The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-10-07
MIR. PETERS, FIRST WIFE

hard as brick bats, and the coffee stone
cold" and Mr.. Peters rose from the break
fast table in temper by no means amiable,
and rang the bell violently. There was no
answer! |! lie rang again, third, a fourth
time, still no answer. Out Of all patience,
he went to the door and called, "Maria !
Maria =
A slight, pretty little woman, dressed in
a soiled, tumbled wrapper, with hair in a
state of direful confusion, answered this
summons. She had one of those round,
bright faces which Nature intends should
be decked with continual smiles but now,
with all its roses in bloom, it WAS drawn
out to its full length, and the large blue eyes
had serious, or rather a doleful expression,
totally at variance with their usual joyous,
look. Her voice, too, had lost its meloli-
Gus, ringing sound, and was subdued to
dismal whine.
"What is it, Joscph?'
"Whcre's Bridget?'
"Gone out for me. I wapt moro white
ribbon for my ascension robe
Mr. Peters said very naughty word, aud
then continued "Cold coffee, hard eggs,
breakfast not fit to eat
81 wish," whined his wife, "you would
think less of temporal matters, and turn
your attention to the great end of life.'
'IIang it all, madam, would like to en-
JOY my life while do have it. Here was
I, the happiest man in the United States,
with pleasant home, chatty, cheerful,
loving wife, and good, quiet children; and
now, since you have joined the Millcrites,
what am 2"
"Oh, Joseph, if you would only come in
to that blessed circIe?"
"Ob, maria, if you would only come out
of it. Where are the boys?'
"1m sure dom. know
"Are they going to school to-day
"My dear their teacher has given up
school, and is turning her mind to more
exalted objects. Oh, Joseph, turn while
there is time. You have still week for
preparation and repentance
"Repentance! Well, when I take up
the subject, it will take rather more than a
week to put it through
And Mr.. Peters put on lis coat, and took
up his hat.
"Joseph," said his wife, "you need not
send home any dinner I shall be out, and
III take the boys over to their uucle's to
dine
Joe made no answer, unless the violently
emphatic manner in which he closed the
door was one. Muttering with anger, lie
strobe into restaurant to make break
fast. Here he was hailed by one of his
bachelor friends, Fred. Somers, who looked
up as he heard Joe's order. &
"Hallow he cried, "You here Why
what are you doing here at breakfast time |?
Wife sick =
"Nop
"IIsd quarrel 7?
MOP
"Gone out of town.
mo =
"Then why don'ty breakfast at home
Chimney on fire?
"Nor
Servants all dead?'
"No!
Children sick2'
"Nor,
"Wcll, what in thunder is 10 pay9'
"Maria's joined the MiIlerites9 2"
Fred gave long whistle, and then sale
"Going to ascend next week 2"
"Yes, and if don't commit suicide ir
the meantime, you may congratulate me
l am almost distracted. Can't get decent
meal, children runipg riot, servants saucy
house all in confusion, wife in, the blues
either quoting the speeches of the elders al
me, or sewing on white robe, and groan
ing every third stitch. Hang it all, Fred
I've great mind 10 take poison or join The
armyg
"H'ml him! you give an enchanting
picture, but 1'think can suggest cure
"a curep
Yes, if you'will promise to follow my
advice, I will make your home pleasant
your wife cheerful, and your children hap.
py:'
DO it, cried Joe. I'll follow your word
like soldier under his officer. What shall
do?' =
At tea.time, Mr.. Peters entered his home
whistling. Maria was seated at the table,
sewing on her white robes, and there were
no signs of preparation for the evening
meal.
"Msria, my DEAR said MI. Petefs, cheer