Indiana American., 1857-01-02

we'd of all observers. Ladies in their af-
ter-dinner talk, however, do not dwell ve-
ry long on any one theme. Tho new
stitch in crochet the leather work, the last
Paris fashion, gossip Of deaths, births, and
marriages, little scandal, and a little re-
ligion, with the passing events of the
time-subjects as these filed up the short
interval which to Elizabeth appeared in
interminably long and tedious, till the or
der was given to announce coffee to the
gentlemen below.
The true wife will fully enter into Eliz-
abeth's feelings as one gentleman after
another entered-some cool and compos-
ed as when they sat down to breakfast;
others cheerful and full Of merriment;
here and there one-few and far between
in the present day, am happy to think
unsteady in their step, with deadened
eyes gazing on vacancy, and words utter
ed thickly and without meaning; and now
comes the one in whom she was most in
terested. And, alas how did he enter 7?
Blundering up to where Elizabeth sat he
threw himself heavily on the sofa beside
her, and, nearly upsetting her coffee, be-
gan joking, not in his usual refined and
delicate manner, but coarsely; and, rough
ly handling her gloves and reticule, and as
if regardless Of the presence of others, he
played all kinds Of dull and witless
tricks, bringing upon himself the laughter
of some, and from others sneers and dis
dain. Charles, however, was equally re-
gardless of all this, as Of the imploring
looks, the sighs, and efforts to check him,
Of his best friend.
"Why, how foolish you are, Lizzy,"
said he, in choking whisper, audible in
every part Of the room. II have taken"
here hicup interrupted him-"nothing
"a nero nothing, since you left the
dining-table."
"Pay do no. talk" said his wife, whis-
pering so that he only might hear her.;
'let us get home soon; and, dear Charles,
pray be silent while we remain"
"Well," he again muttered, in surly
tones and with a constant hiccup, "well, /
can only say you never were more distur-
bed-I mean, deceived-in your life."
"Hush. pray hushl" said she, very softly.
20! well, If you choose to be cross and
silly" he roared out II shan't think of
going home. So, now thcn," folding his
arms and leaning back.
Elizabeth attempted no reply. She re-
membcred the torrent Of abuse, and the
cruel speeches heaped upon her after the
last dinner party. She felt that to speak
or reason with Charles sober, was to ap-
peal to clear-headed, thinking man, Of
noble disposition and kind heart; but to
reason with Charles tipsy, was quite diff
ferent affair. 1t twas Charles no longer; a
changeling. an evil spirit had entered that
form, and was dwelling there. He hall
spilled, half drank cup or two Of coffee,
and seeing others DEPART he in surly mood
commanded his wife to "get her things
on.n
Glad Of the summons, she looked out
on the dreary winter night. The fine cleal
frost had given way to dense fog; clouds
of gray and offensive vapor dimmod the
gas-lights, and clothed every thing in chill
ling moisture. Few were passing in tn,
Streets except the police, with their sha
ded lanterns; and now and then suburb
an omnibuses, Of the localities around
camo hurrying through ON their journey
to London, the horses breath smoking
and the steam Of their bodies envelopine
them amid the fog.
| What convenience arc these convey
enccs! thought poor Lizzy, as at tho lamp
post she proppcd up her husband to hal
tho driver, trusting to DO shortly safe a
: home. Down stepped the conductor q
her summons, and was about 10 offer hi
obscquious services, when, with staggcr
} ing lunge, Charles discovered but too un
mistaiably his state Of intoxication.
"Genps drunk, marm; can't let him In
5 to the bus on no account, said the con
ductor.
Elizabeth began TO entreat and woul
D have paid double fare for each; but be
foro she could utter her request, th
, ''bus,v with its thoughtless guide, wa
rolling onward. Had Charles been sobc
' and tho night fine. the walk home woul
I not have occupied twenty minutes; bu
0 under present circumstances the distanc
: rose before poor Elizabeth like pilgrim
b ago. Little was said, except now and the
! an almost unintclligible word or two
: sometimes Of abuse, sometimes Of III
$ meaning joke. It was hard work to kee
! Charles upon his feet; strength often fai
: cd, and at last. tripping over stone, Ii
8 weight Of his body brought him and b
: poor wife TO tho ground. She was III
: hurt, and rose instantly, but found II In
o possible to raise him. What should sh
: do I?
$ AT last q policeman made his appea
. ancc. She Immediately begged his bel
8 and promised fec II no would conve
! the gentleman homo. lie shot back Il
u shade Of his dark lantern, and with cha
D actcristic taciturnity proceeded to raise an
u half carry Charles along tho mudd
J. streets and past lamp after lamp, each
u which displayed the battered hat and dsu
cd coat Of the misguided husband. Lor
10 and woarisomo wore tho stops whit
t. brought the throe TO thor destination
D Charles was assisted up stairs amid II
4 wondering looks and inquiries Of his d
Il mestics, whose cunning glanccs gave no
. that H.. f.1f.. ...I.-.ts.I Al. 80 a..