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About The new Northwest. (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 10, 1875)
MKS. A. J. DfAlWATi J!tor an'4 Proprietor, orrirx-fornorrirsl mid Afto sixrft-t. "'A Journal for the Pwpley f Ucvoled to the Iutcrestsjf' Humanity aIndep;ndeut n .Politics and Religion. -'- Allyji.to, a)l -Llvft IsTOcsy.-and! Thoroughly Radical In Opposing ancIEipo'lng'the Wrongs ol the Masses. TERMS, IX ADVANCKt' J, One year six monthR ; Three month 1 To ADVERTISEMENTS Inserted op (Reasonable Terms. utTi CAPTAIN GRAY'S COMPANY; , OR Crossing the Plains and Urlng In Oregon. BV 1IRS. A. J. DDNIWAY, author op "jrnnn reid," "elmo; dowd," "AMIE ASP 1IKXRT LEK,""TIIE HAWY HOME, KTC, ETC, ETC Entered, according to Act ofCongrens.in the year 1839, by Mr. A. J. Dnnlway, In the ofllce of the Librarian of Congress ut Washlmflon CIty.3 Written In l&VJ and first published by S. J. Mc cormick In book form In 1859. Introduction. Very nearly twenty years ago the author of the fallowing story, having always lived upon j a farm, and being wholly Ignorant of all prac-j tical knowledge or the lltemry world, her asso ciations confined to the Illiterate and strug gling pioneers of the land of her adoption, con ceived the Idea of entering in some way the j world's arena of letters. Being possessed of fertile imagination, Imperfect education, affec tionate nature, feeble strength, and romantic disposition, and having encountered many strange experiences "which made her tlredand old before hertlme," Mrs. Duniway compiled her crude Ideas in the form of a novel, many, and Indeed all the important Incidents thereof, belngfoundedupon facts, so grouped ns to form a connected story. She has been induced to re-publlsh the work in these 'columus, partly because of a desire to revise and correct the original work of both herself and the publisher, and partly because so often urged to do so by subscribers, thatshc feels under obligation to accede to their demands. " Drillcnflou. To the Pioneers of Oregon, and to all friends of the great North west who desire to awaken an interest In our State and Washington Terri tory In the minds ot the thousands of dwellers In the frigid climate of Eastern winters and the torrid temperature of Eastern summers, this revised relic of the reminiscences of her youth is respectfully dedicated, bf The Author. CHAPTER XVII. HOW TIME FLIES. Six and a half years since Maurice took possession of bis claim, and Ada and Maurice were sitting in the ve randa, watching the playful acts of two lovely children, prototypes of their par ents, who were playing upon the lawn, delighting pa and ma with their play ful, artless prattle and innocent pranks. "Maurice, don't you think we ought to receive a letter from your father this mail? It's three months since you ad dressed him, and you -requested him so particularly to come and live with us, that I think ho ought to condescend to write, if he won't honor us with his presence." "There goes the post-boy, now. I guess I'll ride down to the post ofllce; it's States' mail day, and we'll get an armful of-papers and magazines, if we don't get letters." Maurice had sold half of his land, and the other half was now inclosed by sub stantial rail fences, behind the most of which ogage-orange was slowly but surely growing up. An orchard, cover ing many acres, was loaded with blos soms of every variety of fruit common to this genial clime. The delicious fra grance of the beauteous flowers, beaded with sweet, spring rain-drops, made Ada almost wish that the fruit would delay its visit, so that she could longer enjoy the season of bloom. Instead of the log cabinet! the glen, a snowy-white house adorned the hill-side, neeping out from a mass of oaken foliage, like a state! v nalnee from a lovelv park. Ilie house was not all thoroughly furnished, the main luxuries consisting of carpets and curtains, but Ada told her friends rather confidentially that the next fall crop of fruit would purchase the re mainder of the furniture. "A letter with the Cincinnati post mark!" she exclaimed, as Maurice banded her a torn envelope. He still held the letter in bis band. "Here, read It, pet," he said, as he saw that she was if possible more anxious than himself to know the con tents. "That letter is just like the old gf-n-tleman. Sounds just like he converses, when he's pleased," Maurice remarked, when she bad finished. "Oh, I'm so glad he's coming to Ore gon ! He would have done so long ago, perhaps, if you had Invited him." "I didn't invite him till I wanted him to come. He would have scolded me so unmercifully for being so foolish as to get married without money, that really didn't care about seeing him." "He says he'll be here by the latter part of May. Strawberries