Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-09-16

up his hat
Joseph said his wife, you need not
send home any dinner. shall be out. and
III take the boys over to their uncle's to dine 4"
Joe made no answer. unless the violently
emphatic manner in which he closed the door
was one. Mutering with anger. he strobe
into restaurant to make breakfast. Here
he was hailed by one Of his bachelor friends.
Fred Somers, who looked up as he heard
Joo's order.
"llallo J. he cried, "you here WHY.
what arc you doing here at breakfast time !,
Wife sick :"
"Nor ~
Had a quarrel" ?"
"Then why don't you breakfast at home /.
Chimney on fire?'
"Nor
Servants all dead"
sNov
"Children sicki"
"Nom
Then, what in thunder is to payl"
"Maria's joined the Millerites !"
Fred give long whistle. and then said,
Going to ascend next week."
eyes, and If don't commit suicide in the
meantime. youmay congratulate me- am al
most distracted. Can't get decent meal
children running riot. servants saucy, house
all in confusion, wife in the blues. either
quoting the speeches Of the elders at me, OF
sewing on white robe, and groaning every
third stitch. Hang il all. Fred, I've a great
mind to take poison. or join the army :"
al m! HIM you give an enchanting picture,
but think | can suggest cure
"a cure :"
Yes, if you promise to follow my advice,
will make your home pleasant, your wife
cheeful. and your children happy"
"Do it, cried Joe. "I'll follow your word
like a soldier under his officer. What shall
do."
At tea-time Mr.. Peters entered his home,
whistling. Maria was seated at the table, sew
ing on her white robe. aud there we're no
signs Of PREPARATION for the evening meal.
Marin. my dear said Mr.. Peters cheer
fully, "is tea ready :"
81 don't know" was the answer, "have been
ont all day, attending meeting"
"Oh, very we'll, never mind Attending
meetings Your are resolved, then, to leave
me next week :"
ooh Joe must go when l am called"
Eyes, my dear, of course. Well, must
resign myself, l suppose. BY the way, my
dear, has it ever occurred to you that shall
be left widower with three children
am hansome man yet, my love-" and Joe
walked over to the glass, passed his fingers
through his hair and pulled up his collar.
Maria looked up, rather surprised
"Nou see. my dear, it is rather a relief for
you to go quietly, you know. 1t is so wear
ing on the nerves to have long illness and
besides, my dear. there will be no funeral ex-
penses, and that is quite saving"
Mrs. Peters lip quivered, and her large
blue eyes filled with tears. Joe longed to
stop his heartless speech and comfort her,
but he was fearful the desired effect was not
gained yet.
$50, my dear" he continued, ''if you must
go, have been thinking of getting another
wife"
WHAT" cried Mrs. Peters
"Another wife, my love. The house must
be kept in order, and the boys cared for"
The grief was gone from Maria's face, but
her teeth were set with a look of fierce wrath.
"Another wife. Joe Another wife ~
"Nes. | think | have selected a good
successor. | deliberated long time, when
] was bachelor, between her and yourself
You will like her, for she is your bosom
friend !"
my bosom friend
"Yes, my dear. l think on the day that
you ascend, will marry Sarah Ingram !"
"What that good-for- nothing, silly, empty
headed old maid, the mother of my children
Whatw
"Well, my dear, it seems to be the best
,an do! ! don't want to leave my business
to go a counting, and she will have me,
know"
"No doubt Oh you great brutal, hate
Jul"
"Stop, my dear, don't fly into a fury! We
will try to spend our last week in happiness.
Oh, by the way, have proposition to make
"Go on, sir Don't spare me -
"Ah. yes, that is the very thing | wish to
10. know your mind is entirely engrossed
with your ascension. and wish to spare you
he care of the house. Suppose you invite
Sarah here tomorrow, to spend a week -
"What?"
"Then ! can arrange our matrimonial prcpa-
rations in the evening, while you are at the
lecture"
"WhatH'
"And you can leave the house in her charge
Ill day That viii give you polnty of time to
81 ~NNs "hH oiN 'oh iho hUOut III
he house." 4fr
WHAT"
And my dear, one little favor. 1t may
DC the last shall ever ask. Stay at home
me or two days, won't you. and show her
onnd, where you keep things, and so on,
10 that she won't have any trouble in keep
ng order after you go. You will do this
o oblige me, won't you;"
Mrs. Peters, for answer. rolled up the
'scension robe into ball and fred il at joe
The cotton, scissors, work-basket, and table
10th followed this missile in such rapid sue
ession, that he was unable even to fly. Then
daria's rage found vent in words
$50 You and Sarah That's the reason
'ou whistled when you came in You will |
'e very glad to have me go and marry her,
Won't you, No doubt of il But you
han't marry her, sir You shant have that
ratification | will stay, if it is only to spite
on +! ! won't GO tell you. Mr.. Peters,
won go 20
But, my dear, you must go if you are
ONE for ~
81 won't gow
But consider, my dearp
81 won't go T.
"But what will Sarah think ?"
"Sarah Don't dare TO mention Sarah to
IA anain I ! 80, f,frl. rt,L;u..