Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1860-07-12

naples. They drive through the large gate
way, the man John comes from the barn TO put
up the horses, and Mr.. Thornton hurres up
the walk to the piazza, leaving his friend to
follow at his leiSure-he must see his wife first
and if possible hurry her out Of sight before
| their visitor enters. He rushes into the sit.
ting room-wordS cannot express his amaze
ment-there sits the very image of his lovely
bride, and self-conscious blush mantles her
| cheek as he stoops to kiss her with words of
joyful surprise" Why Ellen !" He has time
for no more, George Morton has followed him
and he exclaims-" Ha Charley, as lover.
like as eYer-haSn't the honeymoon set vet ?"
and then he is duly presented to Mrs. Thorn
ton, who under the pleasing excitement of the
OCCASION appears to far better advantage than
usual Tea is soon upon the table, and the
gentlemen do ample Justice to the tempting re-
past spread before them. happy meal it is
to Charles Thornton, who gaZes with admir-
ing fondness upon his still beautiful wife
Supper over, Mr. Morton coaxes little Nellie
to sit on his lap, but she soon slides down, and
climbing her fathers knee, whispers confden-
TALLY, Don't mamma look pretty" He kiss
es her and answers, Yes, my darling"
The evening passes pleasantly and swiftly
away, aud many half,forgotten smile of their
life-pilgrimage is recalled by some way-mark
which still CLEANS bright in the distance
They both feel younger and better for their
interview, and determine never to become so
like strangers again. Mr. MortQn'S soliloquy,
as he retres to the cosy apartment appropri,
ated to his use is "W We'll, this is a happy fam
ily What lucky fellow Charley iS-such a
handsome wife and children-and she so good
some day myself" (Which pleasing idea that
night mingled with his visions.
The next morning Mr. Thornton watched
his wife's movements with some anxiety-he
could not bear to have her destroy the fayora-
BILE impression which he was certain she had
made on his friends miad, and yet some ire
sistible impulse forbade his Offering any sug-
gestion or abiding in any way to the delicate
subject so long uHmentoncd between them =
But Mrs. Thornton needed 10 friendly advice
with true womanly tact she perceived the
advantage she had gained, and was not at all
inclined to reiinquish it. The dark ginghGm
dress, linen collar and snowy apron formed
an appropriate aud becoming morning attire
for housekeeper and the table afforded the
guest no occasion for altering his opinion in
regard to the skill or afabiIity of bis amiable
hostess. Early in the forenoon, Mr.. Morton
took leave Of his hospitabe friends, being call
ed away by pressing affairs Of business.
Mr. and Mrs Thornton returned to their ac-
customed avocatonS, but it was with renewed
energy, and new sense Of quiet happiness no
less deeply felt because uneXpresSed A dav
or two afterwards Mr.. Thornton invited his
wife to accompany him to town, saying he
thought she might like to do some shopping
and she with no apparent surprise, bat heart
felt pleasure, acccded to the proposal The
following Sabbath the village gossips had am
pie food for their hungry eyes Ito be digcsted
at the next sewing society in the appearance
Of Mrs Thornton at church clad in plain but
rich costume, an entire new outfit, which they
could not deny "made her look ten years
Younger"
This was the beginning of the reform, and
it was the dawning of a brighter day for the
husband and wife of our story. True, habits
of such long standing are not conquered in a
week or . month and very often was Mrs
Thornton tempted to yield to their long-toler
ated sway brt she fought valiantIy against
their influence, and in time she ganquished
them An air OF taste and elegance, before
unknown, now pervaded their dwelling, and
year after year the links Of affection which
united them as a family grew brighter and
purer, even radiatiug the holy light of Chris
tian home.
But it was not until many years had passed
away, aud our little Nellie now lovely
maiden, was about to resign her place as pet
in her fathers household, and assume new
dignity in another's home, that her mother
impaired to her the story Of her own early
errors, and earnestly warned her to beware of
that insiduous foe to domestic happiness-dts-
regard Of HHle Mings-aad kissing her daugh
ter with maternal pride and fondness she
thanked her for those simple, child-like words,
which had changed the whole current of her
destiny" Don't Pa like to see yOU Look pref
y"