Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-03-27
The Deaf Wives.

The incident we are about to relate occur
red some years since in the Granite State, b
! and as we abide beyond striking distance of v
the parties and their immediate friends, we a
shall be a little more free in our description
of the circumstances than we otherwise
should be.
Nathaniel Fla, or Uncle Nat as he was
generally called, was the corpulentrubicund,
and Jolly old landlord of the best hotel in
the hourishing village of Dover, at the head
of the Piscataqua, and was excessively fond
of a bit of fun withal. He was also the own
er of a large farm in New Durham, about
twenty miles distance, the overseer of which
was one Caleb Kicker, or "Bees Kale," as
termed by the numerous hands under his
control, fond of, and sufficiently waggish for,
all practical fun and frolic. Caleb like a
wise and prudent man, had a wife so had
Uncle Nat who was accustomed to visit his
farm every month or two, to see how matters
went on. On the occasion of one of these
visits, the following dialogue occurred be
tween Uncle Nat and Mistress Kicker.
Mr.. Ella said the good lady, why have
you never brought Mrs. Ella out to see the
farm, and pay US a visit l dare say she
would be pleased to spend a day or two with
us, and | would endeavor to render her stay
as pleasant and comfortable as possible
Why, to tell you the truth, Mrs. Kicker,
said Uncle Nat, L have been thinking about
it, for some time, but then she is so very
deaf as to render her conversation extremely
dificult-in fact it requires the greatest eff
fort to. make her hear anything that is said
to her and she is consequently very re-
~luctant to mingle in the society of stran-
gers
Never mind that replied the importunate
Mrs. Kicker, i have a good strong voice, and
.r n-r lNo1y pNnEa hor hoor c0n
If you think so, and will risk it, said
Uncle Nat, she shall accompany me on my
next visit to the farm and this having beer
agreed on, Uncle Nat, left for the field, t.
acuuaint Boss Kale with what had passed
and with the plan of future operation, touch
ing the promised visit of his wife.
1t was finally settled between the wickec
ways that the fact that their wives coul
both hear Us we'll as anybody, should b
kept a profound secret, until disclosed by
personal interview Of the ladies themselves
The next time Uncle Nat was about t
visit the farm he suggested to his wife tn;
a ride in the country would be of service
her; that Mrs. Kicker, who had never see
her, was very anxious to receive a visit fro
her, and proposed that she should accomp
ny MIN on the occasion. She readily cor
scented, and they were soon on their iourne
They had not, however, proceeded far. VIII,
Uncle Nat observed to her that he was sc
ry to inform her that Mrs. Kicker was e
tremely deaf, and she would be under Il
necessity Of e~levating her voice to the hic
est pitch, in order to converse with her.
Mrs. Ella regretted the misfortune. b
Y thought, as she had a pretty strong vol
i. she would be able to make her friend he
her.
In a few hours after, Uncle Nat and
lady drove up to the door of his count
mansion, and Boss Kicker, VIII had been .
nix. yiously informed Of the time of Uncle n;
,rv. intended arrival, was already in waiting
Ter. help enjoy the fun that was to come Q
rht. meeting of the Deaf Wives! Mrs. Kicker,
expecting them at the time, happened to
ave engaged with her domestic duties in
ell. kitchen; but observing her visitor throl
nem the window she flew to the glass to adjust
peat cap and put herself in the best trim to rect
;ulty meauUfmeY' Ooss naIe tlau usnereSf fJncIe
the and his lady into the parlor, by way of
outh front door, soon after which Mrs. r, anne,
in the presence of her guests.
ac- Mrs. Kicker will make you acouair
from with Mrs. Ella" roared Uncle Nat, in a v
old Of thunder.
did, How do you do, madam" screamed I
orde Kicker TO Mrs. Ella, with her mouth clos
that the ear of the latter.
two Very well, | thank You" replied Mrs.
been IN a tone OF corresponding elevation.
{ his How did you leave your family q'
tinued Mrs. R. in a voice quite up to the p
first of her first effort.
very well, l thank you-how's -,
easy family? resumed Mrs. E. in a key which
We ed into requisition all the power of
and lungs.
lovels In the meantime Uncle Nat and Rocs
her who were convulsed beyond the noUror
our endurance, hail quietly stolen out of the d
reten- and remained under the window l;ste,
to the boisterous conversation Of ,ba;r
had wives, which was continued on +ba 800
Theo- waited letter of the staff for some tina -
chool, Mrs. r. in the same ledger.line kew Sbe
defec. observed from the first. Thus addrossad
: had lady guest: