The Lambertville press., 1859-09-08


about receiving his friends at his own house, all
though he was social man, and had once felt
proud to introduce his young wife to his large
circle of acquaintances.
Now, they seldom went out together, excep-
ting to church, and even dressing for thst Nas
generally too much Of an effort for Mrs. Thorn
ton; ''she would stay at home "to keep house"
and the neighbors soon ceased expecting to meet
her at public worship or in their social gather
ings and so, one by one, they neglected to call
to exchange friendly civilities with her. She had
wonderen at this, had felt mortified and panied
heretofore nov she clearly saw it was her own
fault, the veil was removed from her eyes, and
the mistake Of her life was revealed in its true
enormty Sincerely did she repent of her past
error calmly and seriously resolve on future and
immediate amendment
Meanwhile, her hands were not IDLE, and at
length the metamdrphosis was complete. The
bright pink drapery hung gracefully about her
form, imparting an unusual brrilliancy to her
complexion her best worked collar was fastened
with costly broach, her husbands wedding gift,
which had not seen the light for many day.
Glancing at her mirror to be certain that her
toilette needed no more finishing touches, she
then took her sewing and returned to the sit
ting room
Little Nellie had wearied Of her picture book,
and was now playing with the kitten. AS Mrs.
Thornton entered, she clapped her hands in chill
dish delight and running to her, kissed her over
and over again, then drew her little chair close
to her side, and eagerly watched her as she piled
her needle, repairing her gingham dress.
Just as it was completed, the clock struck the
hour when Mr.. Thornton was expected, and
his wife proceeded to lay the table with unusual
care and to place thereon several choice viands,
of which she knew he was particularly fond,
Meanwhile let us form the acquaintance of the
absent husband and father, whom we find in the
neighboring town, just completing his days traf-
lc He is fine looking, middle aged man, with
an unmistakable twinkle Of kindly feeling in his
eye, and the lines of good humor plainly traced
about his mouth-we know at a glance that he
is cheerful and indulgent to his family, and are
at once prepossessed in his favor.
AS he is leaving the store, where he has naade
his last purchase fer the day. he is Familiarity ae-
costed by tall gentleman just entering the
door He recognized an old friend, and exclaims,
George Morton, is it YOU" The greeting is
mutually cordial; they were friends in boyhood
and early youth, but since Mr.. Morton has been
practising law in distant city, they have seldom
met, and this is no place to exchange their many
questions and answers. Mr.. Thornton's fine
span of horses and light vehicle are standing
near by, and needs but little persuasion to induce
Mr.. Morton to accompany his friend to his
home, which he has never yet visited. The con-
versation is lively and spirited, they recall the
feats of their school days. and the experiences of
after life, compare their present position in the
world with the golden future of which they used
to dream. MI Morton is bachelor and very
fastidious in his tastes-as that class of itdividu
ais are prone to be. The recollection of this
flashes on Mr.. Thornton's mind as they drive
along towards their destination. AT once his
zeal in the dialogue abates, he becomes thought
full and silent, and does not urge his team on
ward, but seem willing to afford Mr. Morton an
opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery on
either hand---the hill and valleys clad In the
fresh yerdure of June, while the lofty mountain
ranges look blue and dim in the distance He
cannot help wondering if they will find his wife
in the same sorry predicament in which he left
her that morning, and voluntarily shrinks from
introducing so slatternly parsonage to his re-
/ fined and cultivated friend,
/ But it is too hate now to retract his polite IN
vitation--they are nearing the old homestead
one field more and his fertile farm and well kept
fences appears in view. Yonder Is bis peat
white house, surrounded with Al""T sT IL : @ 6as
They drive through the large gateway, the man
] John comes from the barn to put up the horses
and Mr., Thornton hurries up tn0 walk 20 the pl-
azza, leaving his friend to follow at his leisure
be mus. see his wife FIRST, and if possible hurry
her out out ofsight before their visitor enters
He rushes into the sitting room-words cannot