The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-02-08

"Why, If you behave yourself | WILL"
she replied, in the same tone; "and as il
is all ready you might as we'll have it now.
should think you needed it. after so hot
a day.
At length, the comfortable. though fru-
gal meal was ended, and the children put
to bed, and then the little wife came gaily
down stairs. Fields was weary, and piac
ed his feet upon chair. but no frown
darkened Carries brow at the sight On
the contrary, she advanced good -humor-
edly to his side, and inquired if she should
60 on with the book she had been reading
the previous evening, or il he would rather
chat, while she worked. But the pleasure
Of listening to an interesting book was far
greater to the weary man, than that OF
hearing the village gossip, and so Carrie
read on till bed time. ,g..,
Time passed on, and with it Mrs. Y Yaies
grew more careless and fond OF gossip;
Mrs. Jones a more devoted house slave;
and their husbands. as necessary con-
sequence, grew more attached to ale house
company; while Carrie Fields pursued the
even tenor Of her way. contented. neat.
cheerful and good tempered. her house
haven of peace and happiness. to which
her husband ever returned with pleasure.
and herself most happy in making him so
One day Carrie was busily engaged in
wedding lar little garden, when. Mrs. Yates
passed by, and seeing her. paused to "chat
a bit" -
I You have not seen the new CLOAK
Fields bought me on my biflh day, sald
Carrie.
"No, I've not, but I'll come in now"
and Mrs. Yates entered.
Upon my word, it's pretty cloak
wish could afford such one,' said Mrs
Yates. ''And how nice you have every.
thing around you. l wish could be as
comfortable"
"And why should you not?' said Car
rie; "your husband has the same wages
as mine."
"Ah! but your husband does not spend
so much OF his money at the public house
as mine"
| "No, he never enters it."
"And yet, when we were both married
every body said mine was the best match
because Yates was the steadlest man.
can think how you manage TO keep him
at home'
"By making il neat, clean and comfort
able; by letting him find his supper waiting
for him, and his wife and children ready
10 welcome him and keep him company
Mrs. Yates stood for moment silen
and self-convicted. She said little 10 Mrs
Fields. but bidding her soon '.good-day,
sped home, resolving. as she went, that
|, Eher husbands reformation depended oi
hers. it should be set about without delay
u That evening, at the usual hour, tn
three men returned to Bell Air; Field
, testing on the way. for his heart was ligh'
the others dull and weary, for they wes
!. exhausted by their days work, and ha
no bright home thoughts TO cheer then
s At length Yates parted with his compan
ions, and sauntered slowly homewarG
knowing that, however late he Nigh. ut
/. he always was too soon. al last he reacl
: ed his home, but stood still with astonisf
o ment at the scene before him, aimo
d doubling whether he had not entered ii
!. wrong door. The room was swept an
y busted, and everything was put in j
n place. the supper was ready and the chi
Is dren neat.
But the next moment his wife entere
ST and then he knew his home again, for h
N old dress was a matter that, amid all h
d reformations, she had quite overlooke
IS But those she had effected, sutficed for Il
ic time, for, pleased with the unwonted cor
is fort, her husband remained contented
home.
is proud and happy woman that mig
IT, was Mrs. Yates. She looked upon I
1t. victory as already gained, and great W
her disappointment when, on the followi
ur evening, Yates went to the public hous
IS The next morning she took her way
Mrs. Fields cottage, to communicate
re her the hopes and fears Of tho last t'
days.
ty "You must not be down. hearted" 81
Iy. Carrie, "only 60 on in the way you ha
nd begun, and before long your husband v
set sit at home of an evening as happy a
th contented as mine does"
if .'Do you really think so?" said NJ
Yates, wiping away the tears. @94
"To be sure do" said Carrier gal
Ek land now III tell you what Ill do
as lend you a book. read a little of it to
Yates of an evening. and when it is enc
,us you shall have another.
he "Thank you," said Mrs. Yates, full
as hope. and she departed. Carrie lool
after her moment, and then calling
AN back, exclaimed:
If "Whatever you do, Mrs. Yates. dc
md forget to put on clean gown before e
her ming" ,
her Mrs. Yates took both pieces of adyic
lat she put on the clean gown. and she r.
me. the book, and they both answered ex
and lently: Carrie had proved a true prop
,m- and at the end Of a year or two both Sc
nee ed reformed, and were as happy
Sc" peaceful in their neat little cottage, as
md couple in Bell Air.
,bor Meanwhile, months came and W
ned and brought no spell upon their wings
ling Jones' happiness. One evening there
ere. been the usual display of great ange
use. little sins, when Jones, weary of the 81
ion. that fell upon himself. pushed back
hus. chair, and rising, turned to leave the ho
bet. Sand now" observed Mrs. Jones,
!. byEly,"I suppose because you are not al
one ed to make everything in mess, you
nae. going to the public house to spend