The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-12-24

at his store, he was able to dismiss these
thoughts, and to enter, with his USUAL
earnestness, upon the business of the day
On turning his steps homeward at
dinner time, thought preceded him, and
something OF the oppression from which
he had suffered in the morning now
rested on his feelings. He remembered
/ how it was when he left, and lmaglna-
ton could realize no change in the as
pect OF things. He saw the glis'ening
eyes and grleving face Of his child, and
the sober, almost sad countrnance Of his
wife. To meet these, and yet assume a
cheerful manner, was for INN no light
achievement. But, it must, if possible,
/ bed done. How relieved he was when
Fanny, his light-hearted little girl, met
him with sunny face, and claimed her
usua! kiss. Mrs. WinkIeman smiled too
as pleasantly as if there had been no
morning cloud. Yet, even from this he
suffered rebuke. There was generous
denial OF self, and loving forgiveness
on their part, that humblrd and sobered
him. All a.! If h" could only forget the
past, SO that he might enter into the joy
Of the present. But that was imrossi
bic. Whatever is written on the memo
ny IN pain, bears too wildly the record.
Y-., there was one thing he could do,
and that was to speak and act affection
ateIy and kindly. How potent was the
charm that lay IN his words and manner!
What new sphere of life seemed to
pcrvadr the little home circl. The
morning cloud had passed, and the risen
sun eXhaled the early dew.
But ere the dinner hour was over, a
touch discordant Jared the pleasant har-
mony. Fanny happened TO overturn a
glass of water, at which Mr.. Wrinkle
man said imPatiently, and with a
frow.-
"W hat a careless girl you are ~
The blood mounted to Fanny's cheeks
and brow, aud tears came into her eyes.
Scarcely were the words uttered by
Mr. Winklen an ere he was sobered by
regret.
''Try and be more careful, Fanny"
said he, IN kinder voice.
al didn't mean TO do it, tather.'
Eanny's lip qulverrd. She tried to
regain her seli-posscsSlon; but the very
kindness in her fathers voice helped,
now, to break down her feelings, and
she sobbed aloud. Mr.. Winkleman
didn't like this. His sudden irritation
had clouded his perception, and he did
hnr h., # |,
child, and comprehend her state. He
attributed rather to anger, or pervrrse.
ness, than of wounded feelings that
would express their pain, the tears of
his chlld.
81 don't see any Use in your crying
about it," said Mr.. Wlnkleman, little
Sternlv.
Fanny's sobs increased. Finding it
impossible to control herself, she left
the table and retired from the room.
Mrs. Winhleman's eyes followed with
sad look, her child; and over her whole
countpnance gathered sober hue, as
she vanished through the door. Mr..
Winkleman saw the change his impa-
trent temper had wrought, and his feel
ingS took even darker shade; for self
reproaches, singing sharp y, were added
to modification.
Alas! How all was married again
married through Mr.. Winkleman's UNI
fortunate lack OF selt-conlrol. His heart
was heavier when he left his dwelling
and took his way to his store, than in
the morning. He did not now have to
search about in his mind for the causes
that produced the weight upon his feel
ings. Alas! They were too apparent.
81 must do better than this. 1t is UNI
manly-nay worse, unjust-even worse
than that-cruel,' he said to himself, as
he sat down in his private Office, and
unused alone. Half of the afternoon
was spent in sell.reproachcs, repent
ance, and the formation of good resolu-
tons. He reviewed the past through
many wears, and saw how, times almost
without number, he had, through impa'
tience and want of a thoughtful regard
for his wife and children, destroyed then
happiness and his own.
81 once heard lady say, not know
ing that the words would reach my ears
that Mr.. Wnkleman was a good hus-
band and father. | was tlattercd exceed
ingIy, and prided myself on the truth OF
her remark. But was the remark real,
ly true? Alas fear not. The cap
ticus, impatient, sharp-speaking hus'
band and father, merits not such com
mendation."
Humbled in his own eyes, and griev'
ing for the pain he had occasloned in
his family, Mr.. Winkleman returned
home at the close OF day with heavy
heart. He wished to b. ing sunshine in,
to his dwelling; but, unable to rally
himself and put on cheerful counte
nance, he fell; that his presence would
be far more likely to darken than bright
en- the spirits Of his wife and children.