The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1851-05-07
The Deaf Wives.

The incident we are about to relate occur
red some years since, in the Granite State,
and as we abide beyond striking distance of
the parties and their immediate friends, we
shall be little more free in our description
of the circumstances thar we otherwise
should be.
Nathaniel Ella, or Uncle Nat" as he
was generally called, was the corpulcnt,
rubicund, and jolly old landlord OF the best
hotel in the fourishing village of Dover, at
the head of the Piscataqua, and was excess
lively fond of fun witha lie was also the
owner Of u large farm in New Durham, a.
bout twenty miles distant, the overseer of
which was one Caleb Kicker, or Boss
Kae," as he was termed by the numerous
hands under his CONTROL and sufficiently
waggish for all practical purposes of fun and
frolic. Caleb, like wise and pruden. man.
| had wife and SO had Uncle Nat, who
was accustomed to visit his farm every month
or two, TO see how matters went. On the
occasion of one of these visits, the following
dialogue occurred between Uncle Nat and
Mrs Rickor:
Mr. Ella" said the good lady, "why
have you never brought Mrs Ella out to see
the farm and pay us VISIT dare say she
would be pleased to spend day of two with
US, and would endeavor to render her stay
as pleasant and comfortable as possible"
"Why, to tell you the truth, Mrs. Rick
err" said Uncle Nat, 81 have been thinking
about it, for some time, but then she is SO
very deaf as to render conversation with
her extremely dlIicul,-in fact, it requires
the greatest effort to make her hear anything
that is said 10 her; and she is consequently
very reluctant to minge in the society OF
strangers"
Never mind that" replied the importu-
nate Mrs. Kicker, have good strong
voice, and if any one can make her hear, !
can"
Z" If you think so, and will risk it," said
Uncle MAI. she shall accompany me on my
next visit TO the farm; aud this having been
agreed on. Uncle Nat left for the field, to
acquaint Boss Kale with what had pas, ed,
and with the plan Of future operations,
touching the promised visit of his wife.
1t was finally settled between the wicked
wags that the fact that their wives could
both hear as well as anybody, should be
kept profound secret, until disclosed by a
personal interview of the ladies themselves.
The next time Nat was about to o' visit
the farm,' he suggested to his wife that "a
ride into the country would be of service to
her; that Mrs. Kicker whom she had never
seen, was very anxious to receive visit
from her, and proposed she should accompa-
ny him on the occasion. She readily con-
sented and they were soon on their jour.
ney. They had not, however, proceeded
far, when Uncle Nat observed TO her that he
was sorry 10 inform her that Mrs. Kicker
was extremely deaf, and she would be un,
der the necessity of elevating her voice tc
the highest pitch, in order to converse with
her. Mrs Ella regretted the misfortune, bu
thought, as she had pretty strong voice
, she would be able to make her friend hear
, her. In few hours after, uncle Nat and
his lady drove up to the door of bis country
mansion, and Boss Kicker, who had beer
previously informed of the time of Unclt
Mats intended arrival, was already in wait
ing to enjoy the fun that was to come OF I
5 meelng of the deaf wives Mrs. Kicker
. not expecting them at the time, happened
to be engaged with her domestic duties il
the kitchen; but, observing her visitor
through the window, she flew to the glas
. to adjust her cap and put herself in the bes
trim to receive them the moment would al
, low. In the mean time, Boss kale had ush
, cred Uncle Nat and his lady into the par lor
by way of the front door. soon after which
Mrs. R. appeared in the presence of he
r guests
$ Mrs Kicker, will make you acquaint
I ed with Mrs. Ela," roared Uncle Nat, in
voice cf thunder.
/ How do you do, madam ?" scrcame,
: Mrs. Kicker 10 Ella, with her mouth close t,
, the ear of the latter,
, "Yery well, thank YOU replied Mrs
E. in tone of corresponding elevation.
How did you leave your family :" con
tinued Mrs. r. in voice quite up 10 lh,
pitch of her first effort.
, IAN very well, thank you-how's you
1 family?"
In the meantime, Uncle Nat and Bos
q Kale, who were convulsed beyond the pow
G er of endurance, had quietly stolen out c
}, the door, and remained under the window
= listening TO the boistcrous conversation G
: the deaf wives, which was continued som
time on the same elevated letter of the stat
= when Mrs. r.. in the same ledger>line ke
+. that she had observed from tho first, thus at
c dressed her lady guest
# "What on earth are you halooiLg TO m
!. for-l'm not deaf?"
6 =" Ant you, indeed ?" said Mrs. f. :" b,
/ pray what are YOU halloOing to me so for
If I'm not deaf Z"