The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-12-01
Mr.. Peters First Wife.

the bell violently. There was no answer =
He rang again, third, a fourth time; still
no answer. Out of patience, he went to the
door and called" Maria! Marial"
| A slight, pretty little woman, dressed in a
soiled, tumbled wrapper, with hair in a state
of direful confusion, answered his summons.
She had one of those round faces which ma
ture intended should be decked in continued
smiles, but now, with all its roses in bloom,
it was drawn out to its full length, and the
large blue eyes had a serious, or rather a
doleful expression, totally at violence with
the usual joyous look. Her voice, too, had
lost its melodeous ringing sound, and was
subdued to dismal whine.
"What is it, Joseph?"
Where's Bridgetp"
Gone out for me. want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe"
Mr. Peters said a very naughty word and
then continued, "Cold coffee, hare eggs,
broadcast not fit to eat"
~ wish," whined the wife, "you would
think less of temporal matters, and turn your
attention to the great end of life."
Hang it all, madam, I would like to en-
joy my life while I do have it. Here was I,
the happiest man in the United States, with
ap!easant home, chatty, loving wife, and
good, quiet children and now, since you
have joined the Millerites, what am II"
"Oh, Joseph, if you would only come into
that blessed circle!"
"Oh, Maria, if you would only come out
oft! Where are the boys !"
"I'm sure don't know I"
care they going to school today"
"My dear, the teacher has given up the
school, and is turning his attention to more
exalting objects. Oh, Joseph, turn while
there is time! You have still week for
preparation and repentance"
Repentance Well, when take up the
subject, it will take rather more thai week
to put it through"
And Mr.. Peters put on his coat and took
up his hat .........
"Joseph," said his wife, "you need not
send home any dinner. l shall be out, and
I'll take the boys over to their uncle's to
dine" .. ...
Joe made no answer, unless the violently
emphatic manner in which he closed the
door was one. Muttering with anger, he
strobe into restaurant to make breakfast.
Here he was hailed by one of his old bache-
lor friends, Fred Sumers, who looked Up as
he heard Joe's order.
Hello!" he cried, I" you here? Why,
what are yon doing here at breakfast time?
Wife sick ?"
"No!"
"Had quarrelg"
"No!"
"Gone out of town."
"Noi"
"Then why don't you breakfast at home ?
Chimney on fire?"
"No!"
"Servants all dead?"
"No!"
"Children sick?"
| "Nol"
"Well, what in thunder is to paye"
Maria's joined the Millerites!"
Fred gave long whistle, and then said,--
"Going to ascend next week."
Yes, If don't commit suicide in the
meantime, you may congratulate me. l am
almost distracted. Can't get decent meal
children running riot; servants saucy house
in confusion; wife in the blues, either quo
ting the speeches of the elders at me, or sew
ing on a white robe, and groaning every
third stitch. Hang it all, Fred, I've a great
mind to take poison or join the army!"
HIM, HIM, you give me an enchanting
picture, truly; but think 1 can suggest a
cure"
"a curef"
Yes, if you viii promise to follow my ad-
wise, will make your home pleasant, your
wife cheerful, and your children happy"
"Do it." cried Joe, "Pll follow your ad-
vice 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 was no
signs Of preparation for the evening meal
Maria, my DEAR" said Mr.. Peters, cheer
fully, " Is tea readyl"
~ don't know was the answer, "I have
been all day attending meeting"
"Oh, very well, never mind. Attending
meeting? You are resolved, then, to leave
me next week ?"
"Oh Joe, I must 60 when I am called y
Yes, my dear, of course. Well, l must
resign myself I suppose. By the way, my
dear, has it ever occurred to you that shall
be widower with three children? think
am handsome man yet, my love-" and
Joe walked over to the glass, passed his fin
gers through his hair and pulled up his col
lar. Maria looked up, rather surprised.
You see, my dear, it is rather relief for
you to go, quietly, you know. It is so wear
ing upon the nerves to have long illness,
and besides, my dear, there will be no funer-
al expenses, and that is quite saving"
Mrs. Peters lip uuiyered. and her large