Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-02-14

he would wait upon her that day week.
Mrs. Kent was not ignorant of Marmadnke's
imperious character. She could not help hear
ing of what was topic of general remark
She we'll knew that the death of the first Mrs.
Mellen was generally attributed TO long course
of tyranny on the part of her husband
Did not all this lead her TO reject his suit
summarilyl
1t did not. Mrs. Kent was aware that, what
ever might be Mr. Melen's peculiarities of
temper he was a man of wealth and position.
OF course, as his wife, she would share in these
advantages. As 10 the drawback limited above,
she was woman of strong will, and did not
feel particularly dismayed. She anticipated
that Mr.. Mellen would attempt to domineer
over her, but was quite prepared for such an
emergency.
Having duly weighed all the considerations
above mentioned when Marmaduke waited up
on her on the day appointed, she graciously ac-
ceded TO his proposal, and fixed upon an early
marriage day. This was not long in arriving.
-Four weeks from the date of her acquaintance,
Mrs Kent bade farewell TO the name bequeath-
ed her by her first husband, and became Mrs.
Mellen the second
For brief period all went smoothly. Mr..
Mellen thought it best 10 wait until the close Of
the honey moon before he made known TO his
adopted for her benefit.
One day, after the usual dinner hour, Mr..
Melen returned, 10 find his mother-in-aw qui-
e,ly seated at the dinner-iable beside his wife.
! Now, to mothers-in-law Mr. Mellen had spe-
cial adherence. lie would have been very
glad never 10 have had one enter his house.
AS, however, a regard to appearance would not
quite sanction their utter exclusion, he was dis
posed to have their visits like those Of angels,
! (Which he was far enough from considering
them,) few and far between. Accordingly, the
| look which he directed towards the hap ess la
dy sustaining that character was by no means
welcome one.
This was not all. Actually, his wife had
had the audaciiy TO order up dinner before he
arrived. To be sure he was nearly an hour
late, but what of that Wasn't it his wie's
duty TO wait for him, even if he were three or
four hours late
=" Eating diuner !" he exclaimed with min
gled surprise and asperty, as he entered the
room.
"Yes," said Mrs. Melcn, carelessly, "you
are rather late to-day, and as mother had quite
long walk, and felt hungry, we decided to
have dinner Immediately"
"And suppose" said Mr.. Mellen, hastily
81 am expected to eat a cold dnnerl'
Really, Mr.. Mellen,' said his wife, lifting
her eyebrows in some surprise, lone would
think you were angry"
- 81 am, madam. am accustomed TO have
dinner wal, for me-"
I" However late you reiurn'"
"Yes, however late return"
"There is no objection 10 that, am sure
You will have your dinner whenever you choose,
of course, and suppose | may exercise the
same privilege"
1--WE shall see, madam"
Certainly, We shall see."
Really, Maria, and Mr.. MelIen, you shoult
! not differ" exposiulaled the moiher-in-law.
"Oh, don't be troubled, MOTHER said hel
daughter coolly, 'it's only little difference
which will be speedily arranged. We shall un
derstand each other better hy-and-by."-
Yes, madam, said Mr.. Melen, significant
ly, "your daughter is quite right. We shal
understand each other better byand.by.
You see, mother, there is no cause for ap
prehension.
, " Bot am afraid
r "Will you have another potato Your
must be quite cold,'' interrupted Mrs. Mellen.
Finding further remons,rance useless, tn
moiher-in-law was silent.
Mr.. Melen was somewhat disturbed by thi
, occurrence. He could not conceal from him
q self that his wife, as yet, was far from bein
in that state of subordinaton which he consd
!. cred proper and becoming. However, tim
;. will remedy ihat," he thought to himself
q The next day, although his business arrange
ments were by no means urgent, he purposel
!, delayed half an hour beyond the regular Dime
hour. When he returned, he found his viii
and moiher-in-aw just rising from the dinnel
a table.
o "What does this meant he exclaimed al
y grily.
e "Only that two is our regular dinner hour,
it answered the wife composedly, "and that diI
,r ner is always served punctually at that hour. II
l- "And you expect me 10 eat cold Dime
whenever an engagement deians me la,er,"
'e Not at all. directed Bridget to keep
81 portion of the dinner hot for you. She sha
n bring it up directly" So saying she move
p towards the bell and rang it.
'g Mr.. Mellen was nonpussed. lie hard
E. knew what to say. He finally determined
to wait until some plan should strike him calcul
he ted to humble his wile's pride. At presen
therefore, he said nothing, but ate his dinner
ye gloomy silence.
n Meanwhile his wife continued to chat in
ig lively strain with her mother, and their freque
n, laughter Jared very dscordanlly on Mr.. Me
II lens nerves.
j! Shortly after dinner Mr.. Mellen contrived
it see Bridget without his wife's knowledge.
- Bridget" said he, 81 find that for tv
ny days past dinner has been served up before
er came home. Hereafter you must wait until
er return before doing So"
ne " Bnt the MISTRESS told me-" said Bridg,
or al know that" said Mr.. Mellen, but y,
ch are bound to obey me rather than her."
Sirl' said the bewidered Bridget, vi
rs. did not comprehend at all