will then be In their prime. "Won't we give him our wild strawberries with cream this spring and currant jelly and blackberry pies this summer, till hes satisfied to live without pork ? "Why, Aaai i must Bay you act more like a girl of fifteen than a matron of twenty-four. And that isn't all either," he added, patting her cheek and stealing a kiss. "What now, Mr. Criticism? Let's hear It." "Why, you look more like a girl of seventeen than a wife of seven years, iou reany appear more girlish now than when we were married." "And you think that stately father of yours will think me extremely, childish Isn't that It ? Come, own up !" she ex claimed, springing Into Tils lap arid re turning his kiss with an air which showed that she was not very seriously concerned about bis father's opinion. "No; I didn't think of that. But was thinking that the Doctor would think you bailheeu well cared for.'? "Haven!t I been 'well -cared for?' " "I guess sa. J3ut here coma tbe chil dren. Flora, come topapaMiByuthe wsy, pet, I heard of Florence Witterd VOLUME V-. to-day," and Maurice gazed into the sparkling orbs of his little one, with a pride and fondness such as the childless (Heaven' pity them) kuow not how to appreciate. VI saw Hugh Waters at the landing,1 he continued, ''and he told me that she had been attending the academy at Portland for some time. She is study ing music." "How much our Flora resembles tier ! I'll have to write this news to Herbert Goodwin. But where" has she, been all this time?" "She lived with her uncle Willard in the Cascade Mountains until last New Years." "How time "flies ! Herbert Is now a man, and it seems but a few days since he fell so desperately in love with that vision on the Plains." "I heard, also, that Herbert and Effie are going to graduate this summer. Effle has out-learned all of her school mates and shared the premiums atevery exhibition." "I'm glad to hear of their success. The "future appeared gloomy before them, when I saw them last." "Suppose we attend the coming June exhibition at the Institute. We've stayed at borne so faithfully, that it's time to think about a little recreation. We can hail the 'Valley Bird' on her downward trip, and return almost any day."' "Very well; we'll think about it." Night was coming on, and Ada's little boy was fretting for his usual evening's attention. How noble she looked, as she took the little child into her arms and sunk Into a richly-cushioned chair before tbe newly-kindled fire. Little Henry, named for his maternal grand father, was a rosy-cheeked, pleasing lit tle fellow, about eighteen months old. Ho had learned to talk, and lisped forth his innocent prattle in a playful man ner. His chintz robe was soon ex changed for a snowy gown, from which his plump bare feet were peeping forth, while his hands were fondly stroking his mother's face and hair. His play finally became wearisome, and the bead, adorned by chestnut waves of silken hair, fell back upon his mother's arm. Ada looked rondly at hio boautlful fea tures and began to slug a murmuring unauy : Write them childless 1 those cold-hearted, Who can scorn thy generous boon. And whose souls with fear have smarted, Ijest tby blessing come too soon. What Joy have they whose hearths are lonely? All unwarmcd by childhood's mirth, Spite of riches they are only Destitute and poor on earth." The child's breathing became meas ured, indicating the reign of sleep. She pressed him fondly to her bosom as she ascended the stairway, and entering her chamber, she resigned the sleeping babe to his place in the crib beside bis sister, who had learned, before he was born, to fall asleep', without being nursed. When Ada returned to the par lor, the flickering blaze of the fire bad warmed itself into a ruddy beat, and she, sat down with a thoughtful air and gazed abstractedly among the burning coals. But ber meditation was speedily interrupted. The cows had been late about coming home, and Maurice had ust entered the dairy with too foaming pails full of milk. She took a lighted candle and proceeded to the dairy. A bubbling spring, breaking ont from the hill-side, was dammed up, so that the noisy waters could pass pver an eleva tton, forming a gieesome water-fall, which, coursing over the gravel floor of the dairy, made a pleasant rivulet, two inches deep and twelve feet wide. The jars and crocks, that were arranged in this cool streamlet, reminded tbe be holder of countless varieties of the good things of life. Baise the covers, and you may And golden butter, fresh eggs, tempting jellies and preserves, and a jar of the best of icy cream, frozen by Ada's ingenuity. Ada, donned her rubber boots, took ber skirts in one, band with a dexterity that daily practice had taught her, and moved among the mill titude of pans