Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1853-05-10
NO, he never enters it.

And yet VIXEN we were married, every body
said mine was the best match, because Yates
was the steadiest man. / can't think how you
manage to keep him al. home'
by keeping it neat and clean, and comforta-
bic, by letting him find his supper waiting for
HIM on the table, ana wlfe and children ready
to welcome him and keep him company
Mrs. Yates stood for moment silent and
selfconvicted. She said little to Mrs. Fields.
but soon bidding her good day. sped home,
resolving as she went; that if her husbands
reformation depended on her, it should be with
out delay.
That evening, at the usual hour, the three
men returned to Bell Air; Fields testing on
the way, for his heart was light the others dull
and weary, for they were exhausted by their
days labor, and had no bright home thoughts
to cheer them. At length Yates parted with
his companions and sauntered slowly home
ward. Knowing that, however, late he might
be, he was always too soon. AT last he reach
ed his home, but stood still in establishment at
the scene before him, almost doubling whether
he had not entered the wrong door. The room
was swept and busted and everything was put
IN Its place, the supper was ready and the chill
dreh neat.
But the next moment his wife entered, and
then he knew his homeagain, for her own dress
was matter that amid all her rcformations she
had overlooked. But those she had effected
sutticed for the time, for pleased with the un-
wonted comfort, her husband remained content
ed at home.
A proud and happy woman that night was
Mrs. Yates. She looked upon the victory as
already gained, and great was her disappoint-
ment, when, on the following evening, Yates
went to the public house. The next morning
she took her way to Mrs. Fields cottage, to
communicate to her her hopes and fears of the
last two days.
you must not be down-hearted,' said Car
RE, 'only go on i'll the way you have begun,
and before long your husband will sit at home
OF all evening as happy and contentcd as mine
does
Doyou really think SOL! said Mrs. Y, wiping
away the tears.
TO be sure I do said Carrie, gaily, sand now
I'll tell you what I'll do-I'll lend you book,
read little to Mr.. Yates of an evening, and
when it is ended you shall have another.'
Thank you, and Mrs. Yates, full of hope,
departed. Carrie looked after her moment,
and then calling her back exclaimed:
Whatever you do, Mrs. Yates, don't forget to
put on clean gown before evening"
Mrs. Y&scs took both pieces of advice-she
put on the clean gown, and she read the book
and they both answered excellcntlv. Carrie
had proved a true prophet, and at the end year
or two both seemed reformed, aud were as hap
py and peaceful in their neat little cottage as
any couple in Bell Air.
Meanwhile months came and went, and
brought no spell upon their wings for Jones'
happiness. One evening there had been the
usual display of great anger for little sins, when
Jones, weary of the share that fell upon himself
pushed back his chair, and rising turned to
leave the house.
And now,' observed Mrs. Jones, drily, Isup-
pose, because you are not allowed to make eve
ry thing in muss, you are going to the public
house to spend your money!
No. replied he, quickly, 4 am going down
TO Yates repeated his wife, contemptuous-
ly. truly you haey-a good taste TO choose a
dirty house like that
Mrs. Yates does not keep Il dirty house now;
it is as neat and clean us anv ole YOU see,' re-
piled Jones, ';nd what is more, she lets her
husband live in peace and quletness and good
temper
Peace and quietness and good temper-how
these words echoed in Mrs. Jones ears, long af
ter her husband had left the house. Yet,
peace, quietness and good temper, conscience
whispered her were not to be found in her
dwelling. There was an error somewhere
she had always been used to ascribe it wholly
to her husband, but could it be possible that it
existed as much, perhaps more, in herself3
Mrs. Jones took council of none, save her own
heart aad her ovn conscience, but in the end
they guided her Alright and though painful
indeed were the efforts made TO follow their
Dictates and much it cost her to sacrifice, even
in part the habits which had grown upon her
until they almost seemed portion of herself
But time and good intentions, on both sides,
brought back peace and happiness which seem
cd to have deserted their dwelling; and at
length, the faces within it grew as bright as the
tables which were ready to mirror them, for the
best cottage in Bell Air, became one of the
most cheerful and best loved hofncs,