The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-02-09
CHAPTER Y.

In the manner described in the last
Chapter, continued the affairs of Mr.. and
Mrs. Oldfint to thrive for some weeks
Gradually change came over him; he
came and went from the house regularly
three times a day. He remained as
short time as possible. Toward Mrs.
Oldfint he acted as if fearing reproof.--
Noiselessly he shut the doors, lightly he
trod the carpets, and swiftly he stepped
from the gate on his departure. In the
house he was always timid, reserved and
silent Outside, in his intercourse with
his fellow townsmen, in his business trans
actions-in everything be set value upon
he strove to retain and recruit his con-
fdence and courage by obtaining more
than ordinary success-by acquiring un-
wonted respcct--by enchanting the esteem
of others for him; and when the time ar
rived for him to return, and he imagined
himself as well loaded with confidence and
assurance as to meet with brazen front
the accusing dignity of his wife, he would
make the attempt; but it was no USE
The first glance of her sent all oozing out
of his fingers ends; and Mr. Oldhint tho't
good deal lie thought how much bet
ter off he would have been had he never
again resorted to the club. He feared
that he, was loosing his wife's affec-
tions; he wanted to retreat, but he
couldn't. He had taken the first step
had Welded to the influence of his COM
papions. and neglected his wife. He
hadn't the courage to take the right course
he dared not try management.
Finally he became intoxicated one night
and was taken home insensible. Once
or twice before he had been thus intoi-
Gated; but then he was taken to hotel.
He arose the next morning with an ach-
ing head, and but half recovered from
his intoxication, and found himself in his
own house. Still he had sense enough to
appreciate his condition. In this stupid
state be noiselessly dressed himself, and
carefully stole toward the back stairs
He wished to get out without being seen
! by his wife. lie reached and was pass
ing out of the gate, when, like clap OF
: thunder, the voice of his wife fell on his
startled ear. Breakfast was ready, she
said, and you must come and partake Of
! it.
, Mr. Oldhint doubted his senses as he
, listened to his wife; but he returned.
Seated at the breakfast table, she was
5 most kind in her attentions. "ls the cof
S fee hot enough, my dear! Have another
roll? Dc the eggs suit you, my love-
E How do you like the steak?" and similar
questions poured in on the delighted Old
a flint His stupidity vanished, and; lik'
n romantic school boy making his first con
: fession OF love to the mistress of his heart
: did he, between bushes and grins, confes
and obtain forgiyness of his wife.
= Breakfast over, the happy couple re
J. tired to the little boudoir of Mrs. Old
n flint.
0 Mr.. Oldhint went not to bis oshce tina
1t forenoon; he spent it with bis wife Iii
+ told her long story about himselt-gav
% her the whole history of his connection
II wish BIuster. He related, too, his man
;, schemes for encouraging her, over whic
y they both had hearty laugh; and, t
} break of his intimacy with Bluster an
!, never resume it again, he yoluntari
&c promised,