Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-07-04

A STORY FOR WIVES.


Come round to Guys tonight, Ned said ,
Young acquaintance to Edward Nichols, as
thew stood exchanging few words at the
corner Of a street. where they had paused
for moment or two ere taking their differ
ent ways homeward.
What's TO be done there Z inquired
Nichols.
s Nothing ser1 particular. But do You
come round and tn promise you a pleasant
evening" :.
Il Believe I'll stay at home with my wife,
replied Nichols.
well lust as you like said the other
Happy 10 see YOU at Guys; but if you
find Il more agreeable at home, stay there.
Should the time however, from any cause,
hang heavy on your hands, just drop round
and help us to spend an hour or two. My
word for it, you'll find more than one agree
able companion
The young men parted, and Edward Mich
ols pursued his way homeward. The latter
had been married about two years.
On entering the room where his wife was
sitting. Nichols saw, with feeling of disap-
pointment, that there was cloud upon her
DrOW. Inc clOuQ BdQ dppSsAcN ~ OiVSht
that he was getting discouraged.
Is anything wrong, Margaret he asked
kindly.
No was the brief reply utteredin COM
planning tone Of voice.
Nichols sighed, and turning to the crib
in which their babe lay sleeping, bent over
it and looked down upon its pure, sweet
face.
Don't wake that child, Edward said his
wife, in fretful voice, I've been more than
an hour trying to get her asleep
Nichols stood a moment OF two, still gaz-
ing upon the tranquil face Of the child, and
then raised himself from his STOPPING posture
fixing hiseeyes as he did 50, upon the coun-
tenance Of his wife. There was not an ex
preston in It that man could love. A pee
wish, unhappy temper, had, for the tune ab
sorbed every attraction. The husband fel
repulsed. Leaving the room without re
mark, he went down to the parlor, and ia
king book, sat and read until tea was an
nouneed.
There was no pleasant light in the face G
Mrs. Nichols as she joined her husband a
the table.
Don't you feel well, Margaret ? he ash
ed.
NY head aches, was returned.
I'm sorry What has eaIsed"-
Dish water CALCULATED Mrs. Nichols, il
terruptng what her husband was about
say, and setting down the teapot she ha
lifted, with a jar upon the tray. Such tea
she added, as she took off the lid and loo
ed within the teapot. Then she rung Il
table-bel, and the cook made her appea
ance.
Its too bad ? she exclaimed addressir
the cook Pm out Of all patience with SUI
doings. Pray, see that my wishes are bett
attended to in future
The girl nuttered something as she retire
and then Nichols and his wife were alone
gain. Both ate in silence, but very sparin
". On rising from the table, the wife we
up to her chamber, while the husband to
refuge in the parlor, and there sought to f
get his uncomfortable sensations in the |
ges Of an entertaining book.
While trying to find in the book he v
reading pleasant recreation, Mr.. Mich
remembered the invitation Of his you
friend Anderson to meet him and some pie
ant companions and pass an hour at Gu
tavern. His mind no longer took in
meaning Of the sentences on the page bef
him. Soon after he closed the book, a
rising from his chair, walked for short ii
about the room. There was struggle
his mind between duty and inclination.
believed that it was his duty to remain
home with his wife, while inclination dI
him strongly towards the friends at Gu
Had his wife been in pleasant mood;
she made home bright with the smiles OF
fection, both duty and inclination would h
been on the same side But, alas this
not so. AT home there was a repel
sphere; while at a certain point away Fl
home, there existed a strong attraction.
At length Nichols went up stairs with
mind made up to remain at home, if he 70
his wife in a more cheerful and companiC
ble state, or to spend the evening at Gil
ifno change forthe better were visible.
entering his wife's chamber he found he
her workstand engaged in sewing. She
not look up, nor speak.
Does your head feel any better. Ma
retP he asked, kindly.
No. was the only response, made
low, constrained voice