Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-05-22
s Ell ECT TALE.
From Gleason's Pictorial Drawing Room Companion
The Wife's Deception.
A story of Married Life
BY MRS. E. C. LOWERING.


The compliment seemed we'll deserved. Hi
ram was fine looking gentleman, of pleasing
manners, refined taste, and goody endow
ment of common sense and Louisa was no
only pretty, but intelligent, agreeable, anG
sprightly. II.
Yet, although they had married for love
this exceedingly well-matched couple, as they
were called, were not happy. After all, theil
tastes and feelings were not precisely alike =
they did not understand each other; and they
withheld from each other that mutual conf
dence which is perhaps more necessary to hap
piness in the married state, than even love it
self.
Now, Louisa was exceedingly fond of socie-
ty. Balls, parties and the theatre, delighted
her more than anything else. Hrams incli-
nations were different. He preferred politi-
cal meeting, the conversation of few choice
friends, or the newspapers of his club-room, to
all the gaieties and pleasures of the beau-monde
Thus the well-matched pair grew to be dissat-
jsfed with each other Hnam becoming ieal-
Gus of her love of society, and Louisa giving
him credit for considerable selfshness and OBJ
stinacy.
The loss of a darling child brought their
hearts no nearer together and during the
third year of their welded life, their msunder-
standings were more numerous, and more seri-
GUS than ever.
Hiram spent nearly all his evenings away
from home, and the old club-room, which dur
ing the first few months after his marriage
had never known his presence, was now as
attractive as in the days of his bachelor free
dom.
Louisa felt herself neglected, and she spent
many very miserable hours by her lonely fire
side, seldom receiving company, rarely visit
ing old friends, and never attending places of
amusement.
One evening in the month of February, Lou
isa was aroused to cheerfulness by the presence
of her cousin Timothy, a wild, good d-humored
thonghtless fellow, between whom and herself
there had existed an intimacy since their child
hood.
Mr.. Tim. ratified away in a most amusing
manner, telling Louisa all about the fashiona-
BILE dissapations of the season, and bringing to
her mind forcibly the gaetes of her younger
days But she never went any were now,
she said, with a sigh.
It's shameI' cried Mr.. Tim, with enthu-
siasm. If your tyrant is too stupid TO enjoy
such things himself, he ought at least TO per-
nit you TO go where you like. shall have to
quarrel with him for being so selfish
He is selfish, really rejoined Louisa. He
himself goes off every night
And why haven't you as good a right in
terrupted Mr.. Tim. I'D like to ask him that .
If he chooses to go to the club-room tomorrow
night, why shouldn't you go to the ball, if you
choose!'
Il should like to, of all things murmured
Louisa.
Go them exclaimed her cousin Tim
'Why shouldn't you1 | would be delighted to
have you; will youp
But Hiram
If you think he would object
Il am sure he would
Then he need not know it. He will go out
as usual, supposed
'Of course said Louisa
And what time will he return!'
AT eleven
Now | have it cried the en- thusiastic Mr..
Tim; you shall go to the ball with me- You
can stop two or three hours and return at half
past ten
But if he should ascertain that had been
outt'
Very good-he needn't be told you went to
the ball. You can say you went to call on a
friend
Il really do not think it right to deceive him.
said Louisa
FUDGE laughed Mr.. Tim, swapping his
fingers. It's the way to get along with such
tyrant! Fit for tat is the rule; you will
GO, know | will call for you at halfpast
seven.'
"ell' Twill &C. replied Louisa, blushing
and smiling.
Mr.. Tim took his leave and at eleven
O'Clock Hiram returned. Louisa was sitting
by the table reading, and on the entrance ot
her husband she carcely took the ,rouble ,o
look up. t. ..u.r. ..40 0.
You appear to be deeply interested in some
thing remarked Hiram, after divesting him
self of his overshoes and surtout. .s
Il am said Louisa, continuing to read.
Hiram sat down by the fire, gazed thought
fully at the glowing Goals for some minutes
then turning towards his wife, asked in quicl
tone:
Are you going to read much longer!'
But few minutes was the brief reply
and Louisa turned a. leaf, with an expression o
absorbing interest s... ri
Hiram yawned, advanced towards the bed
room, brought forth his slippers and dressing
gown, put them on, and sat down once more by
the fire, Louisa still reading. ... !.
AT last Hiram lost all patience. He fell
compelled to say something; but instead Of
coming directly to the point, and requesting
Louisa to lay by her book, he observed
Il am afraid you read too much by lamplight
Louisa; it hurts your eyes
i don't know that it does,' murmured Mrs