Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-04-27

/ Il don't know whether to shave or not, sad
Douglass next morning. running over his rough
face, upon which was beard OF torty-eight hours
growth His wife had hastily thrown on wrap
per, and, with slip-shod feet, and head like a
mop, was loungng in large rocking chair
awaiting the breakfast bell.
For Mercys sake, Edward, don't go any lon
ger with that shockingIy dirty face spoke up
Cora. IF you knew how dreadfully you look
ed
Looks are nothing replied Edward as he
stroked his beard
why, what's come over you all at onceP
Nothing, only it's such trouble to shave ev-
cry day
'But you didn't shave yesterday.
Il know it am Just as well off to-day as if
had. So much saved at any rate.
But Cora argued the matter, and her husband
finally Yielded, and moved down the luxuriant
growth of beard.
How much better you do look, said the young
wife; now don't 60 another day without shay
ing
But why should take SO much trouble about
mere Iooksl Pm ust as good with long beard
as with a short one. It's a great deal of trouble
to shave every day. You can love me Just as
well and why need care about what Others say
or think 2
On the following morning Douglass appeared
not only with long beard, but with a bosom
and collar that were both soiled and rumpled.
d why, Edward, how you do look 7 said Cora.
You've neither shaved nor put on a clean shirt.
Edward stroked his face and run his fingers
along the edge of his collar, remarking indif-
erently, as he did So
Its no matter, look well enough. This be-
ing so very particular in dress, is waste Of time
and I'm getting tired Gift
And in this trim Douglass went to his business
much to the annoyance Of his wife, who could
not bear to see her husband looking so slovenly
Gradually the decension from neatness went
on, until Edward was quite match for his wife
and yet, strange to say, Cora had not taken the
hint, broad as it was, In her own person, she
was as untidy as ever.
About six months after their marriage, we in
i vted few friends to spend social evening with
US, Cora and her husband among the number
? Cora came alone, quite early, and said that her
husband was very much engaged and could not
e come until after tea My young friend had not
taken much pains with her attire. Indeed her
k appearance mortified me, as contrasting so de-
cidedly with that of the other ladies who were
present; and could not help suggesting to her
that she was wrong in being SO Indifferent abou
her dress. But she laughngy replied
you know my fortunes made now, Mrs Smith
| can afford to be negligent in these matters. 1t.
, great waste of time to dress so much
tried to argue against this but could make
: no impression upon her.
About an hour after tea, and while we were
e all engaged in pleasant conversation, the door o
the parlor opened, and in walked Mr. Douglass
Q At first glance thought must be Mistaken
But no; it was Edward himself But what
figure he did cut His uncombed hair was stan
ding up, in stiff spikes, in hundred dferen
q directions his face could not have felt the toucl
Of razor for two or three days; and he wa
- gultlesS of clean linen for at least the same leng
\ Of time. His vest was soed, his boots unblack
- ed and there was an unmistakeable hole in on
of his elbows.
I why, Edwardp exclaimed his wife, with
n look of modification and distress, as her husban
H. came across the room, with face in which n
" consciousness of the figure he cut could be de
te tected
ID why my dear fellow! What is the matterl
D. said my husband frankly; for he perceived tina
$ the ladies' began to utter, and that the genteme
Nv HCiC lOohuS CuOl OIllCl anu W I6pT6S
ifI their visible tendencies and therefore deeme
S, it best to throw off all reserve on the subject
re The matter Nothing's the matter, | be
r. lieye, Why do you askr Douglass locke
grave.
e. We'll may he ask what's the matterr brok
It. in Cora energetcally How could you com
ne here in such plightP
In such plight And Edward looked dow
ID at himself felt bis beard and ran his hngel
ur through his hair. Whats the matter! Is an
ur thing wrongP
On you look as if you'd just waded up from
d. nap of a week with your clothes on, and come G
without washingyour face or combing your hair
in said my husband.
nv 'Ohp And Edwards countenance brightene
ut little. Then he said with much gravity
w. manner
I've been extremely hurried of late; and on
ta, left my store few minutes ago. | hardly thong
ok it worth while to 90 home and dress up. kne
we were all friends here. Besides, as my 70
fe. tune is made, and he glanced with look NJ
a. to be mistaken towards his wife-I don't fe
,as called upon to give as much attention to me
re- dress as formerly Before was married, it W;
Die necessary to be particular in these matters, b
he now it's of no consequence
a | turned towards Cora Her face was lii
asst crimson. Ina few moments, she arose and we
he quickly from the room. | followed her, and
nd ward came after us, pretty soon. He found
yas wife in tears, and sobbing almost Historically
or I've got a carriage at the door, he said to n
nal aside, half laughing, half serious 80 help h
on with her things and we'll retire IN disorder
nv. But it's too bad in you, Mr.. Douglass 7
nd piled |,
He Forgive me for making your house the sce
rh- ofthis lesson to Cora he whispered. 1T had
out be given, and | thought could venture to trt
NV pass upon your forbearance.'
i'm 1'll think about that said |.
ess In few minutes Cora and her husband retir
elf and in spite of good breeding and everything ell
ted we all had hearty laugh over the matter, on
re- return to the parlor, where explained the Gu
vas Gus little scene that had Just occurred
On How Cora and her husband settled the aft
between themselves, never inquired. But Of
ted thing is certain | never saw her in slower
Jaw dress afterwards at home or abroad She W
Ter cured.