Quasqueton guardian. (Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1856-1858, 1857-06-20

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do you take her to soncerts, or other places
of public amusement 2
we haven't been to concert for five
years. said he.
And yet remember that she was pas
sionately fond of music
We can't afford it, remarked Will
kins, gloomily.
Better go without dinner occasion
ally. Health of the soul is quite as es-
sential as health of the body. If you
starve the former, what is there in mere
eating and drinking worth living for p
Mary wouldn't 60 if l were to pur-
chase tickets. She has housed herself so
long that she has no desire to step across
the threshold of her prison house, a
qo' For which, speaking frankly, and to
an old friend. you are, in a great measure,
to blame. And, unless you at once, and
with purpose not to be set aside at first
difficulties, open wide the doors of this
prison house, and actually compel the
dropping prisoner to go forth, a few years
will close up the history of a wretched
life.'
'Ah = said he, can feel the force OF
what you say ! But how and where to
begin !? That is the question:
! notice. was my reply, that Herr
the celebrated composer and pianist, is
in your city, and will give, this evening,
one of his concerts. Take her to hear
him. H
The eyes of Wilkins dropped to the
floor. saw what was in his mind The
tickets were one dollar each, and the ex-
pense, therefore, larger than he felt that
he had right to incur for simple amuse-
ment. He had too many demands for
dollars in other and more important di-
rections. -
I'm going to invite her, said l; and
l don't believe she will refuse me-
'I'm sure she will not 60 Wilkins
was quite positive.
We'll see. You will take note OF
invitation from me at dinner time. will
inclose tickets for you both, and say that
l will call at tea-time, and make one OF
the company at the concert $50
Wilkins was incredulous, and half op-
posed me but my interest in his unhap-
py wife was too strong, and resolved to
have my own way. The tickets and in
vitation were accordingly sent
| called at my friends store late in the
afternoon to 60 home with him.
Well, said l, cheerfully, what word
from your good wife +? Will she be ready
for the concert 2
I'm afraid not Wilkins shook his
head and looked gloomy.
What did she say?'
That it was impossible for her to go
out; that she couldn't leave the children
and finally, after l had met every objec-
ton with reason that could not be gain
sayed, she declared that she didn't feel
like going, and couldn't think of it, a
The ice is very solid and hard to break
through | smiled as l spoke. 1t is
that want of inclination which must be
overcome. She'll go if we insist upon
it. aat
But Wilkins was ola different opinion.
Il know her great deal better than you
do, was his answer
At tea time | went home with him.
There was a change in Mrs. Wilkins /; a
glance revealed this. The languor and
exhaustion, so painfully apparent on the
previous evening were scarcely visible.
Her eyes were brighter, her countenance
more elevated, her lips had frmer out
line. / saw that some attention had been
given to her dress; and though not in
concert trim it was plain enough that it
would not take her very great while to
be in presentable condition.
Wilkins was in error. His wife did
go to the concert. and surprised both him
and herself by the pleasure she derived
from The exquisite performance of Herr
Indeed. she expressed her satisfaction
in lively terms, and with glowing face,
in the intervals of many of the pieces.
How is Mrs. Wilkins 2 / asked of nv
friend, as entered his place of business
on the next day.
Better than for many months, am
pleased to say was his answer. She
seemed this morning almost like another
woman. That music was like an elixir
TO her SOUL .
Il had faith in it, said /, Depend up
on it, Wilkins, you have been consenting
to your wife's death by murder and sui.
cide-murder on your part and suicide on
hers. My next recommendation is Cape
May. Give up your business fora week,
and borrow the money to pay expenses if
you havn't the ready cash on hand but
take your wife to Cape May Immediately.
1t will not cost half as much as her funeral
expenses. Sea air, sea bathing and sight
of old ocean, will put new life into her
veins.
She can't possibly leave home. We