CHAPTER XII 



HOW MUCH WORK FOR THE COUNTRY GIRL 



IMAGINE a wedding scene in a rural home. The 

 only daughter, a young woman of ideal age for 

 marriage, is joining her heart and her hand, for 

 weal or for woe, to those of a young man of suitable 

 character. But strange and unexpected as it may 

 seem, there are many tears on the part of the imme- 

 diate relatives of the girl. Her parents are mani- 

 festing the strange emotion of solemnity at a time 

 when gaiety might be expected. Why is it ? you 

 ask. The whole situation has an interesting and 

 inspiring history. It is simply this : During all 

 her years the parents of this girl have watched her 

 grow up, through infancy, childhood, maidenhood, 

 and finally into the full maturity of a woman ; and 

 every stage of her growth has been carefully safe- 

 guarded by them. They have made the home life 

 and the home work serve her needs and purposes in a 

 most beautiful and instructive manner. They seem 

 to have attempted at all times to put into their 

 daughter's life just such experience as would become 

 a helpful part of her growing character. And what 

 a reward ! What a splendid satisfaction to the 

 worthy parents to be able to contribute to society 

 such a product of their affectionate care and training ! 



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