Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1859-09-01
MIR. PETERS FIHsr WIFE.

breakfast table in a temper by no means
amiable, and rang the bell violently.-
There was no answer! He rang again. a
third, fourth time, still no answer. Out
of all patience, he went to the door and
cslled-"Maria f! Mariar' ...
A slight, pretty little woman. dressed in
a soiled, tumbled wrapper. with hair in a
state Of dreadful confusion, answered the
summons. She had one of those round,
bright faces which nature intended should
be decked with continual smiles, but now
with all its roses in bloom, it was drawn
out to its full length, and tho large blue
eyes had serious, or rather doleful ex =.
preston, totally at variance with their
usual joyous look. Her voice, too, had
lost its melodious, ringing sound, and was
subdued to dismal whine.
"What is it, Joseph ?'
"Where's Bridget 2''
"Gone out for me. / want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe.'
Mr.. Peters said naughty word, and
then continued -"colh coffee, hard eggs,
breakfast not fs to eat"
81 wish,' whined his wife, you would
think less Of temporal matters, and turn
your attention to the great end of life."
"Hang it all, madam, would like to
enjoy life while it lasts. Here was |, tn c
happiest man in the State, with pleasant
home. a cheerful cha,ty, loving wife. and
good children and now, since you have
joined the Millerites, what am p
"Oh, Joseph, if you would come into
that circlel |"
"oh, Maria, if you would only come out
of it,
"Where are the boys?"
IL am sure don't know"
care they going to school to-day7"
"My dear, the teacher has given up the
school, and is turning her mind to more
exalted objects. Oh Joseph, turn now
while there is time You shsll have a week
for repentance
"Repentence. Well, when l take up
the subject, it will take more than a week
to put it through"
And MIR. Peters put on his coat aud
took up lis hat.
Joseph, you need no. send home any
dinner. l shall be out, and I'll take the
boys over to their uncIe's to dice
Joe made no answer, unless the VIC
lent'y emphatic manner in which he clos
ed the door, was one. Muttering with
anger, he strobe into the restaurant TO
make a breakfast. Here he was hailed by
one of his bachelor friends. Fred Somers,
who looked up as he heard Joe's order
Halo !" he cried. "you here? Why,
what are you doing here a, breakfast time ?
Wife sick p
"No."
"Iiad quarrel?'
"No!'
Gone out Of town?'
"No!'
"Then why don't you breakfast q. home?
Chimney on fire 2"
"No!'
Servants dead?"
"No"
Children sick p
"No.'
swell, what in thnnaer is to pay?"
"Maria's Joined the Mllerites."
Fred gave long whistle. and said
Going to ascend next week ?"
"Yes, and if | don't commit suicide in
the meanwhile, you may congratulate me .
! am almost distracted. Can't get de-
cent meal, children running riot, servants
saucy, house all in confusio ion, wife in ,h.
blues, either quoting the speeches of the
elders at me, or sewing Oh white robe,
and groaning every third stitch Hang
it all, Fred, I've great mind to join the
army !"
"H'm, HIM. you give an enchanting pic.
ture, but think can suggest cure"
"A cure T.
ayes, if you will promise to follow my
advice, will make your home pleasant,
your wife cheerful, and your children
happy"
| an - " o,;aJ p. 1I.lI rDIlo.- ......
advice like a soldier under his officer
What shall do ?"
At tea time Mr.. Peters entered his
| home. whis,ling. Maria was seated at
the table, sewing on her white robes. and
there were no signs Of preparation for the
evening meal.
"Maria. my DEAR" said Mr.. Peters,
cheerfully, sis tea ready ?"
81 don't know" was the answer. "have
been out all day, attending meeting.'
"Oh, very well, never mind. Attending
meeting. You are resolved, then, to leave
me next week 2"
"Oh Joe must 20 when am called"
"Yes, my dear. Of course. Well, must
resign myself, suppose. BY the way, my
dear, has il ever occurred to you that |
shall be left widowe. with three chill.
drsn7 think am handsome man
yet, my love- and Joe walked over to the
glass, passed his fingers through his hair
and pulled up bis collar. Maria looked
up rather surprised.
"You see, my dear, Il is rather relief
for you to 60 quietly. you know. 1t is SO
wearing on the nerves to have long i'll