with a pleasant air. The milk was strained to await its proper Bkiminlug time, and she waded out of the dairy, cast a contented glance at her handiwork, drew off her boots, and returned to the parlor., It was late before the married lovers retired from the parlor, where music, .reading, and affectionate conversation beguiled the fleeting hours. When Ada entered her 'chamber, she paused at the crib where her children were, sleeping the sweet, repose .of child- ness, she kissed each dimpled cheek arid Knelt at tbe foot of the crib to offer up iervent petitions in their behalf. Th silvery mooribeariis entered through the half-closed' curtains aufl radiated around the trio, fit emblems of peace and pur ity, love ana nope, contentment an joy. Maurice . watched: her for a" mo ment, and then knelt beside her. offer- fhg an Inaudible petition, while Ada's gentle voice ascended on tbe midnight zephyrs to the listening ear ot the In finite. Twilight had given place to dusky- evening in the boudoir of a young lady, who was listening to the sweetly-trilled vespers .of a solltary canary, caroling his song of gladtjess in a gilded cage. In theihandof the fair one was a letter whlcli8be,hadread andro-read, wltbatf luteresttthatecdntrasted Strangely with her usual Indifference. Herraven curls T?OttTIuA.TSTDi OREGON, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER lO, X&VS. wqre thrown parolessly hack, and a faultless forehead rested upon tbes.nowy palm of the right .hand. Adeepsigb es caped her. "What shall I do ? I, who have prided ipyself -so much upon my integrity, .must, now, be viewed in the light of a heartless coquette !" The enchanting vespers of the tiny bird could not soothe ;her agitated feel ings, and finally, as if conscious that he had fajled, he burled his head beneath bis golden wing.and ceased his notes of. hap piness. Florence, Willard bad left the back woods home of her uncle, who, iu con sideration of her years of toil and dissat isfaction at his house, had furnished her with spending money and placed her under the tuition of a music teacher, in the metropolis of the Territory. Henry Warren, a young man of many sterling qualities, bad solicited her hand in marriage. She had consented to give bim her hand and thought her heart was to go with it. For three, months this engagement had been acknowl edged; but as she "was walking the streets, a few days before that letter was written, she met Herbert Goodwin ! The noble boy, who had inspired her soul with such deep emotion years ago,H when they both were but children, stood before her. For a moment their eyes met, and the buried germ of affec tion, that had lain bidden in thcirhearts during long years of separation, budded suddenly into vigorous life. Each stood glorified iu the presence of the other; but the fair girl's happiness was of short duration. As If the cup of joy was worthless, its contents wero poured into her heart only to be misplaced or troubled to the depths by thoughts that her heart and band were betrothed to another. It was enough for Herbert to know that he had seen her ; bad again beheld the ideal of whom he had dreamed in boyhood, and whom he had' sought since manhood with the energy of un dying affection. The meeting was but for a moment, and they wended their diverging ways through the thronging crowd in a day-dream of future union. Herbert returned to Oregon City in the afternoon, told his sister whom he bad met, shut himself up in his study, and addressed a long letter to Florence, copytng-nomc'-verora-nttUe-cloa-vrtitctH Effle had shown him in a popular mag azine. "What shall I do?" were tliR words that again and again escaped the maid en's lips, when for the fourth time she had carefully perused the sensible but passionate epistle. A servant entered. "Here, ma'am, a gentleman sent tip this here card. He says he's waited a half-hour for you and begins to think you ain't comin' at all." Tell him I'll join him presently," she replied, as she glanced at the card, which bore Henry Warren's name. She pressed Iter hand upon her throb bing temples and tried to calm her ex cited thoughts. The servant's tread was again heard on tlie stairs, and she arose and descended to the parlor. My own Flora ! You'll rival the goddess herself to-night at Flora's even ing festival," said Mr. Warren as he advanced toward her. "Sit down, Henry ; I have something to tell you," she replied with an effort. "We have no time now, dear. We're expected, you know, to play at the soiree to-night, and must not bo too late." ' - "But I don't feel like going." "Why not?" "I would enjoy solitude' much better than amusement to-night." "You'll go to please me, won't you, Flora ?" "I will go," she said, hurriedly throw ing a mantle around her shoulders, over which her raven curls wero twinlnsr. 