Quasqueton guardian. (Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1856-1858, 1857-05-02

provoking quarrel with hlm, ana na(
about concluded to make the best Of it
and let him smoke in peace.
But there was something SO irresistibly
funny about Mrs. Volant's plan, that sh.
determined to try it, and accordingly, OF
the afternoon of the next day, she sent the
Irish girl to the apothecary's shop for 8
bunch of "Bagdad cigars" Disposine
few of them in her work basket, ready
for the momentous occasion, her mind
pictured the scene that would ensue when
she should light one of them. 1t was SC
funny that she laughed out loud at the
idea. Would not he be surprised to see
her, who had teased him SO much to leave
of smoking. commence the practice her
self! Wouldn't his eyes stick out, when
he should see her putting cigar at her
sewing, as he did when he read the even
ing paper.
She was SO pleased with the plan. that
she would have put it in execution, even
if it had been only for the sport it prom
ised her, independently Of any good result
which might flow from it. Wouldn't he
beg her to smoke no more Wouldn't he
be mortified, and wouldn't she win the
day. and glory over his defeat Wouldn't
he be glad to promise her that he wouldn't
smoke another cigar as long as he lived
She was SO delighted that she could
hardly contain herself
Mr.. Washburn came home to tea, and,
as usual when he entered the house, he
gave her kiss, and a tender greeting.
They were seated at the tea table j; Mrs.
Wssburn was so full of mirth, that she
came near scalding herself with the hot
tea when she poured it out. Her merry,
mischievous laugh rang pleasantly on her
husbands ear, who, poor fellow. could
have had no idea of the terrible ordeal
through which ne was doomed to pass.
When tea was over, the astral lamp
transferred to the light-stand, and Mr..
Washburn had stretched himself into a
comfortable position in the large easy
rocking chair, with his legs laxily repos-
ing in another chair. the everlasting cigar
was produced, lighted, and began to diff
fuse its fragrance through the room.
Mrs. Washburn could hardly control
her inclination to burst into laugh at
the mere thought of what she was about
to do. Seating herself at the side of the
table opposite her husband, she took from
her work basket, with an air as grave and
solemn as judge. one of the "Bagdads."
Placing the filthy roll between her ruby
lips, she glanced at her husband.
Now, Mr.. Smoker, thought she,-it
would have spoiled the joke to have said
tive will see whether you don't aban-
don that nasty habit
Mr.. Washburn happened to glance at
her: but. contrary to her expectation, he
manifested no surprise, and went on read
ing the Transcript
So, SO. Mr.. Smoker thought she
again, you think l am joking, do you !?
l will soon convince you;' and the lady
took taper, and applied light to the
cigar.
But Mrs. Washburn was rather mex
perienced in the modxs operandi of light
ing cigar, and she was unable to make it
"go." She lit another taper, and puffed
away with all her might; but the Bagdad
was resolute as the great caliph himself
She persevered, till her extraordinary
exertion again attracted the attention Of
Mr.. Washburn.
You are lighting the wrong end, my
dear. said be, with the utmost noncha-
lance.
How provoking he is y thought Mrs.
Washburn. why does be not remon-
strate p
You should bite off the twisted end,
and then put it in your mouth continued
the husband, turning to the paper again.
Aided by these directions, the lady
took another cigar, which she succeeded
in lighting. The first taste of the tobac-
co smoke was horrible: but she had deter
mined to be a martyr for her husbands
sake; and taking her sewing. she con-
tinued to puff away as she piled her
needle, till 3 certain nausea compelled
her to abandon the experiment for that
time. Casting the Bagdad into the CRATE,
she began to wish she had not listened to
Mrs. Volant.
What is the matter. my dear? Was
it not good cigar? try mine they are
Monte Christos, Of the first quality. and
the imperturable Mr.. Washburn offered
her choice from bis ease.