Litchfield enquirer., 1858-12-02

ment before, and he had no conception of how much she missed him. She always seemed happy when he came home, and he supposed she could always be so.
 Monday evening came, and George Wilson remained true to his promise. His wife put on her bonnet and shawl, and he said he would remain aud keep house.
 "What will you do while am gone 7" Elm ma asked.
 "Oh-I shall read and sing, and enjoy my self generally"
 "very welI," said Emma. II shall be back early"
 The wife went out, and the husband was he began to read it. He read till eight o'clock, and then he began to yawn, and look frequent ly at the clock The book did not interest to pass age which he knew would please his wife, and instinctively he turned as though he would read it aloud but there was no wife to hear it. At halfpast eight he rose from his chair, and began to pace the floor, and whis- tie. Then he went and got his flute, and play ed several of his fayorite airs. After this he got chess-board, and played a game with all imaginary partner. Then he walked the floor, and whistled again. Finally, the clock struck nine, and his wife returned
 "Well, George" said she, "I am back in good time. How have you enjoyed yourself?' P
 "Capitally," returned the husband. "l had no idea it was so late. l hope you have enjoyed yourself"
 "Oh, splendid!y !" said his wife. "I had no idea how much enjoyment there was away from home. Home is dull place, after all isn't it 2"
 Why-no-I can't say that it is" return cd George, carclcs>ly. h fact" he added, |" l rather like it."
 "pm glad of that" retorted Emma, !" fer we shall both enjoy ourselves now You shall have nice comfortable week of it."
 George winced at this, but he kept his coun- tenance, and deternined to stand it out.
 On the next evening, Emma prepared to go away again.
 ".Wherc are you going ?" her husband asked.
 "oh, I can't tell exactly. I may go to several places"
 So George Wilson was left alone again, and he tried to amuse himself as before but he found it difficult task. Ever and anon he would cast his eyes upon that empty chair, and the thought would come, How pleasant it would be if sAe were here !" The clock finally struck niue, and he began to listen for the step of his wife. Half au hour more slip ped by and he became very nervous and un- La>y.
 |" declare" he muttered to himself, after he had listened for some time in vain this is too bad. She ought not to stay out so late !' But he happened to remember that he often ol 1ota tb,u hot ho concluded that he must make the best of it.
 Alta quarter to ten Emma came home.
 "A little late, am l not P she said, looking up at the clock. But fell in with some old friends. How have you enjoyed yourself 2"
 "Frst rate" returned George, braveIy. "I think home is a capital place."
 "Especally when man can have it all to himself" added the wife, with sidelong g,ance at her husband. But he made no reply.
 On the next evening, Emma prepared to go out as before but this time she kissed her husband ere she weut, and seemed to hesitate.
 "Where do you think of going p George asked in an undertone.
 "I may drop in to see uncle John,' replied Emma. However, you won't be uneasy. You'll know Pm safe"
 "Oh, certainly" said her husband but when left to his own reflections, he began to ponder seriously upon the subject thus present. ed for consideration. He could not read-he could not play--nor enjoy himself in any way, while that chair was empty. In short,, he found that home had DO real comfort without his wife, The one thing needed to make his home cheerful was not present.
 II declare" he said to himself, "I did not think it would be so lonesome. And can it be that she feels as do, when she is here all alone? It Eust be so," he pursued thought fully. "It is just as she says. Before we were martied she was very happy in her childhood's home Her parents loved her, and her broth CTS and sisters loved her, and they did all they ! could to make her comfortable" After this he walked up and down the room several times, and then stopped again, and communed with himself
 "I can't stand this p said he. "I should think I could amuse myself very well. How lonesome and dreary it is And only eight o'clock ! declare-Pve a mind to walk down as far as Uncle Johns and see if she is there. It would be relief if I only saw Ter. l won't go in. She shan't know yet that l hold out so faintly." George Wilson took another turn across the room, glanced once more at the clock. and then 1 took his hat and went out. He locked the door after him, and then bent his steps towards Uncle Johns It was a beautiful, moonlight night, and the air was keen and bracing He was walking along, with his eyes bent upon the pavement, when he heard light step ap- preaching him. He looked up, and-he could not be mistaken-he saw his wife. His first impulse was to avoid her, but she had recog- nized him.
 George said she in surprise, "is this you ?"
 i It is," was the response.
 And you do not pass your evenings at home ?"
 "This is the first time have been out, Elm ma, upon my word and even now have not