, though you would not
take mine. Good morning.


And away she went, to add fuel to the
flame, so far as Henrietta Lewis hatred for
our family was concerned.


While was thinking over Miss Nancy's
news, John entered the room. He seemed so
bright and happy that disliked to mention
anything disagreeable to him. l thought,
however, would tell him about the man had
seen the nj hit before, in order that he might
be on the watch. He said in reply


II am afraid there Is something wrong 60
ing on in the neighborhood, Matte. l have
seen several suspicious characters lurking


l. Il, I'D