'But my hat's up-stalrs. I must go after it." "Send Mary, and' you talk to me," putting his hand upon the bell-rope. "She's busy-; lean go,!' and she van ished through the hall. "What is the matter?" he mused, as he listened to her muffled tread upon the carpeted stairs. "Perhaps she has some trouble that 1 ought to share. I ought to have consented to spend the evening with her at home." The hat was placed jauntily upon the .queenly head. Time was when she would have peeped Into the mirror, but this time she paid no regard to her per sonal adorumen(s. As if loth to quit the spot; she "stood irresolute a moment; then, falling upon her knees, she prayed earnestly for direction and guidance from on High. "You've re-appeared at, last!" said her lover, rather petulantly, as they stepped into the street. He tried to talk cheerfully, but the reserve with which Florence armed .herself, so unlike her former affability, cast a spell of coldness over his ardent feelings, and both felt relieved when tbe short walk was eud- ed. A murmur of admiration sounded through tbe crowded rooms, as they en tered the gayly-ligbted parlors. '"Oh, I'm so glad you've come at last !" exclaimed one of Florence's school mates, who was to slng this evening for the first tlmeJ "before an assembly. Florence 'took her seat 'at the piano and played some'intricate waltzes with admirable success: !J Fanny Waters fol lowed with a popular so'riV, aridfElorence continued to play with increased power F,ree Speech, Free Press, Free Peopl-;. . and accuracy. "Henry Warren stood behind her with his flute. "How enchanting she looks!" ex- claimed Hugh, the wild but good-heart ed brother of Fanny Waters. "By Jove! If she don't shameTenus witluher clas sic beauty ! They say- that Warren has secured the prize, but I don't 'believe it." ' . ' "But it is a certainty that he has waited on her exclusively for the last thrco months. He used to wait alter nately upon all the girls in the city," replied George Danvers. 'I'll betyou an oyster supper I'll in troduce her to somebody who'll cut him out." ' " "Done !" said bis friend with a smile. One person heard these jesting words with a thrill of disappointment. Her bert and Effle had been Invited to the soiree, and bad come early to tbe bouse of Mrs. Card, who had given the enter tainment. Florence had not seen them, for, as they were unacquainted with most of tbe company, they remained in the backgroupd. Herbert's heart beat wildly when Florence took her seat at the piano. Three days had passed since he had ad dressed her, and be felt confident that she had received his letter. One Idea now clouded his anticipations, which had never before crossed his mental vis ion. "Was she affianced ?" He had seen a young gentleman enter the room with her; had noticed that he had dwelt upon her words, and was exceedingly attentive to her performances. He men tally pronounced him homely and un refined, though most of Henry Warren's city friends called him handsome and interesting. His fine oval face was shaded by a luxuriant growth of dark- brown hair; his mauuer was engaging nud his voice pleasant, but Herbert could see nothing amiable, pleasing or intelligent about him. You see through a glass darkly," said his sister affectionately, with a covert meaning which he well under stood, in reply to his expressed opinion. "What causes that fever-spot upon her cheek?" he mused. Echo, from the caverns of her heart, answered with a vague expression, which he happily construed into the truth. She was excited, but was striving to .stllL her agitated system by a desperate enort to excel in the music withwli' she was engaged. A dress of gray silk, exposing the well-rounded shoulders, n-hcro tho glooay curls were thinnest, a simple black silk cord, from which was suspended a neatly-wrought gold locket, falling a little below tho waist and se cured at the termination of the corsage by a diamond pin, and a wreath of nat ural flowers upou her brow, became her singular beauty and set off' her natural grace. "Why, Herbert Goodwin!" said Hugh Waters, as he espied him among the crowd. "I did not know you were here. Are you acquainted with my sister and Miss Willard ?" "I would be pleased to have an intro duction," he replied, ingeniously con triving to neither acknowledge nor deny his former acquaintance with Florence. "I have beard that you once had a de cided penchant for Miss Willard, but suppose than boyish dream long ago vanished 'into thin air.' " 'My sister is present. Perhaps she would like to become acquainted with your friends," ho said, not venturing to reply to his last remark. "Excuse me, Miss Goodwin ; I had not discovered you. We will think that your brother and yourself have como here for the sole purpose