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

among my female friendss"
"Certainly WILL" he replied "and
assure you shall not be so lonesome rs you
imagine"
With this the husband went out, and
was soon among his friends. lie was
steady, industrious man, and loved his wife
truly; but, like thousands of others, lie had
contracted habit of spending his evenings
abroad, and thought it no harm. His on
Iy practical idea Of home seemed to be
that it WAS a place which his wife took
care of, and where he could eat, drink, and
sleep, as long as he could pay for it. In
short, no treated it as sort Of private
boarding house, of which his wife was
landady; and if he paid all the bills, he
considered his duty done. His wife had
frequently asked him to stay at home with
her, but she had never ventured on anv ar
gunent before, and he had no conception
Of how much she missed him. She always
seemed happy when he came home, and he
supposed she. could always he so.
Monday evening came, and George Viii
son remained true to his promise. His
wife put Oh her bonnet and shawl, and he
said he would remain and keep house.
"What will you do while am gone 2"
Emma asked
"Oh, shall read and sing, and enjoy my
self generally"
"Very WELL" said Emma. 81 shall be
back early"
The wife vert out, and the husband was
left alone. lie had an interesting book,
and he began to read it. lie read till eight
o'clock, and then he began to yawu, and
look frequently at the clock. The book
did not interest him as usual. Ever and
anon he would come TO a passage which
he knew would please his wife, and instinct
lively he turned rs though he would read it
aloud bat there was no wife to hear it. At
halfpast eight he rose from his chair and
begun to pace the floor and whistle. Then
he got his flute, and played several Of his
iavoritc ai,s. After this he got chess.
board, and played game with an ;nagina-
~ partner Then he walked the floor, and
whistled again. Finally the clock struck
nine, and his wife returned.
well, George said she, 4 am back in
good time. How have you enjoyed your
sclf?
'Capitay," returned the husband. Il
had no idea it was so late. I hope you
have enjoyed YOURSELF
oh, splendidIy! = said his wife. IL had
: 20 idea how much enjoyment there WAS
. away from home. Home is a dull place,
after all-isn't it g
why no-I can't say that it is,' return
ed George, carelessiy. In fact he added,
4 rather like it,
I'm glad Of that retorted Emma, for
we shall both enjoy ourselves now. You
shall have a nice, comfortable week Of it :"
George WINGED at this, but he kept his
countenance, and determined to stand it
out.
On The next evening Emma prepared to
go out again.
4 shall be back in good time she said.
Where are you goingr her husband
asked.
oh, can't tell exactly. may 60 to
several places
So George Wilson was left alone again,
and lie tried to amuse himself as before, but
he found it difficult task. Ever and anon
he would cast his eyes upon that empty
chair, and the thought would come, "How
pleasant it would be if she were here The
clock finally struck nine, and he began to
listen for the step of bis wife. Half an
hour more slipped by, and he became very
nervous and unhappy.
Il Declare he muttered to himself, after
he had listened for some time in vain, sllis
is too bad. She ought not to stay out so
lstep But he happened to remember that
he often remained away much later than
that, 80 lie concluded that he must make
the best of it. ~'
Alta quarter to ten Emma came home.
"A little late, am mott 2 she said, looking
up at the clock. 'Bnt I fell in with some
old friends. How have you enjoyed your!
seIf9'
First rate returned George, bravely. 4
think home is capital place
Especially when a man can have It all
10 himself,' added the wife, with sidelong
glance at her husband. But he made no
| reply.
On the next evening, Emma prepared
to 60 out as before, but this time she kis-
sed her husband ere she went, and seemed
to hesitate.
4 where do YOU think of going7' George