Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1859-06-11
Srlctt Tale.
MR.. PETERS FIRST WIFE.
BY PEPPERC0RN.

"DEARi DEAR no toast eggs boiled as
hard as brickbats, and the coffee stone cold,"
and Mr.. Peters rose from the breakfast table
in temper by no means amiable rang the
bell violently. There was no answer! He
rang again, third, fourth time, still no an
swer. Out of all patience, he went to the
door and called
maria Maria !"
A slight, pretty little woman d;essed in q
soiled, tumbled wrapper, with hair in state
of diteful confusion, answered this summons.
She had one of those round bright faces
which nature intended should be decked with
continual smiles, but now, with all its roses in
bloom, it was drawn out to its ful! length,
and the large blue eyes had serious, or Ia
ther doleful expression, totally ut variance
with their usual joyous look. Her voice, too,
had lost its melodious ringing sound, and was
subdued to dismal whine.
"What is it, Joseph2"
"W here's Bridgetf"
"Gone out for me. want more white rib
bon for my ascension robe"
Mr. Peters said very naughty word, and
then continued
Gold coffee, hard eggs, breakfast not fit to
eat"
Il WISH" whined bis wife, "you would think
less Of temporal matters, and turn your OF.
tention to the great end of lile."
Hang it all madam, would like to enjoy
my life while do have it, Here was !, the
happiest man in the United States, with "A
pleasant home, chatty cheerful, loving wife
and good quiet children and now, since you
have joined the Mlllerites, what am | p
"Oh, Joseph, if you would only come into
that blessed circle! !"
"Oh, Maria, if you would only come out Of
il. Where are the boys?'
81 am sure | don't know"
"Are they going TO school today"
"My dear, their teacher has given up the
school, and is turning her mnd~to more eXal-
ted objects. Oh! Joseph, turn now while
there is time. You have still week for pre-
paration and repentance"
Repentance Well, when take up the
subject, it will take rather more than a 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. shall be out, and I'll
take the boys over 10 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 bachelor
friends, Fred. Somers, who looked up as he
heard joss order.
"Halo !" he cried, "You here? Why what
are you doing here at breakfast time? Wife
sick p
"Now
"Had a quarrel 2"
"Nol"
"Gone out of town."
"Now
"Then why don't you breakfast at home
Chimney on fre?'
"No!'
Servants oil dead ?"
"Now
"Chldren sick ,"
"No!"
"Well, what in thunder is to pay?"
"Maria's Joined the NJ illerites p
Fred gave long whistle, and then said.
"Going to ascend next week2"
"Yes, and if don't commit suicide IN the
meantime, you may congratulate me, am
almost distracted. Can't get decent meal,
children running riot, servants saucy, house
all in confusion, wife in the blues, either quot
ing the speeches of the elders at me, or sew.
ing on white robe, and groaning at every
third stitch. Hang il all, Fred, I've great
mlhu W Anho pOlsoni VI JOiu 'hO uiHy
"H'm HIM you give an enchanting pic
ture bat think can suggest cure"
"a cure !"
"Yes, if you will promise to follow my ad-
vice, will make your home pleasant, your
wife cheerful aud your children happy"
DO it !" cried Joe. "l'li follow your word
like soldier under his officer. What shall
%"
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.
"Maria, my DEAR" said Mr.. Peters, cheer
fully, sis tea ready ?"
81 don't know" was the answer, 81 have
been out all day, attending meeting"
"Oh, very WE'LL never mind. Attending
meeting2 You are resolved, then, 70 oleaye
me next week 7"
'Oh I! Joe, must 60 when am called"
"Yes, my dear, Of course. Well, | must
resign myself, i suppose by the way, my dear,
has it ever occurred to you that would be
left widower with three children? think
am handsome man yet, my love-" and Joe