The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-02-01
From .Huthu''s Home Ga-ete. I
TIE PUNCTUAL HAN.
BY JOHN JONES, JR.

1 ' W,
little in advance Of time. OF such a
thing as being too late for an engagement
no one ever knew him to be guilty. On
the other hand, Mrs. jenkins had very
little regard to the passage Of time. Ask
Mr.. jenkins what o'clock il was at any
period ofthc day, and ms answer, prompt
! ~ given, and without consulting his gold
lever, would rarely vary ten minutes
from the real time. Ask Mrs. Jenkins
the same question, and if she came with
i'll two hours Of it, the fact would be re-
markable.
"Now, my dear, do hurry! We shall
be too late"
Never did Mr.. and Mrs. Jenkins 90
upon journey, or attend church or a
party, without a dozen reprtitions of this
admouition, mildly urged in the begin
ming, but, in nervous, impatient tone Of
voice, ere the lingering spouse deemed
her rerSon all in trim for the contem-
plated movement. In most cases, even
with all the punctual husbands efforts
TO bring his wife up to the time, but lit
tie advance was ever gained. Service
had usually commenced, ere they reach
ed the church on Sunday, notwithstand-
ing Mr.. Jenkins nervous horror of dis
turbing, by untimely entrance, a wor-
Shipping assembly, and notwithstanding
his weekly repetition Of
"Now DO, my dear, try and be ready
in time today"
They were usual among the last at a
tea party: and upon them rested the guilt
of disturbing the temper, wearing ont the
patience, and spelling the oysters of the
fair hostess. More than once had the
prophecy
Wen be too late for the steamboat,
met a literal lultillment.
One would naturally think that fire.
Guent experiences of this kind must work
change. Far from it. 1t was Just as
natural for Mrs. Jenkins to take no note
Of time, as for her husband to be noting
it all the while.
Last summer they decided on trip to
Boston, and after all needlul preparation,
the day arrived that was to witness their
departure.
"Come, dear" said Mr.. Jenkins, Just
as day began TO dawn. ''It's time to get
up. We shall be late"
"Late It's only little past 4 o'clock,
and the boat doesn't leave until nine"
And Mrs. Jenkins, who had been
aroused from a pleasant sumber, com
posed herself for another nap.
Come come! We shall be late"
Mr.. Jenkins spoke now in more
earnest voice, for the first rays of the up
risen sun were streaming in at the cham
Der window.
'Plenty of time" returned Mrs. Jcn.
kins, showing no very strong inclination
to rise.
Mr.. jenkins, who was up and partly
dressed, now bethought himself of con-
sulting his watch. When to his surprise
he found that it was fulla hour later than
he had supposed it to be.
"Comc! come! said he, imrotiently.
at is nearly haIEpast six O'clock"
80 no" returned his wife.
at is then, and no mistake. See for
YOURSELF" and he held the gold lever
before hfr eyes.
81 declare! had no idea that it was
so late"
Mrs. Jenkins sprung from the bed and
commenced dressing herself hurriedly.
Twice the bell rang for break fast before
she was ready to obey the summons
But at length she took her way to the
dining room, and, much to her husbands
relief, she left the table in time TO finish
all necdtul preparations for the journey.
The breakfast scene, winch finally
ended so much to Mr.. Jenkins satisfac-
ton, is worthy of passing note.
Mr.. Jenkins received his cup of coffee
from the hand Of his wife, with nervous
Jerk, and in bringing ii down upon the
table beside him, managed to spill third
of it over upon the white cloth. Then,
in putting his cup too eagerly to his lips
scalded his mouth.
''Here! give me some cream. This
coffee is as hot as iirc!' he exclaimed, as
he handed back his cup.
More cream was supplied, and then
the cup Of coffee was emptied at a single
draught.
The work of breaking an egg, and
pouring out its contents, came next in
order. Usually, Mr.. jenkins could per-
form this delicate operation with consid-
cradle skill. On the present occasion,
he spilled portion over the side of his
egg cup, soiled his fingers, and made
"such time of it," that he pushed egg
and cup from him, with an impatient
"What mess Pm making ofit"
Mr.. jenkins next attacked the toast
and bolted couple of slices in a twink
ling.-Having done which he drew