The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-08-31
SfIftt O. ale.
MR.. PETERS FIRST WIFE,


was no answer! He rang again, third,
fourth time, still no answer! Out of all
patience he went to the door and called
-'Marial Maria!
A slight pretty little woman, dressed
in solled tumbled wrapper, with hair in
a state of direful confusion, answered
this summons. She had one of those
round, bright faces which Nature intend
ed should be decked with continual smiles
but now with all its roses ir bloom, it
was drawn to its full length, and the large
blue eyes had serious, or rather doleful
expression, 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?'
Gone out for me. I want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe.'
Mr.. Peters said very naughty word,
and then continued, Gold coffee, hard
eggs, breakfast not fit to eat.'
i 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, 1 would like to
enjoy my life while do have it. Here
was l, the happiest man in the United
States, with pleasant home, a chatty
cheerful, loving wife, and good quiet
children; and now, since you have joined
the Milerites; what am I?'
Oh, Joseph, if you would only come
into that blessed circle'
'Oh, Maria, if you would only come
out of it. Where are the boys?'
L am sure I don't know
Are they going to school to day?'
MY dear, their teacher has given up
the school, and is turning her mind to
more exhalted objects Oh! Joseph, turn
now while there is time. You have still
week for preparation and repentance
Repentance! Well, when l take up
the subject, it will take more than 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. 1 shall he out,
and I'll take the boys over to their uncles
to dine
Joe made no answer, unless the vio-
lently emphatic manner in which he
closed the door was one. Muttering
with anger he strode into restaurant
to make breakfast Here he was hailed
by one of his bachelor friends, Fred Lo.
mers, who looked up as he heard Joe's
lorder.
.Hallo!' he cried, You here? Why
what are you doing here at breakfas,
time? Wife sick?'
mol!
Had quarrele'
sNo!'
Gone to town?
| NO.
Then why don't you breakfast at homei
Chimney on fre?'
'No!'
Servants all dead?'
Mo-
well. what in the thunder is to pay?'
'Maria's joined the Millerites!'
Fred gave long whistle. and thel
said, going to ascend next week?'
Yes, and if don't commit suicide il
the meantime you may congratulate me
I am almost distracted. Can't get
decent meal, children running riot, ser
wants saucy, house all in confusion, wifi
in the blues, either quoting the speeche
of the elders at me, OF sewing on whit
rooe, and groaning every third stitch
Hang it all, Fred, I've great mind t
take poison, or join the army!
'H'm! him! you give an enchantin
picture, but I think I can suggest
cure.'
"A cure?'
Yes if you will promise to follow m
advice, I will make your home pleasant
your wife cheerful, and your childre
happy
DO it, cried Joe. I'H follow you
word like soldier under his officer
What shall I do?
d At tea time Mr.. Peters entered b
home, whistling. Maria was seated 9
the table sewing on her white robes, an
there were no signs of preparation for tn
a evening meal.
It Maria, my DEAR said Mr.. Peter
q cheerfully, lis tea ready?'
% i don't know was the answer, 'hav
T. been out all day, attending meeting
1t 'Oh, very we'll; never mind. Attent
n ing meetinga You are resolved, thel
q to leave me next week?' -"
|e oh! Joe, must go when am cal
leIed.'
N Yes my DEAR of course. Well,
( must resign myself, suppose. By til
N way, my dear, has it ever occurred to 20
N that shall be left widower with thre
d children? think am handsome ma
70 yet, my love- and Joe walked over to tt
y glass, passed his fingers through his hal
II and pulled up his collar. Maria locke
up, rather surprised