of taking items, if you don't stir about a little occasion ally." "Please request your sister and her friend to como to us. I don't like to go through the crowd to the piano," said Effle, diffidently. "You needn't be ashamed of the sen sation you'll create," he replied, with a roguish look of admiration, as he started after Florence and Fanny. Ho had become acquainted with ou friends at the Institute a few years be fore.. Ho had left school with a some what superficial education, and they had met him but seldom afterwards. Herbert's heart beat more wildly than ever, as he saw the object of his hopes and fears approaching them. "Miss Willard and my sister; Mss and Mr. Goodwin," said Hugh. Florence bowed haughtily, but tbe struggle to subdue tho lire in her heart ,was, not sufficient to keep her self-pos session there. Her Hps blanched, and for a moment she hesitated. Effle was first to speak. "I believe we have met before, Miss Willard ; didn't we" travel together a few days In the Umatilla Valley ?"- "Yes, I remember; but I should have hardly known you." "Have I changed so milch f" "You have changed but little in fea tures, but I have always thought of you as the little girl who chased" little Indi ans alone the Umatilla Biver. It seems strange to see you grown." "You have also changed, but it is my opinion that it has been for tlie better, and that Is saying a good deal for your present appearance." "Thank you, Effie. You are the sariie little tease' you 'always were," she an swered, with an effort to appear' at Base, j Herbert was1 talking in an extrava gantiyaymahner wiih Fanny Waters', who appeared 'well' pleased with1 his at tentions. "Miss Floy," said Hugh, "I tell you what it Is, I didn't fetch you here to rijouopolize all Miss Effie's attention. I command you to seek other'company and allow mo myjavorite seat" "Very well; if you are my master, I must obey." "Oh, you needn't get hostile over it. Here's Mr. Goodwin. He's good enough in all conscience for you to associate with. I pick ray company." "Playfully, "You're the personifica tion of Impudence. -If I didn't know you so well, I would consider your per sonalities most insulting. It isn't worth while for a sensible person to getoffeud eu at you." "It would be like pouriug water on a duck's back, if you should, Miss Gipsy." "Why, Hugh! You are certainly the most impolite jester I ever heard. I wouldn't mind him, Floy. Fortunately he never means half he says," said Fanny. v "How do you know, puss ? I'd advise you to tell what you know, not what you conjecture." "And I'll follow your advice when I think it really necessary. But I am spoiling a would-be quartette," and she cast a mischievous glance at Hugh, tripped away, and was soon lost in the throng. Herbert had often laughed with his. sister about tlie commonplace conversa tions concerning tbe "Plains," which are so often the theme in an Oregon or California company. She was amused this evening by seeing that he talked to Florence of nothing else, and thought that she would certainly consider him very prosy. She knew where his heart was, and had a sisterly desire for his success, but thought he was making a very poor beginning for a favorable im pression. If she had known the tu multuous feelings of both, she would have been spared these annoying pou- ectures. Fanny went to Mrs. Card, tbe hostess, and asked her to request Herbert and Effie to sine. Herbert's tongue was just beginning to get loose, and he thought he was playing the agreeable to perfection, when a dozen calls for "Mr. Goodwin and his sister," put an Imperative period to their conversation. I dread to sing before so many strangers," whispered Effle. "Uon't say so, sister. You've suc ceeded admirably before greater compa nies than this," anil be dffered Florence his arm, leaving Hugh to be nis sisters escort. Oh, if Hubert were here!" Effie sighed, as they moved past tlie expect ant company. This sigh for lonely years had heaved her breast in vain; and tlie soul-oppress ing reality of hope deferred was begin ning to fade her cheeks and wear out by degrees her natural vivacity. "Aren't you going to sing? The listeners are becoming impatient," said Fanny. Herbert, Florence and Effie joined in tbe vocal music, while the piano, under the management of Fanny Waters, played a skillful and admirable part in the lively strains. "Come, Fanny," said Hugfy when the music ceased, "it's time for us to go home. I promised mother to see that your habits are temperate, and I am in duty bound to fulfill the engagement." "Fanny, I'm afraid you'll never rightly appreciate the kindness of your protector, till ho's married and gone," said Florence. "I'm afraid I won't be able to appre ciate it then," was the smiling reply. One by one the company departed, until