Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-03-10

nature Cheerful as he appeared, and lightly
as he moved away, under the temporary excite
ment Of mind occasoned by the little interview
just mentioned, he found himself weak and
weary before reaching home. Hungry, too, he
was, and quite ready for comfortable evening
meal.
1t can't be seven o'clock, Henry said his
wife, as he entered and she seemed slightly
worried.
Yes, and ten minutes past, answered Peter
kin; and he sat down, with an exhausted air,
and commenced tanning himself with the broad
brim Of his Panama, which he still held in his
hand. What trying day il has beenl' he re-
marked. 'rhe hottest Of the season.
/ Get your father cool drink Of water, An
ma, said Mrs Pelerkin TO their little daughter,
as soon, as she perceived how weary and heat
ed her husband was
This glass Of water was quickly brought,
/ for love in that household was ever prompt in
action.
Thank you. DEAR, said the father, with a
smile, as he received the water. 'Ab, that is
refreshing = added he as he took the glass from
his lips Il feel hundred per cent better al
ready. Hang up my hat, Garry. HoE's ba-
by She was ut at all well when leit home
this morning..
Poor little dear She's been ffeiiul all day.,
replied Mrs Peierkn. 1t has been so warm ;
and ! think she's cutting tooth I've had
her in my arms nearly the whole afiernoon.--
Hush There, she is awake again | was in
hopes she would rest the evening through
Oh, dear, I'm quite worn out Garry, 90 up
10 your sister, and try to amuse her, while
see about supper This new girl isn't at all to
be depended upon
| Mrs Peierkin went to the kitchen, where she
found the promise Of an early tea even worse
than she had anticipated. But there was kind
Of magic in her presence that quickly gave
new aspect to everything. A slight, but skill
fnl Encouragement of the fire caused it 10 burn
clearer, and few prompt directions to the cook
frightened the ideas Of that individual wonder
fully. Just as Mrs Peterkin's hands were fair
ly 10 her work, the babe, which had at first
been partially quieied through Carry's efforts,
began 10 scream violently.
Oh dear, dear . exclaimed the mother,
whose nerves were already so excited that she
only maintained exterior composure through
the most earnest effort. What is to be done
! can't bear to hear that poor sick chid's cries
and, if leave here, there's no telling when tea
VIII be ready
1t only needed an impatient word from her
husband to destroy the equilibrium for which
Mrs Peterkin was so bravely struggling. With
him, at that moment, rested the happiness or
unhappiness Of his little household. lie was
depressed in body from WEAKNESS and hunger.
lie had looked forward 10 the evening meal
win pleasure, and had expected to find it, as
usual, on the table, Instead of this, he found
his wife in slightly worried state, and the
supper he was so fully prepared 10 enjoy far
from being ready 1t had cost him little ef-
Tort to hide his disappointment on discovering
The aspect OF affairs, when he first came in
but he gave ut,eranee to cheerful words, and
'hese restored cheerful feelings
Le't alone, after his wife had gone 10 see af-
ter the evening meal, and his little daughter to
quiet the baby, MIR Peteriiin's thoughts dyerg
ed into rather an unusual channel for him, and
he was actually saying to himself, "A little fore
cast on wiiey's part would have prevented this,
when the baby's loud screams disturbed him.
1t was rarely that he suffered anything TO an-
~ ~ - -'""t """S'ri, NO uiu iet'i
worried. An exhausted body left an exhaust
cd mind. Over his counienance fitted an i'm
patient expression, and few contracting lines
Swallowed his forehead, For little while he
sat- Inc screams oil the baby hutiering his
nerves Then he arose, and was about pass
ing INTO the kitchen to say, half iinpatiently,
10 lei supper Alone and go up to The baby,
wheh better thought was born Of better pur-
pose : and instead OF doing as at first inclined,
ne assembled to the chamber, and, taking the
ehild' quickly sooihed 1t with gentle tones and
loving words.
WhH magic power to awaken discord or
produce harmony was possessed by the husband
ana ia'her IN ihat little point OF time The
good and the evil imRplse were for moment
OF TWO evenly balanced out good preponderated,
ana a caimness ieii upon the slightly troubled
waters Oh ms pheasant household. And such
power every husband and father possesses yet
now lew use 'heir influence, at all times, well
ana wisely
% interested oid Mr re'erkin soon become
III the now qulet and happy babe, that he forgot