Democratic banner., 1851-06-18

home, and anticipated much pleasure inI
having the society Of Edgar during the day.
Her bright snticipations, however, we're
dissipated, and her susceptible heart deep
ly wounded, when she saw her husband ma
king preparations for going out. As she
knew he never went to church without her,
she said timidly-
care you going to leave me to-dsy?"
81 thought I would take walk, and call
on Mr.. Bruce, or Charley Waters-I am
not accustomed to staying in the house all
day"
Emil5's eyes glistsned. and she sighed as
she turned svay her face.
After psuse she said
81 hoped you would stay with me to-day;
/ am always very lonesome without you
but to-day I shall miss you 60 much"
"Oh, shall be back presently replied
Edgar in careless tone, sand you must
make Ellen read to you while am gone"
AS Edgar kissed his wife goodbye, as
was his wont, he did not observe that her
lips quivered, and that her cheek was cold;
and when he was gone he did not know
that she was shedding tears Of sorrow over
his neglect. Indeed, we may suppose that
he forgot her quite, for he did not come
home to dine, the tea was served, and the
unhappy wife after delaying long in hopes
Of his return, slipped her cup and ate her
bit of toast without him; and then the chill
and gloomy night came on, and Edgar was
still away. The long and cherries even
ling wore on, and Notwithstanding the kind
attentions of her sister Ellen, who was her
companion, Emily felt no happiness in the
present, and saw no hope in the future.
At length Edgar returned, and from his
manner, Emily plainly saw that he had been
indulging in the pleasures of the wine cup.
He was very gay; and while his unhappy
wife regarded him with fearful eyes, he
earnestly declared that he had come home
early for no other reason than to have Q
game of whist with Emily and her sister,
Too much agitated to speak, Mrs. Sumner
only sighed, and brushed away her tears 10
silence, while Ellen reminded Edgar that
the Sabbath had not yet passed.
"True!" he exclaimed; 81 had forgotten;
and besides that, there are only three Of US.
But we should do something for amusement,
girls; what shall it be?'
"If you wish for amusement Tonight p
said Ellen, severely-she was frank, sen.
sible girl, of eighteen, but sometimes toe
hasty in her remarks, 'sIf you wish for 9.
musement tonight, Mr.. Sumner, you had
better 60 away again. Emily is very un-
well, and you by neglect and carelessnsss
are killing her"
"Hush!' gasped Emily; show could you
speak so, Ellen?"
/ "Because it is truth"
"Because it is lie-and because am
not master in my own house!" thundered
Edgar angrily. "You are an impudent Jade
Miss; and if you come to create misunder.
standings between me and Emily, you will
do we'll to 60 home again as soon IS conve.
Inient."
"Very we'll, sir" responed Ellen, turning
her back upon Edgar, and kissing Emily
sfectionately-"Good night, sister. DOM
cry--good night"
Emily's voice was choked with sobs, and
before she could speak, Ellen had left the
room.
Alone with his wife, Edgar looked dsrkly
into the FIRE, and unused some moments II
gloomy silence. The sobs of his wife aIous'
ed him.
"What is the matter2' he asked abrupt'
Ily. .-..
Emily could make no reply. Edgar scowl
led at the door through which Ellen had dis
appeared, and bithis lips with evident per
lrlexity. -
"This is queer state of things" he sait
atleugth. "That girl has been trying tt
Iput strange ideas into your head, Emily
Can you ssy that ] am ever unkind t.
lyou.o
"Oh, mol" cried Mrs. Sumner, eagerly
|"you have never been unkind to me, an
sure"
/ "Then Why did she speak 80 to me?"
II Emily made no answer.
"Shs is certainly snimpudent cir" )" NUT
tered Edgar. "Why shoald she try TO mak'
I differences between us?'' E 10
"Oh, sbe did not, Edgar. She means vel
,I--ths dear girl-but she spoke hsstily."
"And perhaps Ibid too, ," added Mr.. Sum
ner. ....-
! No more was said on the subject Of Ed
.lgar's neglect, and he probably would no
lhave thought Of the matter again, had he no
on COMING iIome to dinner oI