Florence and Henry Warren were the only remaining guests, besides Her bert and bis sister, who were to remain at the house of their obliging hostess for a few days. Floreuce lingered until Henry became impatient. "Are you not going this evening, Flora ?" "I will be ready in a moment. Excuse me, Miss Goodwin," and the dark-eyed beauty left the room. Henry stood at the door, ready to ac company her, when she re-appeared, at tired for the walk. She shook hands with Eflle, and kissed her ruby Hps, "Can't you pass that round?" Her bert asked, attempting a playful speech "Certainly; that is, tho hand-shake, but I'm afraid my other half that is to be wouldn't like it, if ho should hear that I bad kissed you," and the snowy hand Tested In his; but she quickly wltbdrew-ltand turned away, nervously grasping Henry's arm; 1 Can't you call upon my guests to morrow?" asked Mrs. Card. "Perhaps I will, after school." "'Tisapity that our vacations have not occurred together; we might have had several holidays," said Effie. "I don't wish to hurry you, Flora, but I forgot my latch-key, and the ofllce will be locked up for the night in a few moments." "Once more, godd-night. I'm sorry, Henry, that I have kept you waiting." "What do you suppose the elileof our city will think of your actions to-night?' ho asked, reproachfully, when they were iu the street. "If I bave'bverstepped tho bounds propriety, hone but a jealous'' eye could have discovered it; that is certain!" she answered,-haughtiiyi 07 1 - "Do you accuse'me of jealousy.?" " "I shall,1 If yoUfind fault'wtth my de sire to keep congenial company." NUMBER 3. He felt that be was going top far, and tbe tone of reproach changed to one of deep affection. Their short walk was" soon ended, but Florence had not dared to speak of her tumultuous inner feel- His manner had quelled her usual freedom of speech, but she would not act deceitful. The prolonged parting kiss was studiously avoided by tbe upright girl.. 'I have found," she soliloquized, that he was never designed to fathom the great deep of my affections, and Til acquaint him with the fact as speedily as possible." "Good-night, dear one." "Good-night," coldly, as she vanished p the stairs. "Confound it all!" ho muttered, as he walked rapidly away; "she's as fickle as the rest of her sex ! I know that this coldness is the beginning of a final sep aration. Throughout the silent watches of that desolate night the orphan's pillow was watered with tears. Honor, so seldom found among the belles of fashion, was her great ideal of perfection in a woman, but she felt that, tro which wav she would, the thought of flirtation would destroy her peace. If I had told Henry of my child hood's fancy in the beginning he would not blame me so much. I thought that I had long ago ceased to care for Her bert, and certainly believed that Tshould. never see bici again." To be continued.! What Men Need Wives For. It is not to sweep tbe house, make the beds, darn the socks and cook tho meals chiefly, that a man wants a wife. If this s all lie wants, Hired belp can do it cheaper. If this is all, when a younc man calls to see a lady, send bim into tbe pantry to taste the bread and cake she has made, send him. to inspect the neeuieworK ana oea-maKing,- or put a uroom in tier nana ana.sena mm to wit ness its use. Such things are important. and the wiso yonug mau will quietly , , . " Tt . . i 1 ,1 . , jook auer mum. xiut wnai iue true man wants with a wife is her companionship, sympathy and love. The way of life has many dreary places in it, and a man needs a companion to go with him. A mau is sometimes overtaken with mis fortune; be meets with failure and de feat; trials and temptations beset bim, and ho needs ouo to stand by and sym pathize. He has some hard battles to light with poverty, enemies and with sin; and he-needs a woman that, when no puts nis arm around ner, no reels he has something to fight for; that sho will put her lips to his ear and whisper words of counsel, and her hand to his heart aati import Inspiration. All through life, through storms and through sunshine, conflict and victory; through adverse aud through favoring winds, man needs a woman's love. Tho heart yearns for it. A sister's or a mother's love win hardly supply the need. You may seek for something fur ther than success iu housowork. Justly enough, half of these set nothing more. The other half, surprised beyond meas ure, have gotten more than they sought. There, wives surprised them by bringing out a noble idea in marriage, and dis closing a treasury of courage, sympathy and love. Too Mrcir Readixg. I never kuow but one or two fast readers, and readers of many books, whose knowledge was good forailytlnug. Miss Marti neau says of herself that she is the slowest of read