The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1859-08-20

ravel the knot into which the domestic af-
fairs Of the family had tied themselves
during her absence. Pap Ainsley still keeps
his cart, for money would not induce him
to part with it.
peeped into the back yard of DR.. East
man, one day last week, and discovered the
old man dragging the favorite vehicle round
the inclosure, with his four grand children
piled promiscuously into it.
MR.. PETERS FIRST WIFE.
"Dear! dear! no toast, eggs boiled as
hard as hrickbats, and the coffee stone
cold," and Mr.. Peters rose from the
breakfast table in n temper by no means
amiable, and rang the bell violently. There
was no answer! He rang again, a third,
fourth time, still no answer. Out of all
patience, he went to the door and called
"Maria Maria ="
A slight, pretty little woman, dressed in
seiled, tumbled wrapper, with hair in a
state Of direful confusion, answered the
summons. She had onet 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 full length, and the large blue
eyes had a serious, or rather doleful ex-
preston, totally at varience 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 20
"Gone out for me. want moro white
ribbon for my ascension robe"
Mr.. Peters said naughty word, and then
continued, "coij coffee, hard eggs, break
fast not fit to eat"
81 wish," whined his wife, "you would
think less of temporal matters, and turn
your attention to the great end of life."
"1Iang it all, madam, | would like to
enjoy life while it lasts. Here was |, the
happiest man in the state, with pleasant
home, cheerful, chatty, loving wife, and
good children and now, since you have
joined the Alillerites, what am ?"
"Oh, Joseph, if you would come into that
circle"
"Oh, Maria, if you would only come out
of it!w
"Where are the boys?"
81 am sure don't know"
care they going to school to-day?"
''My dear, their teacher has given up the
school, and is turning her mind to more
exalted objects. Oh! Joseph, turn new
while there is time. You shall have week
for repentance"
Repentance! Well, when take up the
subject, it will take more than weok to
put it through"
And Mr.. Peters put on his coat and took
up his hat.
"Joseph, you need not send home any
dinner. | shall be out, and Pll 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 a restaurant to make break
fast. Here he was hailed by one of his
bachelor friends, Fred Somers, who looked
up as he heard Joe's order.
"Hallo ~ he cried, ''you here? Why,
what are you doing here at breakfast time?
Wife sick?'
"Nor'
Had a quurrel?"
"No!"
"Gone out of town?'
"No!"
"Then why don't you breakfast at home:
Chimney on freq
"No:"
sServnnts dead 20
"No!"
"Children sick -
"Now
"Well, what in thunder is to pny ?'
"Nlaria's Joined the Millerites !"
Fred gave a long whistle, aud said, "Go-
ing to ascend next week % ......
"Yes, and if don't commit suicide in
the meanwhile, you may congratulate me.
am almost distracted. Can't get a decent
meal, children running riot, servants saucy,
house all in confusion, wife in the blues,
either quoting the speeches of tho elders at
me, or sewing on white robe, and groan-
ing every third stitch. Hang it all, Fred,
Eve great mind to join the armyy'
''H'm him you give an enchanting pic-
ture, but think l can suggest cure"
ga cure !" '.-s
eyes, if you will promise to follow my
advice, | will make your home pleasant,
your wife cheerful, and your children
happy" 49,, ...
word like soldier under his officer. What
shall do?'' " -
At ten time Mr.. Peters entered bis home,
whstiing. Maria was seated ut the table,
sewing on her white robes, and there were
no signs of preparation for the evening
meal. a<~ ~ 7:<. = %@,...
"Maria, my dcar,'' said Mr.. Peters,
cheerfuly, sis tea ready?" -.
81 don't know" was the answer, "have
been out all day, attending meeting"
"Oh, very we'll, never mind. Attending
meeting You are resolved, then, to leave
me next week p" -. ..., ...
"Oh! Joe, must 60 when am called"
eyes, my dear, Of course. Well, must
resign myself, suppose. By the way, my
dear, has itever occurred to you that shall
be left widower with three children? 1
think am handsome man yet, my love-"
and Joe walked over to the glass, passed
bis fingers through his hair and pulled up
his collar. Maria looked up rather surrri-
sed. - ~ ~ "1s
"You see, my dear, it is rather relief
for you to 60 quietly, you know. 1t is SO
wearing on the nerves to have o long illness;
and besides, my dear, there will be no fu-
neral expenses, and that is quite saving"
Mrs. Peters lip quivered; and her large
blue eyes filled with tears. Joe lonred to
stop his heartless speech, and comfort her,
but be was fearful the desired effect was not
gained yet. - ~ss - ~
$50, my DEAR" he continued, elf you
must 60, | have been thinking Of getting
another Wife" a,.g =
HWhat!" cried Mrs. Peters.
"Another wife, my love. The house must
be kept in order, and the boys cared for"
The grief was gone from Maria's face,
but her teeth were set with look Of fierce
wrath.
"Auother wife, Joe! Another wife 20
"Yes. think have selected good
successor. Ideliberated long time, when
| was bachelor, between her, and yourself.
You will like her, for she is your bosom
friend" s@ s.#H @s. sssss
"My bosom friend 20
eyes, my dear. ] think on the day that