The American patriot., 1856-01-12
The Husbands Ru,e.
BIT LALLA LINwoop.

my, oh my" soliloquized Charles Seaton,
lit is too bad, never come home but find
my wife sick and complaining; she won't talk
read or make any exertion for my happiness
or comfort; Fam obliged to seek pleasure and
enjoyment anywhere but at my own fireside
and this is only the second year of our mar.
rage. If it continues thus wonder where
1t will end? But let me see-ha, ha! 1have
it now, and think it will cure her. However
there is no harm in the experiment; she is for.
ever lying on the sofa, or sick in bed-yet she
looks remarkably we'll for one who eats moth.
ing. usually take my meals alone, as she
is too i'll to come to the table, and see she is
not coming down to tea; so when am done l
will not 60 to her room this time to enquire af.
ter her health"
After Mr. Seaton had taken his tea, he took
cigar and walked through the hall putting,
with all his might, volumes Of smoke to keep
his courage to the sticking point, and went
out in search Of company to spend the evening
with; but feeling rather uncomfortable, as it
was the first time he had shown his wife SO
little attention, and being one who was great
advocate for domestic happiness, he concluded
to return home again and not 60 to the club
room lie re-entered the house silently, and
seating himself in the back parlor where he
distinctly heard his wifes voice in the dining
room. Mrs. Seaton had come down, as she
heard her husband leave the house SO uncere-
moniously, and entering the dining room wrap
ped in large shawl, she seated herself at the
table in an indolent, careless manner. murmur.
IN a half audible tone to the maid of all work
Betty, has Mr.. Seaton gone out, and with
out coming to see how wasp.
" Faith, indade, ma'am, don't know, but l
should not wonder if he had"
"Oh, my poor head aches wretchedly, and
l feel so miserable; don't know what to do
with myself" continued Mrs. Seaton, pressing
both hands to her temples
"A it'll: tea and toast will help you ma an" !"
said the servant maid, while she dished out a
cup.
swell, I think will try little :" drawled
out Mrs. Seaton.
"A slice of toast was quickly prepared for
her, and Betty, seeing that she relished it very
much, thought she might as well tempt her ap
petite little more by dlscanting upon the del
icacies that were set before her.
" Have bit of chicken" said Betty, "it is
nino nj :oL 4
it will give you strength"
81 believe shall take small piece" said
the invalid; "and you may give me slice Of
tongue, some cranberry sauce and warm bis
cult, for they look very tempting indeed, and
my appetite seems to have increased very
rapidly. Some chicken salad and another cup
of tea, Betty, and some grated cheese and So
da cracker"
The servant girl began to look aghast as she
feared the table would soon be cleared and no.
thing left for herself
"Well, ma am, have any thing else?" grave.
iy inquired Betty,
eyes, I think will try preserved orange,
with slice ofjelly cake"
"Dear me-" she exclaimed, as she heard the
door close, 81 feel very i'll, and shall have
to lie down."
She rose from the table and tottercd into the
back parlor and sank, as if exhausted, upon
the sofa, as she observed her husband who
had opened and closed the door as if he had
but just entered.
well, helen, said Mr.. Seaton, are you bet
ter this EVENING"
'Oh, no, Charles family she answered.
Pray come and fix this pillow under my head
and spread the shawl over nc l don't know
what has come over me-the least exertion al
most kills, me; fear l shall never be well
again
Indolence and disposition to effect the in
valid, thought Mr.. Seaton, as he walked to thu
table in search of book to vile away the hours
While turning over the leaves to find some
thing to interest him, his wife's cousin enter
ed to spend the evening.
4 am so much oblige to you dear Kate sale
Mr.. Seaton, as he greeted the fair girl, fol
coming hardly know what to do with my
self, Helen is always so ILL.,"
But how is my fair cousin, this evening ?
inquired Kate, while bending over the invalid
Il continue to grow much worse she an
swercd, with her eyes closed.
"Hcr appetite has failed, replied Mr.. Seaton
with mock seriousness, and medical skill
seems to avail nothing. fear she will no
recover
A shrek, as if in pain, announced that th'
bait took well. As Mrs. Seaton was anxious t
impress her husband with the idea, that sh'
was of frail, delicate health, and was exceed