ers, somtlmcs a l)age- in an hour but then what sho reads she makes her own. Do Impress this upou E . Girls read too much and think too little. I will answer for it that there are few girls of eighteen who have not.read more books than 1 have; ana as lor religious, books, I can count on my fiugers iu twe minutes all I ever read; but then they are mino. Sir lirsKine rerry saiu tno otherday that, not long ago, in a conver sation witli Comtc, one pf the most profound thinkers in Europe, Corate told him that he had read an Incredibly small number of books these last twenty years I forget how many and scarcely ever a review; but then, what Comte, reads lies there fructifying, and comes out a livingtrec with leaves and fruit. Multifarious reading, weakens the mind more than dolug nothing, for it becomes a necessity at last, like sniok inc, aud is an excuse for the mind to lie dormant, whilst thought is poured in, and runs through, a clear stream, over unproductive gravel, ou which not even mosses grow. It is the idlest of all idle ness, arid leaves more o'f impotency than any other. I do not give myself as n specimen, for my nervous energies are shattered by stump oratory, Its excite ments and recreations, put i kuow wiiai reading Is, forl could read'once, arid did. Ircad hardornotat all, neverskimming, never turning aside Xo. more invitiug books: and iato. Aristpue, jjutier, -inu cydides, Sterne, Jonathan Edwards, have passed like the iron atoms ot tne blood into my mental constitution.'. IF. Jlobcrtson. The Grasshopper Conquered. Even the grasshopbers it appears, can be vaunuished by the, almighty dollar. A little Minnesota municipality offered a reward of ' so much per bushel for lo custs. The plan worked to' a charm; The. unemployed, the Idle villagers, .the boys and girls, swarmed thicker than tbe grasshoppers. They picked up,, the swarming insects .by tho handful, scooped them up with dippers, shoveled them up, filled pails, buckets and .tubs with them. "Suchatremendpusactivlty met its regard. Not only was the prom ised cash promptly paid, but thelocusta vanished from the faco of, that part of the earth. He and she were scooped up with such ceieritr that she had no time to lay a single egg, so that tho pests seem to bave-Jpeen .stamped out permanently. Tbsame tactics have been tried in other parts of the frontier, nnil alwavs. wo believe, with success. The amount of energy developed by the ofler of a few dollars per bushel loraeail locusts.is simply surprising, About the only bhd (eatur&of the plan is the temp tatlon It offers to uti enterprising "rogue toshutu'p a few pairs Of hoppers Jmo. box, sell their miillons,oi yearly progeny at , a stated sum per bushel, and so keep up the species. Over 7,000 bushels have ; been paid for Iu Minnesota. Correspondents wri ting over assumed signa tures must make known their names to the Edltor.'ormo attention will be given1 to tbelr communications! - - ' A Wife Murder. A fiendish murder" was committed last Monday' evening near" Mllbury, by a man named John Noble; upon a woman". -Harriet Marsh Noble, who had for twen ty-two years, tram tuejge of six teen, sus tained toward him the relation of .wife. Thetwohad settled togetherupoqa farm ui eignty acres, aoout eight miles irom here, thirteen years ogo, -which, al though having but ejghty dollars, whoa they came Into the country, through the united exertions of both they had al ready paid for, and rtow had good grow ing crops and prospects of nlentv1 ahead. It appears, that the wife was , ipdustrious. and had accomplished harder work-than women In general; in fact, that the out- ouiiuings on the farm bad been erected almost entirely by her,, while .the bus-, band sat by and looked on also, that she cut a creat part of the winter's wood, frequently harnessed "and un harnessed the, the horses for her hilar- " band, anil was. n woman bf vigor, . energy .and pluck generally. It is re lated also that the husbaud was always regarded as a temperate, quiet and re1 spectable man, and perhaps one of the last that would be suspected, of . com muting a ioui murder, ana the whole terrible affair seems to be as unnatural as any dark deed that conld be imagined to startio tne peace ol acommumty. The unfortunate woman had borne her share of the life burdens, and as, a neipmeet nau more than tilled her part? But as a wife ho Buspected-lfer of havfrig11 violated ber obligations of..fidelitv-tor. bim,-and from accounts which reacfi usj this was probably the case; and her life therefore, in the estimation of this quiet, orderly mau, was only sufficient expia tion for her offense. After his jaga had found satisfaction in murder, ha coivr fessed tho cringe, and gave himself up. The sickening details how he' stabbed her fifteen times with a knife In