The Van Buren press., 1859-09-21

lation we Were at my friends door, was
pressing Ii. IS hand when the door opened,
and delicate but beautiful lady held q
light, which showed too plainly the frown
which 1isfgured her fair face.
"Well, sir, home at last go and the door
closed ere my friend had finished saying
"good night
was enraged. and declared any man a
fool to submit to such treatment I resolv-
ed that would marry in less than month,
to show Fl. and other unfortunates that a
can be governed.
! lay awake that night thinking over all
my lady friends. and considering which
should be my victim. Some were too silly,
others too plain looking; but remember
ed that one was beautiful, and so high spir-
tied, that to subdue her would be a grand
achievement.
l had wealth, position, and (excuse my
vanity not q bad person. The fair one in
question had always admired, and she had
invariably received me well. Indeed, had
been assured by an acquaintance of Miss
G. that was favorite with her. But as
had resolved to lead single life, I had
never entertained any serious intentions to-
wards the one now determined to marry
if she would accept me. / decided to put
on the chains of matrimony to prove that
they could not always enslave.
In three weeks from that night I had
caught my bird. We were to be united to-
ward the close of the coming week, in ac-
cordance with my wishes, that we might
spend the holidays with my parents in Vir-
ginia.
On our return we took possession of our
newly furnished mansion. We gave large
party, or rather, it's my party that might
invite all Of my bachelor friends, as we'll as
some poor unhappy married ones.
| l was astonished when my bride agreed
to all my arrangements, though she knew
as well as l did they were peculiar
| / could not offend her with any of nv
propositions she gave no unasked advice
merely assented to all said
"Oh, new broom sweeps Clean" tho't
L. "She will show out when no longer q
bride; know she is proud and spirited en-
ough"
The evening passed delightfully."-. and
confess l was skeptical as to my ability to
disturb my wife's peace of mind.
The guests retired, after paying many
compliments on my choice of a wife, and
we were alone. AS soon as 1 could inter-
rupt Mary's gay and charming converse
| ton. said:
My dear. what did You think of my
having the wine and smoking arrangement
for the gentlemen 90
"Oh, it was capital idea. my husband.
1t must have pleased your bachelor friends
to see that you could not forget their COM
fort, although no longer one of them.
must note it down that it may never be for
COTTON when we give entertainments mar.
ried people are too Indifferent about the
comforts of old bachelors"
was again disappointed but deter
mined not to retire until called forth one
frown or pouting look.
| My wife had been sitting with one arm
around me l gently drew myself from her
embrace, I could not do it rudely, and
took cigar from my case. l knew that
before our engagement she disliked the hab-
it of smoking.
calmly seated myself upon lounge and
puffed away.
"Did you observe Mrs. Ms brooch ?" in
quired my wife, coming forward and seat
ing herself by my side.
| "NO," replied, and smoked away Wig
orously. Mary continued to chat gayly,
but suddenly turned pale, and dropped her
head upon my shoulder. She had tainted
l Irang for servant. opened the window and
applied restoratives. We bore her to her
sleeping room. and she soon revived.
asked. What made you i'll was it the
cigar? Why did you not speak when you
first felt its effects ?" And felt myself
blush with shame as 1 hurriedly asked these
questions.
II wished to accustom myself to your
smoking" answered my wife, for cannot
bear to drive you from my presence every
time you wish to enjoy a cigar
"Angel!" J" l exclaimed, "I shall never
smoke again"
"Oh, my husband" she exclaimed,
make no vain promises the habit is not
easily overcome, and do not ask you to
discontinue it; now that know cannot
bear it. can retire to the library when you
wish to smoke
| She has never been obliged to leave me
thus have never smoked since, and 1
would not be hired to take another cigar in
my mouth.
| A night or two after the above occur
renee was sitting with my wife, who was
amusing me by recounting the events of the
Joy "HAeA u@o just Pos"eu, soile auecuOteS
relative to her housekeeping, etc l was
charmed by her affection and naiyene, and
would gladly have remained by her side
But she was to be subdued in all respects,
and in one she had not been tried. Since
our marriage l had not visited the club
rooms. looked at my watch and careless
ly remarked. "I shall go to the club. Ma
~; if you grow sleepy, do not wait for me,
have key"
| A shade of sadness fitted across her
beautiful face. but it was succeeded by one
of her sweetest smiles. Springing forth
from my side she ran to the hall, brought
out my overcoat, shoes, etc., placed them
before the fire, and said
Do not forget to warm them before you
leave the club, my husband, and walk fast
that you may not get cold; indeed, have
another reason for wishing you to hasten
home it will be lonely evening without
you but you have deprived yourself OF
better society SO long that 1 can bear to
spend an evening in anticipation, instead OF