Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1844-09-28
a smile, 'what Emma, i'll should be.
come an Odd Feliow?'

Il would hardly speak to you!
don't want my husband 10 have any
secrets he cannot reveal 10 me. The
wife of an Odd Fellow must feel such
a secret is rival to herself. | should
be jealous ofii!'
Mrs. Linden soon discovered that
her husband was an Odd Fellow. He
had been such home husband, when
out of his counting room, that she had
all his leisure hours. She could ac-
count for the manner in which he pas
sed every one of them. She knew all
he did. where he went. and whom he
saw, and what they said; for he was
accustomed 10 relate to her at home
whatever transpired out of doors. In
deed, she prided herselfon her hus-
bands devotion, and on being able TO
say that there was not an hour Of his
time since she had been married she
could not account for; that she did not
know ho,o il had been spent. Char
les Linden was "a pattern ofa hus-
band
The evening he had been initiated
he managed in this manner: A friend
of his who lived in Winthrop Place
was an Odd Fellw, and to his house
Charles and his wife walked together
after tea. Here it was easy for
Charles friend to propose to him
walk, and call, leaving the ladies a.
lone. Mrs. Linden impressed upon
Charles mind not 10 be out too long,
and to come back by nine O'Clock to
see her home. This he promised, his
friend having assured him the initiation
would occupy less than an hour.
j wonder where they can be going"
said Mrs. Linden, when they were
lief! alone.
Il, is Lodge night; they must be 60
ing there said the Odd Fellows wife,
after moments thought.
lodge nighi?'
'Yes. Frank is an Odd Fellow. -
The Lodge meets Tuesdays
1T is impossible Charles can have
gone there! He is not an Odd Eel
low! wonder how you would lei
your husband join
Il was opposed TO il at first. But he
brought, me the constitution, which !
read and he explained to me so clearly
and fully the principles upon which
he Institution was established, that !
gave my consent
Il could never give mine for Charles.
Do you know the secret?
why no
Have you never asked Frank for il"
Yes, playfully.'
Il should be wretched if Charles be-
longed to secret Order. | should
feel had not but half his heart. Ii
would seem veiied and covered up from
me! am rejoiccd that he is not one.
How can you exist and not know the
secret; that is locked up with such mys-
terious awe in your husbands bosom'
II is dreadful!'
The Odd Fellows wife laughed
heartily, and Emma joined in the laugh,
though with an air Of seriousness.
Il do not think il would be right in
me to press Frank to reveal 10 me what
he has pledged his honor 10 keep con-
cealcd. | would not wish my hus-
band to perjure himself 10 crafty his
wife's curiosity. am satisfied Frank
loves me no less; and have seen with
pleasure that, since he has become an
Odd Fellow, he enters warmly into my
little benevolent plans for the poor,
which he never troubled himself about
before; that he now always sends
money 10 the destitute families visit,
and sometimes goes with me himself.
He has taught me 10 reduce my char
tiles 10 a system, and how to accom-
plish the most good with the little
means have
I you are so benevolent, Clara. You
are always doing good somehow. ]
believe you had rather see room full
oeragged children than conservatory
filled with plants; you seem to love
and take care Of and visit the poor
families just as ! do my flowers.
We'll, the poor are my plants, I'm
ma. love TO water them. and tend
them, and see them grow vigorous and
healthy under good apparel and nour-
ishing food. / would rather see the
greatful smile upon the poor child's
face than the budding Of The brightest
flower on rare plant
The conversation then changed TO