Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1858-11-06

'Oh, shall read and sing, and enjoy myself
generally
Very we'll, said Emma. i shall be back ear
ly'
The wife went out, and the husband was left
alone. lie had an interesting book, and he be-
gan to read it. He read till eight o'clock, and
then he began to yawn, and look frequently at
the clock. The book did not interest him as
usual. Ever and anon he would come to pas
sage which he knew would please his wife, and
lnstinctvely he turned as though he would read
1t aloud; but there was no wife to hear it. At
half-past eight he rose from his chair and began
to pace the floor and whistle. Then he went
and got his flute, and played several of his fa-
vorite airs. After this he got chess-board,
and played a game with an imaginary partner.
Then he walk ed the floor and whistled again
Finally the clock struck nine and his wife re-
turned.
We'll, George said she, 4 am back in good
time. How have you enjoyed yourself"
'Capitay, returned the husband. L had no
idea it was so late. l hope you have enjoyed
yourself
'Oh, splendidlyr said his wife. Il had no
idea how much enjoyment there was away from
home. Home is dull place, after all, isn't it p
why, mo- can't say that it is.' returned
George, carelessly. In fact, he added, Il rath-
~,
IN glad OF that, retortcd Emma, for We
both shall enjoy ourselves now You shall have
nice comfortable week of it,
george whced at this but he kept his counte-
nance, and determined to stand it out.
On the next evening Emma prepared to go
away again.
Shali he back IN good ume,' she said.
Where are you going" her husband asked.
ooh, | can't tell exactly. | may go to several
places:
80 George Wilson was left alone again. and
ne tried to amuse himself as before but he
iound 1t difficult task. Ever and anon he
would cast his ewes upon that empty chair. and
the thought would come. .how pleasant il would
be if she were herer The clock finally struck
nine, and he began to listen for the step of his
wife. Half an hour more slinpcd bv. and no
became very nervous and uneasv
Il declare he muttered to himself alor bo
had listened for some time in win this is ,oo
bad. She ought not to STAY ont So loter
But he happened to remember that he often
remained away much later than that so ba con-
cluded that he must make the best of il.
At a quarter to ten Emma came home
a little late. am not p she said looking IN
at the clock. But fell in with some old f,;rndl
How have YOU enioved yourself?'
First rate returned George, bravely Il
think home is A capital nlace.,
Especially when a man can have il all to him
self added the wife, with sidelong glance at
her husband But he made no reply
On the next evening Emma prepared TO 90
out as before but this time she kissed her hus-
band ere she went, and seemed to hesitate
Where do YOU think of going?' Georye ask
ed, in an under tone.
i NAV drop in to see uncle john replicd
Emma. However YOU won't be uneasy
You'll know I'm safe.
oh. certainly said her husband but when
left to his own reflection. he began to nonder
seriously upon u,e subject ulus presented 70,
consideration. lie could not read-hc could
not Play-nor ENJOY himself in any way, while
the chalr was empty In short, he found that
home had no real comfort without his wife. The
one thing needed to make his home cheerful
was not present.
declare ne sad to himself, i did not think
II "ou'9 DE SO lonesome. And can 1t be that
she feels as 40, when she IS here all alone p
IL must be so, ne pursued thoughtfuliy. 1T is
just rs Sne says: Beiore we were married she
was very happy IN her chlldhood's home. Her
parents loved her, and her brothers 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 COM
"i','e" WIN hiiseh'
i can't stand this said he | should die in
week. Ii Emma were only here, think |
could amuse myself very well. How lonesome
and dreary it is! And only eight o'clock! l
declare-lve mind to walk down as far as un-
Gle Johns, and see If she is there 1t would be
a relief II only saw her. | won't go in. She
shant know yet that hold out SO family
George wilson took another turn across the
room, glanced once more at the clock, and then
took his hat and went out He locked the door
after him, and then bent his steps towards uncle
Johns. 1t was beautiful, moonlight night,
and the air was keen and bracing. He was
walking along, with his eyes bent upon the pave
ment, when he heard light step approaching
him. lie looked up, and-he could not be mis-
taken-saw his wife. His first impulse was to
avoid her, but she had recognized him.
George she said in surprise, lis this you?'
1T is, was the response.
And DO younot pass your evenings at home"
This is the first time | have been out, Emma,
upon my word, and even now have not been
absent from the house ten minutes. | merely
came out to take the fresh air. But where are
you going p
4 am going home, George Will you go with
mep
1'prtninlv rpturnpd tho husband bo tool,