varioua parts of her body, and inflicted repeated blows with a club, mashing in her skull with repetition of evidence, have occupied columns of the daifybressj 'arid it is unnecessary to' recapitulate here.' Back of the horrible crime; lh. the man. lies a still wider responsibility in soci ety; that which places .a woman, good or bad, at the entire mercy of her-hus-: band, good or bad, whose brutal. instincts', if he has any, are fostered by tbq con sciousnessof absolute power which exists, in no other relation amorig'ad'ults', than in that of men over women, in'the'state of matrimony. That the man Noble bad a violent temper is adduced as "one, cause ot the crime; and ho had, according to previous testimony ot the muruerea woman, beaten her on other occasions. -Tod ranir deserves the utmost rigor of the Javyy and should receive'it; and .back of this, it is high time that society Investigated ' more closely the indirect causes which ' lead in vthe, tiirectiou of crimes like the above. Toledo Jounfal. The auroniit of Pike's I'eak must be a nice place to live. One of the reportdrS'qf the Hocky Mountain News recently In terviewed one of the "observers!' who attend the government signal station up there, and the following is an extract from his report:' ' "' ' "One of the most remarkable phe nomena seen ou tho Peak," said Mr. Brown, "is the electric storm. These storms generally begin with. bail, and lust from half an hour to four hours Tho whole air is "full of electricity' Sheets of tiro are, every wherp lseen. Sparks cpw-kla about your, clothes, jind. m youf hair.und All the buffalo robes and the bedding. TheelectriClty femes through the roof, through the windows, and' up from the floor.) It seems as -.though you are in artery., If you go .out doors a cloud of eltatricity rests on. wo, jvuuiu i eur., IUUUU1U3 intl the rocks the clouds are full of it.. Tho lightning playa below in fearful intensity- The electricity is diffused through theattboa phcre, aud is everywhere in-tbe cabin. One's hair literally stands on end, and. even the furs in the cabiu are still with. it. At first one is greatly terrlfied(i but he 'gets .used to it." '-'No," continued he in answer to ;a question, "it has no marked effect on a: person except to give hint a violout palpitation of the heart. It also, perhaps, has.a fatiguing effect." There are usually 'three 'or fourcasual- tiea reported from Niacara' every" ve'ar. These are generally the results of using row-boats oh' tho river aboVe the 'falls 'and rapids. The loss or breakfngof'ari oar in the strong steady current leaves the boat at the mercy of the' cruel "waters;""1 Visitors to' the falls seldom me'et wltli any accident, although there is danger' on every side. Ou& tragic, accident occured at Njagara. about the-year 1849.- a stnaii party nau course irom. isunaio for an -afternoon's pleasure at the falls', among them a young gentleman,- the lady to whom, he was engaged, ana ner little sister. The party were standing pn the northern aide, of Luna Island, a. few rods above the American 'Falls', watching the' waters as they swept "by, when tbe young man playfully caught up:the child and swung, her toward thqv water saying ".Now, .Lizzie,, I'JI throw yqu over tbe falls." She screamed in' rtml tMrnr. n.nrl anrntiir. 'frnm -hla.-.nVmU.' right into the rapids: He.iiwtantly fol lowed her, ana, in his vain attempt, to save her, both were swept oyer together. Their bodies were. found orithb rocks below, a portion of her dress remaining wrapped around "his arm. - i '..r. :. - i- : Self-Educated Men. A verylargb class of self-educated men are-painfully sensitive of the disadvantages under Which they suffer for want of scholastic training Manv of thBrii llaVtf iabO'rea' assiduously and with eminent succe'satoi correct these disadvantages by careful private studies in the languages, math eraaticsand philosophy. As a class they are the most generous supporters of the" higher learningi and Of literary institu tions, as admirably .adapted to prepare for" professional and business llfe Their zeal aud liberality in sunnort of the higher educationof the coudtrV nuts to' shame many of the liberally- educated; who are no less: wealthy than themselves; This liberal and enlightened testimpqy or theirs to the value of a culture of which they feel the need, ought to be re ceived as'thejudgmetltbf practical tnen. Others.,o.f,th6in indulge itxa jealouscon tempt of all disciplinary traiplng what-, ever, and find in their own success a satisfactory argument for.the usefulness of any other than the so-called practical or useful studies, as-well as: decisive refutation of all that can ,bevurgediii,the defense of any other.' President Porter. " irost people are like eggs too full of themselves to hold anything else.