Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1855-04-28
MIR. PEPPERS WIFE:
How he Shut Her Up.

wishes, with regard to these things, found il
unnecessary to give any orders respecting
them, but with you it is different. As you
have never got meal in this house, of course
you know nothing of the regulations Of the
household,
In the first place, you will make fire in the
kitchen, put on the tea-kettle, &c. Then you
will make fire in here; that done, you
will cook the breakfast and bring it in here,
as have always been accustomed to taking
to depart from that custom on your account;
but should you prefer it, you can eat yours in
the kitchen, as it is perfectly immaterial to me- u
This occurred the morning after Mrs. Pepper
went to housekeeping. Mrs. Pepper was a
sensible woman-she made no reply to Mr..
Peppers commands; but as soon as her toilet
was finished, she left the room, and setting
down in the kitchen, she thus ruminated.
snake the kitchen fire-yes I'll do that,
then make fire in the bedroom, I'll see to
that, too; then take the breakfast to his bedside
just see if do! And then Mrs. Pepper
sat and thought deeply for few minutes when,
apparently having arrived at a satisfactory
conclusion, she proceeded to business
Having got nice fire kindled in the kitchen,
she carried some coal into Mr.. P.'s apartment,
and filed up his stove, having first ascerianed
that there was not spark of fire in it. That du.
ty performed, she next prepared the breakfast,
of which she partook with great relish, and
after matters and things were sill set to rights
in the kitchen, she went down town on shops
ping excursion.
Meanwhile, MIR. Pepper began 10 grow m~
patient He ",abored under the impression"
that the atmosphere of his room did not grow
warm very fast, and he began to feel unpIeas-
antly hungry. Peeping out from behind the
regard to the stove. Something like suspi-
con of the real state of affairs began to dawn
upon his mind He listened for few minutes,
but all was still about the house.
Hastily dressing himself, he proceeded to
investigate the affair. He soon comprehended
the whole of it, and was very wrathtul at first:
but he comforted himself with the reflection
that he had the power to punish Mrs. P, and he
felt bound to do it, too. After some search
he found the remains of the breakfast, of which
he partook with Susto, and then he sat down
to wait for Mrs. P. She was long time in
coming, and he had ample time to nurse his
wrath. While sitting there, he thus soilo.
qused:
"That ever l, Philander Pepper, should be
so treated, and by woman, too, is not to be
believed. Ican't believe it, no, nor l won't
she shan't escape, that's certain; il
she should, my reputation for diguity would
be forever gone! for haven't told Solomon
Smpleton all along how was going to make
my wife stand around, and how was going
to make her get up and make the fire every
morning, and let me lie abed, and how was
going to shut her up and feed her on bread
and water, !if she dared to say she wouldn't
do it!"
"A cosy little arrangement, Mr.. Pepper"
said soft voice behind him.
Mr.. P. started up, and there stood Mrs. P.
right behind his chair, laughing just as hard as
she could. Mr. Pepper put on a severe look.
"Sit down in that chair, madam" he said,
pointing to the one he had just vacated" !" while
have a little conversation with you.
Now l should be pleased to know why You
did not obey my orders this morning, and where
you have been all the forenoon" sMr. Pepper, /
have not the least objection to tell you; have
been down town doing little shopping. |
hare purchased some lovely napkins; just look
at them," said she holding them up demurely
for his inspection; Il only paid dollar apiece
for thcm-extremely cheap, don't you think
SOL" she added.
Mr.. Pepper was astonished; how she dared
10 turn the conversation in this way, was q
mystery to him. Suddenly his bottled wrath
broke loose. Turning dercely upon her, he
said ~
"Betsy Jane. you disgust me; You seem to
make very light of this matter; but it is more
'erious than You imagine, as you will find to
,our cost presently. If you do not instantly
veg my pardon, in submissive manner, Ishall
'xert my authority TO bring you to proper
'ense Of your misconduct, by imprisoning You
n one Of my chambers until you are willing to
promise strict obedience to my wishes"
At the close Of this very eloquent and Dig
'ified speech, Mr. Pepper drew himself up to
lis full height, and stationed himself before
drs. P. ready to receive expressions Of sorrow
md penitence; he bad no doubt that she would
all down at his feet, and say
"Dear Philander. won't you please forgive |
ne this time, and I'll never do so any more!"
And he was going In say, Betsy Jane, you'd
etter not" but instead of doing all this, what |
o you think she did! Laughed at him right in |
be face! S#s ssf Z
Mr. Pepper vas awful wrathy. He spoke |
p in voice Of thunder. and said: ea5s
.Mrs. Pepper walk right up stairs, this very |
,inute, and don't you let the grass grow under
our feet while you are going, neither. You
ave begun your antics in good season, Mrs. |
'epper, but I'll have you to know that il wont
ay to continue them any length Of time with
,e, Mrs. Pepper. Again command you to |
Ealk up stairs" assssk
sWelI, really, Mr.. p, it is not at all necsssa.
v'fcfyou to speak 50 loud am not 50 deaf
) ell that comes to; but as for walking up |
lairks have not the least objection TO doing
., If You will wait until have recovered from
" fatigue; but can't think Of doing so be-
re" a@4aaf 81 saeas q O.,
sBus you must, Mrs. Pr e.' .5lgad
'Then oil I've got to say Is this, you'll have
, carry me, for ,0onl walk!'
Mr.. P. looked at bis wife for moment with