True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-07-15
"What's the matter :" inquired Katy,

"What's the matter?" inquired Katy,
whose heart began to beat quicker.
"Who is it that disarranges these books
SO shockingiy e.
'No one, dear. No body touches them
but myself replied Katy.
"Then it is time you had learned a
little order Just look here f! Do you
see this volume Of Byron upside down,
and out Of its place in the series And
here ale two books laid on the tops of
others, instead of being set in upon the
shelf, and here is another with The front
instead of the back turned outward
Such disorder annoys me terribly OF
all things, | like to see order and most
Of all in woman. | hardly expected to
find it so seriously lacking in my wife!"
Edward was annoyed, and did not very
carefully modulate bis tones. They
struck very harshly, and with an angry
intonation, upon the ears of Katy, whose
heart was too full to permit her to make
an answer.
"The fact is," continued Edward, II
am little disappointed in you"
All /! this was too bad 4! The blow
given, with not thought of its force,
reached Instantly the fountain Of tears,
and they gushed in flood over the cheaks
OF Katy.
Now what had Edward said to occa-
sion such burst of grief! He was moi
concious of cruel words. Only lightly
had he laid his hand upon her--lightly,
if not loveingly y-and this was the effect!
Must he never speak out when he saw
affairs going wrong! Must he let all
things fall into disorder, and ye! hold his
peace : This was asking too much. II
was unreasonable.
"Katy," he spoke rather sternly, 81
thought you reasonable woman. But al
this is very unreasonable 7"
Now, Katy, for all her sensitiveness
had some spirit and there was suflicien
pride in her heart TO cause it, even il
pain, to lift itself Indignantly against the
one who thrust at her TOO sharply-even
if that Ole were her husband. Her tears
ceased to flow, and she made answer:
"And thought you kind and reason
able man g.
People who utter harsh words usually
evince Observation-Disclosures
coin Of like quantity is returned to them
in exchange. Edward Cleveland was
for moment or two half confounded a
this unlooked-for response. He had ii
as mld way as possible, n pointed on
disorderly habit that was exceedingly
annoying, and, 10 his wife assumed al
air of injured innocence d!
"And pray, madam, in what respec
have | shown myself lacking in kindness
and reason :"
Edward turned full upon his wife, Il
he made this interrogation, and looked
with kni, brows into her face.
"ln making the position oftwo or three
books on library shelf Of more impor
tance than kind and gentle demeano
towards your wife, who has no though
or wish but to please you"
Well and timely spoken, Katy Cleve
land There are always two sides tt
every question-,wo aspects in which tt
view all misunderstanding, between in
divdnals--husband and vile not except
ed. Far better it was to give Edwar
this revelation of your thoughts, than t
hide them away from his perceptions
and leave him under the wayward inau
ence of his own partial views. 1t was
statement of the case altogether unexpect
cd /; yet so lorcibIy put that the youn
husband found himself shamed by an ii
resistable conviction of wrong.
Fright Katy, dear ~
| il took few moments for commo
sense and kind feelings to overcome th
young mau's pride. But the closing ser
lence OF his wife had dispelled his trifiin
anger, and left but small resistance II
spoke cheerfully, even tenderly--shuttin
the bookcase door at the same moment
and drawing an arm around her wais
pressed her closely to his side.
Eyes you are right, darling" /
said. "The position Of book is sma
matter compared 10 words and tones th'
make the heart bound with pleasure, {
aut,er in pain. These little things ammo
me, sometimes. 1t is weakness. B.
| will overcome it, and never speak
you in unkindness again, though ever
book in the house be scattered on tn
, floors"
Katy smiled loveingly into his faC
, through eyes that swan in tears.
II did not dream that such things al
| noyed you, Edward" she made answe
"Fatber never seemed to notice them
though mother has scolded a great de
t about my want Of order"
"Men are different in this respect
Anything in disorder is sure to distnl
q me. have many times wished it we
r otherwise. But, habits are strong"
Bear with me little while," Ka
8 made answer, sand will endeavorio r
, forme my bad habits. Want of order
l believe, one Of my most serious failing
) but il shall not stand between ne and n
: good husband, as an originator Of strii
/ Only Edward"
4 - !. A vs-IA =.