Year: 1873

Parsons-he had chosen her from among
score of others who envied her that good
fortune, and how those early days of their
courtship came over the softened heart of
the woman, as the first winds of spring
came up from the south, and go softly over
the bare, despairing earth. Then she saw
herself once more a shy, tremulous, joyous
bride at the altar, leaning on the strong
arm and tender heart, to whom she gave
herself gladly and trustingly, as woman
should.


And she remembered that morning, a
little later, when her proud and happy
young husband brought her to the home
which had been her fathers and how for a
little while the thought Of her being mis-
tress of the great old farmhouse fairly
frightened the wits out of her.


She went to make it sweet and happy
home for Isaac Parsons. She remembered,
as though it all happened yesterday, the
little plans and contrivance she had made
for his surprise, and their mutual COM
fort. .....





membered it, and how clearly she saw now
the foolish and sinful part she had borne in
that If she had controlled her temper
then--if she had only been gentle and
patient, forbearing and forgiving, instead
of being proud and passionate, fretful and
stubborn! If she had only borne her
woman's burdens and done her woman's
duties Here the wife and mother broke
down; she buried her face in her apron and
wept like child.


Mrs. Parsons was an energetic, deter
mined woman, and when she had once
made up her mind on any one course of
action, she would not shrink from it,
What went on in the softened woman's
heart on that morning, as she sat with her
apron at her eyes, and the sobs in her rock
ing to and fro in her low chair, and the
sweet restless sunshine all about her-what
went on in the woman's softened heart,
only God and the angels know.


care you tired, Isaac?"


The farmer was wiping his face and
hands on the brown crash towel which
hung near the window. He was tall,
stalwart, muscular man, sun-browned and
weather. beaten, yet he had keen, kindly
eyes, and the hard features had an honest,
intelligent expression. Mrs. Parsons was
cutting loaf of rye bread at the kitchen
table. Her husband turned and looked
at her moment. as though he was hall
doubtful whether he had heard Alright. His
wfe's face was bent over the bread, and ht
could not see it; but the words came {
second time.


"Are you tired, Isaac ?"


It was long time since MI. Parsons
had heard that soft, quiet voice. 1t stol'
over his heart like wind from the land o
his youth.


"Well, yes, do feel kind Of tuckerec
out. It's hard work to get in all that corr
with only one hand besides Roger"


"I reckoned so and thought I'd broi
the chicken for tea, and bake the swee
potatoes, as you'd relish them best So"


Mr.. Parsons did not say word he sa
down and took the weekly paper out o
his pocket, but his thoughts were too bus,
to let him read word. lie knew yer,
we'll his wife's aversion to broiled chickens
and as the kitchen was her undisputed ter
ritory, he was obliged TO submit, and hav
his chickens stewed, and his potatoes serve'
up in sauce, notwithstanding she was per
fectly aware that he preferred the forme
broiled and the latter baked and this I'm
usual Difference to his taste fairly strucl
the farmer dumb with astonishment, an,
he sat still and watched his wife as sh
hurried from the pantry to the table, in he
preparations for tea and then came acros
him the memory Of some of the harsh
angry words he had spoken that morning
and the words smote the mans heart.
And while Mrs. Parsons was in th
midst of taking up the broiled chicken, tw
} boys and girl burst into the kitchen.


"Hush, hush, children" wound i
among the obstreperous mirth like silve
: chime, the soft voice of the mother
! Fathers busy reading the paper, an
: you'll disturb him."


The children were silenced at once, nc
in fear of the reproof but in wonder at il
for the wife as seldom consulted her hui
bands taste and convenience in these sma
} everyday matters which make the happ
, ness Or irritation Of our lives, as he di
hers.


, Ina few minutes the hungry famil
Q gathered around the table. There wa
4 little spoken at the meal, but softe


kindlier atmosphere seemed to pervade I'll