Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1858-05-28

called at my friends office, in the
afternoon, to go home with him.
"Well." said I. cheerfully, "what
word from your good wife ? VIII she
be ready for the concert ?"
"I'm afraid not"
Wilkins shook his head and looked
gloomy.
"What did she say p
"That it was impossible for he her to
90 out-that she couldn't leave the
children, and, finally, after l had met
every objection with reason that could
not be gainsayed, size declared that she
didn't feel wish to go, and couldn't
think of it,
"The ice is very solid, and hard to
break through smiled as | spoke
"It is that want of inclination which
must be overcome. She'll go if we in
sist upon it."
But Wilkins was Of different opin-
ion.
81 know her great deal better than
you do" was his answer.
went home with him. There wa. a
change in Mrs. Wilkins; glance reveal
ed this. The languor and exhaustion,
50 painfully apparent on the previous
evening, were scarcely visible. Her
eyes were brighter her countenance
more elevated, her lips had firmer out
line. saw that some attention had
been given to her dress; and, though
not in the concert trim, it was plain
enough that it would not take her very
great while to be in presentable condi-
ton.
Wilkins was in error. His wife did
90 to the concert, and surprised both
him and herself by the amont OF pleasure
she received from the exquisite perform
ance. Indeed, she expressed her salts
faction in lively terms, and with glow
ing face, in the intervals Of many Of the
pieces.
"How is Mrs. Wilkins - l asked of
my friend, as entered his place bust
ness on the next day.
"Better than for many months, l am
pleased to say was his answer. "Shc
seemed, this morning, almost another
woman. That music was like an elixer
to her soul"
81 had faith in it," said |. depend
upon it, Wilkins. you have been con-
senting to your wite's death by murdo:
and suicide-murder on your part and
suicide Oh hers. Ny next reeommenda-
ton is the seaside. Give up your busi-
ness for week; take your wife to some
watering place immediately. Sea air,
sea bathing and sight of old ocean will
put new life into her veins"
'She can't possibly leave homo. We
have too many young children"
"She'll have to leave home, and hel
young children, too, for ever, if you
don't do something to save her.
spoke with some feeling, for was little
provoked at my friends inclination tc
throw difficulties in the way. "Jus
make up your mind that the thing has tc
be done, and I'll answer for your wife,
The fact is, it's my opinion, that She l.
say Yes on the first proposition
And so shs did. A little management
was practiccd. l accepted another invi-
tation to tea, during the evening, gave
as graphic description as was in my
power, of the novelty, excitement and
wonderfully beneficial effects Of week
at the seashore. My own experience
was quite to the point, having regained
strength almost by magic after long
period of extreme nervous exhaustion.
You must take your wife to the sea-
side. 1t is jus, what she wants. said |,
after the way had been fully prepared.
Wilkins followed up with such a hear
ty acquiescence that the point was
carried under scarcely an appearance OF
objection. Difficulties were, Of course,
suggested; but these were pronounced OF
such slender Importance that they were
waived almost as soon as presented
Two days afterwards Ihad the satisfac-
ton of seeing them off, AS | shook
hands with them at parting. l could
see in the countenance of Mrs. Wilkins,
some reviving traces of her old girlish
beauty; and rekindling in her eyes OF
the light of others days.
A year afterwards, l made it my busi-
ness to visit my old acquaintance. lie
received me with warmth of manner
and cheerfulncss of spirit which satisfied
me that his state of mind had considera-
bly, improved.
"How is Mrs. Wilkins s"I immedi-
ately inquired.
A broad smile went over his face as he
replied
IA thousand times better than when
YOU saw her year ago.
II am delighted to hear you say so.-
How did the seaside prescription an
swer -
admirably. 1t worked like charm
Mary came back another woman. 1t
was to her almost like discovering the
foun tain Of eternal youth. l never saw
such change in any one
"Didn't she fall back into old habits
of mind and body after her return to the
city,"
mo"
"lIow did you prevent this =" l in
quired.
"By acting on the hint you gave,
hired carriage for an excursion, once a
week, while the pleasant weather lasted
and it cost me few shillinss each
time; but it was cheaper than paying the
doctor, and the medicine cured more
radically. You can't imagine what
change in her feelings took place
Nothing outside of the narrow circle OF
home interested her before; thought
seemed asleep, or palsied; but now she
takes an interest in everything"
"Was it not starved into moro than