Litchfield enquirer., 1860-08-30

1eVerEyet Saihed ahythlng," replied the more experienced elder. II foolishly allowed myself to get angry but now my equanim- ity is restored, and--in fact, I want my breakfast"
 While this conversation was going on in under-tones, what were the victorious party whispered to each other? Were they ex- ulting in their triumph? Not at all and perhaps, if they had been asked, they would have confessed that victory in battle of words with a husband is only second 10 q defeat. eff I could have guessed it would have come to this, I would lave taken the joke at once," said Emma "I wish had done what Alfred asked me, but now it is too late"
 "You have at least shown him." said the sympathising mother, " that you have will of your own, and that is something ! l shall astonish my old man too /; it will be long before I make friends with him again."
 "You will stand by me, dearest mother p
 "You may be sure of that, my child" Emma sighed perhaps she wished her moth- CT to give different answer, but she did net say so.
 "We had better give in," said the old . SCuCChdu tO Ilo lOShlAS fSl J hard at tie good things OH the table.
 But what is to become of cur honor {" asked Alfred.
 Bah P cried the old man, it is dis agreeable thing to yield, and so it is said to touch the honor. Let US lut an ed to itn'
 Listen, children" continued the kind old man, turning and speaking aloud to his wife and dauelter, laughing You are a little too stcad(ast in your resolutions. l must now strengthen myself by some break fast, to carry on tie battle happily, the table is set, and one has nothing to do but to enjoy the rerast." So saying, tEe old man sat down, and began to attack the substantial meal before him.
 "Dear mother, shall we not also----?" trembling'y suggested Emma
 1,s, yes, of course, We must not lose our breakfast ;" SO the three sat down to the table, for Alfred lad slil ped cut of the room when tile old man had begun his speech. He shortly returned, however, holding in his hard two handsome shawls, with which he HOW arproacl,,,i lis thorough Iy humbled bride.
 "Dcar little wife," said le, "acccl q pcace-offering from my hands. l ackI'ow[ edge that our quarrel was entirely ny own fault aLd as proof of ny consciousness of guilt, l beg you will take your choice of one of these shawls"- unfolding and display ing them as he spoke.
 Emma scarcely looked up, and when she did raise her eyes, they were full of tears not such tears as she Lad shtd an hour be. fore, Lut proceeding from a very different source, which tie reader may guess. She wished to avoid making her choice, and beg gcd that Alfred would net ask her moac j; but he pcrssting in his own dctcTmined a'd pcrycrsc way, Choose, little one, clioose," the victorious wife pointed to one oi the slawls, which the yanquished husband cheer dced. to those wlIJ had witnessed the pro- gress of the battle, it would have appeared that the victory and defeat were exactly tic reverse quarters from what we know them to have been.
 II have come three parts of tLe way to meet you, little wife--."
 What could the little wife do but answer the appeal by hiding her halfcrying, half laughing face on her husbands shoulder, and whispering in his ear, Very good-the table is set !''
 So peace was declared between those who, We hope, never allowed it to be again disturbed and Catherine seemed to be med itating how best to follow her daughters ex- ample Looking admiringly at the other shawl, she laid her hand on her husbands shoulder with the familiar words Old man p
 "Wcll?"
 "See now, there is yet another shawl |: will you not be reconciled to me too p
 "With shawl nay, l cannot afford it."
 "But consider" urged Catherine.
 "Old wife, l hope you are more reasona- ble; :; young bridegroom may make it up with his bride by bringing her pcace-offer- ing when ho is as old as am, he will do so no longer.
 Hal and Bcttina were now busy ill attcn- dance as the breakfast proceeded the maid- en took every opportunity of turDing her back upon her fellow servant, he all the time watching her with looks of entrcaty, but there was no sign of yielding ill that quar- ter.
 Alfred galy addressed his favoritc ser want as he stood behind him, "Is it ali right HOW between you and Bettina 2" but the answer was given in profound melan- choly "No, sir, no she will never give in"
 "Bettina mast say the words," cried Elm ma "she is the cause of all the trouble, and now she must say them"
 " It is true," said the old lady "now, Bettina, you must say them before US all as a punishment. Say the words after me Very good---the table is sct'"
 The laughter that followed puzzled the old lady, wLo at first did not perceive that she now for the first time had said the words herself, until his husbands triumphant shout reached Ter ear "you have said it at last, my wife 1" ....
 Catherine joined in the laugh, and ac- knowledged herself yanquished and now it only remained for the still stubborn serving maiden to follow in the track
 Now, Bettina," said her young mistress, it is your turn you must do as we have done." But with much confusion Bettina turned away from Haps entrcating looks, and declared it was impossible
 Do you know that 1 have arranged eve ry-thing for your wedding in three weeks ?" asked the indulgent mistress.
 Very good" demurely answered the maiden, as if it did not signify much.
 "Well, we'll, you have said it half now say the rest y was the universal chorus