Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1856-12-18

| D.
tributed to long course Of tyranny on the
part of her husband.
Did not all this lead her to reject his suit
summarily!
II did not. Mrs. Kent was aware that, 4,
whatever might be Mr.. Mellen's Peculiari-
ties of temper, he was a man o: wealth and
position. OF course, as his wife, she would
share in these advantages. AS t) the draw
back hinted above, she was woman of
strong will, and did not feel particularly dis
mayed. She anticipated that Mr.. Mellen
would attempt to domineer over her, but was
quite prepared for such an emergency.s
Having duly weighed all the considera-
tions above mentioned, when Marmadnke
waited upon her on the day appointed, she
graciously aoceded to his proposal, and fixed
upon an early marriage day. This sss not
long il arriving. Four weeks from the date
of her acceptance, Mrs. Kent bade farewell
to the name bequeathed her by her first hus-
band, and became Mrs. Marmaduke Mellen
the second.
For brief period all went smoothly
Mr. Melen thought it best to wait until
the close of the honeymoon before he made
known to his wife the plan of government
which he had adopted for her benefit.
One day, after the usual dinner hour, Mr.
Mellen returned, to ind his mother-in-law
seated quietly at the dinner-table beside his
wife. Now, to mothers-in-law, Mr.. Mellen
had special adherence. He would have
been very glad never to have had one enter
his home. AS, however, a regard to appear
anees would not quite sanction their utter
exclusion, be was disposed to have their
visits like those of angels (Which he was
far enough from considering them). few and
far betw Gen. Accordingly, the look which
he directed towards the hapless lady sustain
ing that character was by no means well
come one.
This was not all Actuslly, his wife had
had the audsciy to order up dinner before
he arrived. To be sure he was nearly an
hour late, but what of that! Wasn't ii his
wfe's duty to wait for him, even if ne were
three or four hours latel
Eating dinner!' he exclaimed, with
mingled surprise and asperity, as he entered
the room.
Yes said Mrs. Mellen, careless;y, you
are rather late to-day, and as mother had
quite long walk, and felt hungry. we de-
cided to have dinner Immediately
And | suppose said Mr.. Melen, hastily,
Il am expected te eat cold dinner!
Really, Mr.. Mellen,' sand his wife, lifting
her eyebrows in some surprise, 'one would
think you were angryr
SO am, ma6am. / am accustomed to
have dinner wait .or me-
| However late you returnp
yes, however late return
There is no objection to that, am sure
You will have your dinner wherever you
choose, of course, and suppose may ex-
ercise the same priviIage.'
we shall see, madam
Certainly, we shall see.'
Really, Maria, and NIr. Mellen, you
should not differ, expostulated the mother
in-law.
oh, don't be troubled, MOTHER said her
daughter, cody, sit is only little difference
which will be speedily arranged. We shall
understand each other better by-and-by.'
Yes, madam said Mr.. Mellen, signi6-
can,ly; your da lighter is quite right. We
shall understand each other better by-and-
by
you see, mother, there is no cause for
apprehension
i sBut am afraid
will you have another potato! Yours
must be quite cold,' interrupted Mrs. Mellen.
1 Finding further remonstraace useless the
mother-in-law was silent
| Mr.. Mellen was somewhat disturbed by
this occurrence. He could not conceal from
himself that his wife, as yet, was far from
being in that state of subordination which
he considered proper and becoming. How
ever, time will remedy that thought he to
himself.
The next day, slthough his business ar.
rangements were BY no means urgent, he
purposely delayed half an hour besond the
: regular dinner hour. When be returned
he found his wife and nother-in-law just
rising from the dinner-table
4 What does this meant he exclaimed
angrily.
sOnIy that two is our regular dinner hour,
d answered the wife, composedly, 'and thai
$ dinner is always served punctualy at that
]. time.'
'And you expect me to eat cold dinner
whenever my engagements detain me later !
e Not at all. directed Bridget to keep &
e portion of the dinner hot for you. She
!. shall bring it up directly.' So saying, she
d moved towards the bell and rang it.
: Mr.. Mellen was nenpiussed, He hardly
: knew what to say. He finally determined
: to wait until some plan should strike hin
e calculated to humble his wife's pride. A
: present, therefore, he said nothing, but at,
r, his dinner in gloomy silence.
1t Meanwhile, his wife continued to chat il
,. lively strain with her mother, and thei
1t frequent laughter Jared very dscordan,l.
Of on Mr. Melien's nerves.
e Shortly after dinner, Mr.. Mellen contriv
Mt ed to see Bridget without his wife's know
E. edge.
lie Bridget said he, Il find that for two day
past, dinner has been served up before
1t come home. Hereafter, you must wait un
g. til return before doing so.'
ed But the MISTRESS told me- said Bridge
at Il know that said Mr.. Mellen; 'but yo
- are bound to ooey me rather than her.
as 'Sirr said the bewildered Bridget, wh
of did not comprehend at all.
IL d will tell you wha. l expect you to do
said her master. Tomorrow, for exampl
ng shall not be at home till four o'clock =
ed Four, remember. On no account must yo
er- serve up dinner before that time
ad sBut what shall say to mi<thress, whe
nd. she tells mel! asked Bridget, with her ey
TO- wide open in astonishment.
DO Say! You must tell her that forba
your doing it. And you may tell her, ais
or, that threatened to dismiss you immediat
ate ly, if you failed to comply with my dire
INT tions. Will you remember thatP
'l'll try answered Bridget, whose fac'
- ties, never very bright, we're complete
thrown into confusion by her antagonis