The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-05-15
BIDDEFORD, MAINE, FRIDAY MAY Is, 1S57a'r..

wilkins was incrodulous, and half oppo
ed me; but my interest in his unhappy wi
was too strong, and I resolved to have m
owr way. The tickets and invitation wei
accordingly sent.
called at my friends store late in tt
afternoon to 60 home with him.
'Well,' said I, sheerfully, what wor
from your good wife? will she be ready 70
the concert?' . H..
Il am afraid not wilkins shook hi
head, and looked gloomy.
What did she say?' .. .aI
THAT It was impossible for her to 60 out
that she couldn't leave tho children. and
finally, after I had met every objection will
n reason that could not be gainsaycd, she
declared that she didn't feel like going, and
couldn't think of it, t. ar.. -.
The leo is very solid and difficult to break
throughl I,miled as l spoke. 1t is that
want ofinclination which must be overcome
She'll 90 il we insist upon it, '..
But Wilkins was ola different opinion.
Il know her great deal better than you
do, was his answer.
At tea.time went homo with him. There
was o change in Mrs. wilkins, glance re-
vealed this. The languor and exhaustion,
so painfully apparent on the previous even
ing, were scarcely visible. Her eyes were
brighter, her countenance moro elevated,
her lips had a frmer outline. I 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 very
great while to be in prescntable condition.
wilkins was in error. His wife did 60
to the concert, and surprised both him and
herself by the amount Of pleasure received
from tho exquisite performance Of Hertz -
Indeed, she expressed her satisfaction in live
ly terms, and with glowing facc, in the
interval of many Of the pieces.
'lIow is Mrs. wilkins? 2 l asked Of my
friend, as entered his place of business on
the next day.
Better than for many months, 1 am
pleased to say was his answer. 'She SEEM
cd, this morning, almost another woman
That music was like an elixir to her soul.
Il had faith IA it, said |. depend upon
it, Wilkins, you have been conSenting to
your wile's death by murder and suicide
murder on your part, and suicide on hers.
My next recommendation is Capo May
Give up your business for week, and Dor.
row the money to pay expenses if you have
no. the ready cash on hand; but take your
wife to Cape May Immediately. 1t will not
cost half so much as her funeral. Sea air,
sea bathing, and sight of the old ocean,
will put new life into her veins
'She can't possibly leave home. We have
too many young children
She'll have to leave home, and her young
children too, forever, if you don't do some,
thing to ,avc her. Ispoke with some feel
ing, for I was a little provoked at my
friends inclination to throw difficulties in
the way. 'Just mako up your mind that
tho thing has to be done, and I'll answer fol
your wife. The fact is, it's my opinion that
she'll say yes on the first proposition
And so she did. A little management
was practised. accepted another invita-.
tion to tea, and during the evening, gave as
graphic a description as was in my power,
of the novelty, excitement, and wonderful
beneficial effects Of week at the sea shore.
My own experience was quite to the point
having rcsaincd strength almost by magic
after long period of extreme nervous cx'
haustion.
You must take your wife to the sea
shore. 1t is just what sho wants. said l
alter the way had been fully prepared.
Wilkins followed up with such heart!
acquicscencc that the point was carried un
der scarcely an appearance Of objection
Difficulties were, of course, suggested; but
these were pronounced of such slender i'm
portancc that they were waived almost o
soon as presented. Two days afterwards,
had the satisfaction of seeing them of il
the steamboat. As l shook hands will
him at parting, l could SEQ, in the counte
nance Of Mrs. wilkins, some revivins trace
of her old girlish beauty, and q rekindlins
in her eyes of the light Of other days.
A year afterwards, in passing through
the city, made it my business to visit IN,
old acquaintance. lIo received mo witt
warmth Of manner and cheerfulness Of spiri
which sati.Gcd me that his sta.c Of min
had considerably improved.
slow is Mrs. Wilkins? l made almos
immediate inquiry.
A broad smile went over his face as b
replied: a tho ousand per cent better tha
when you saw her year ago.
Il am delighted to hear yousay so. Ho'
did the Cape May prescription answerT
Admirably. 1t worked like charm
Mary came back another woman. 1t va
to her almost like discovering the fountai
OF eternal youth. Incver saw such chang
in any onc.'
Didn't she fall back into old habits
mind and body after she returned to Il
city!'
NO. .....
'IIow did you prevent thisT l inquirc'
by acting on that hint you gave 1 hi
ed wagon for an afternoon, once q weel
while the pleasant weather lasted an
4 A. C.,a sooparv within IL