But," says I, "we're too far along to take | And then I hummed a little tune, but now another track; and then a note And when I put my hand to the plough, I do Was bu'sted by some animal that hopped up

not oft turn back,

And 'tain't an uncommon thing now for cou

ples to smash in two;"

And so I set my teeth together and vowed I'd see it through.

in my throat.

Then Betsey she got her specs from off the `mantel-shelf,

And read the article over quite softly to herself

When I come in sight o' the house 'twas Read it by little and little, for her eyes is some at in the night,

gettin' old,

And just as I turned a hilltop I see the And lawyer's writin' ain't no print, especially

As good a supper's I ever saw, or ever want And kissed me for the first time in over

to see;

And I crammed the agreement down my

pocket as well as I could,

And fell to eatin' my victuals, which somehow didn't taste good.

twenty years.

I don't know what you'll think, sir-I didn't come to inquire

But I picked up that agreement and stuffed it in the fire,

And Betsey she pretended to look about the And I told her we'd bury the hatchet alonghouse, side of the cow; But she watched my side coat-pocket like a And we struck an agreement never to have cat would watch a mouse;

another row.

And I told her in the future I wouldn't speak cross or rash

If half the crockery in the house was broken all to smash;

And when I'd done my supper I drawed the And she said, in regards to heaven, we'd try agreement out,

and learn its worth

nin' it here on earth.

And give it to her without a word, for she By startin' a branch establishment and run

knowed what 'twas about;

And so we sat a-talkin' three-quarters of the I'm richer than a national bank, with all its night, treasures told,

And opened our hearts to each other until For I've got a wife at home now that's

Maybe you'll think me soft, sir, a-talkin' in But think how oft hearts have been sad

And I do it for a compliment: 'tis so that Let to-morrow take care of to-morrow: Short and dark as our life may appear, you can see That that there written agreement of yours We may make it still darker by sorrow, was just the makin' of me.

Ten

years ago.

UNDER THE MAPLE.

HE start it gave me just Then Jim went off with a caper and shout,
While we sat silent, father and I.

now to see,

As I stood in the door

way looking out,

Rob Greene at play by the

maple tree, Throwing the scarlet leaves about!

For me, I was watching the men at work
And looking at Jack, my oldest son;
So like his father, he never would shirk,
But kept straight on till the stint was
done.

It carried me back a long, Seventeen was Jack that last July,

long way-
How the time runs by!
There was nobody left at home that day
But little Jimmy and father and I-

My husband's father, an old, old man.
Close on to eighty, but still so smart
It was only of late that he began

To stay in the house and doze apart.

But the fancy took him that afternoon

To go to the meadow to watch the men; And as fast as I argued, just so soon

He went right over it all again;

Till, seeing how set he seemed to be,

I thought, with the air so warm and still,
It could not hurt him to go with me
And sit for a little under the hill.

So, lending my arm to his feeble tread,
Together slowly we crossed the road,
While Jim and his cart ran on ahead,

With a heap of pillows for wagon-load.

We made him a soft seat, cushioned about,
Of an old chair out of the barn close by;

A great, stout fellow so tall and strong! And I spoke to the old man by and by,

To see how fast he was getting along.