The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1860-06-14

bounded as she recognized the old low
.er's tones and manner. -r
Not one fretful speech, not one COM
plant, fell upon Williams ear through
the meal. The newspaper, his usual
solace at that hour, lay untouched, as
Lizzie chatted gaily on every pleasant
subject she could think of warming by
his gratified interest and cordial man.
ner. vaI vaa aufl u -
b" You will be home to dinner" she
said as he went out.
Can't do it today, Lizzie; have
business out of town, but I'll be home
early to tea. Have something sub
stantial, for I don't expect to dine.
Good bye," and the smiling look, warm
kiss, and lively whistle, were marked
contrast to his lounging, careless gait,
of the previous evening.
81 am in the right path" said Lizzie
in low whisper. "On! what fool |
have been for two long years a fret
ful dowdy! William, you shall never
say that again." s) sl.i 10 n9ltai'
Lizzie loved her husband with real
wifely devotion, and her lip would quiv-
er when she thought of his confidence
to bis friend Moore; but like brave
little woman she stifed back the bitter
feeling, and tripped off to perfect her
plan. The grand piano, silent for
months was opened, and the linen COW
ers taken from the furniture, Lizzie
thinking" William shan't find any
parlor more attractive than his own l
am determined" ia
Tea time came, and William with it.
a little figure, in tasty, bright silk
dress, smooth cnrls, and oh such a
lovely blush and smile, stood ready to
welcome William as he came in; and
tea-time passed as the m ,rning meal
had done.
After tea, there was no movement,
rs usual towards the hat rack. Will
liam stood up beside the table, linger-
ing, chatting, till Lizzie also rose. She
led him to the bright, warm parlor, in
their pretty glow of tasteful arrange
ment, and drew him down beside her
on the sofa. He felt as if he was court
ing over again as he watched her fin
gers busy with some fancy needlework,
and listened to the cheerful voice he
had SO dearly loved two years before.
"What are you making, Lizzie p
ga pair of slippers. Don't you re-
member how much you admired the
pair 1 worked for you, oh ever SO long
ago 2"
"I remember black velvet with
flowers on them. fused to put my feet
on the tender, and dream of blue eyes
and bright curls, and wish time would
move faster to the day when / could
bring my bonnie wee wife home to
make music in my house. Lizzie's face
saddened for n moment, as she thought
of the past two years, and how little
she had made for his loving heart,
gradually weaving it from its allegiance
then she said:
81 wonder if you love music as much
as you did then ?"
"Of course do. l often drop into
Miss Smiths for nothing else than to
hear the music" s1'A sf''sl
81 can play and sing better than Miss
Smith," said Lizzie, half pouting. ~
'Bnt You always say you are ont of
practice, when l ask you" 'eNnA
81 had the piano tuned this morning
Now let us open it and see how it
sounds" rrT 81 T ossot
William obeyed joyfully, and toss
ing aside her sewing, Lizzie took the
piano stool. She had a very sweet
voice, not powerful, but most musical,
and was a very fair performer on the
piano. .fbs) ds1liE- cesD2.nllA
"Ballads, Lizzie?'' . Y .e7d & ~
ooh! yes, I know you dislike opera
music in parlor.'' d.ieH W
1
One song after another, with noe
turne or lively instrumental piece, oc-
casionally between them, filed up an
other hour pleasantly. sssse>x
"The little mantel clock, struck elev-
en-. f8V .vIr Il III .r4f
"Eleven. why, l thought it was only
nine. l ought to apologize, Lizzie, as
| used to do, for staying so late; and
can truly say, as l did then, that the
time has passed so pleasantly. / can
scarcely believe it is so late.
The piano was closed, Lizzie's work
was put in the basket, and William
was ready to go mp stairs; but glanc-
ing back, he saw his little wife stand
ing nearthe Fireplace, her hands clasped