The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-10-16
From Peterson's Magazine.
How Z Ec e,le to Live i'm the City.
BY R0SAILIE GRAY.

Nv husband and lived, originally, in a
very large house liz tho country; it was far
more extensive than was required for a new
" married couple without children, and il
used to make me feel really mournful to
wander through those great, cold looking
halls without ever meeting any one. And
accommodate an army. and cold enough to
freeze it after it was accommodated. But
then Mr.. Jones would live there his reply
to all my pouting remonstrances invariably
was,
.'My dear, was born in this house--and
have always lived here-and shouldn't
recognize myself anywhere else. Besides,
what could bo more lovely in the summer
timer"
Trueh was charming at that season, when
the flowers were all in bloom, and the fruit
was hanging tempting on the trees, and we
clul leave our doors and windows open to
catch the breeze. Plenty ofspace is a lux
ury in warm weather Then too the river
that lay jl,stil frGrt If US was teeming
, with life the little SAL boats SKINNED merri
~ along as though they had wings, while
the larger vessels passed Us with so many
people waving their handkerchefs, that we
woull catch the spirit and almost fancy that
, we, too, were sailing off somewhere. Then
could forget the long, dreary winters, when
the frozen Yivcr fol babe all travel in that way
aud w..-i The flowers were buried and with
! cred beneath the snow, and the leaness trees
served only TO increase the dreary whistling
Of the wind while list was carefully fastcn-
ei around the doors to keep out, as much as
4 possible. the strong currents of air; and we
shvered over the fire, wondering whose in
vcntion it was such great, useless rooms !;
J or locked out Of the window at the trackless
waste Of snow, and wished that we could see
some one passing. But we seldom did see
any one passing at such times; for we were
nearly mile from onr nearest neighbors,
and country people arc much more timid
about adventuring OFT in the stormy or cold
& weather than city people.
One day Mr.. Jones announced to iuc that
. it was necessary for him to go to the city,
and it would be impossible for him to return
before the next day. trembed at the
thought Of spending night in that great
house without man to protect me; but
lie merely laughed at my f.ars, exclaim-
= ing,
You have your sister Bell with you; W hat
more do you wish ?"
BELL is as great coward as am" re-
" Piled; "and am sure we shall both of US
DE murdered before you return; and when
YOU come back you will probably find US
cold and lfeless."
"You paint rather tragical picture" said
be, contemplating me with an amused ex-
preston; perhaps had better take the
sleigh and 80 over for your two friends, the
Denmans, that they may share that interes.
ting fate''
II wish you would" said I; .the more
there are of us the better we shall feel pro
tected"
My friends accordingly came, and with
them two little girls, who were especial
favoritcs of nine. As Mr.. Jones lifted
them out Of the sleigh he exclaimed. gayly,
II have borrowed couple of children for
you, too; for thought it would require a
great many to compensate in any degree, for
my loss
Ny husband departed. AS he left the
house he turned and remarked, "You will
find my revolver under my pillow; if rob-
1 bers should come you might point it at
them, and they won't know but that it is
loaded"
! watched his retreating figure as far as
could see it, and then stood with my face
, pressed against the window pane. Bell had
taken possession Of my company, and was
inno hurry to join them. gazed out upon
the trees clothed in their robe of pure snow.
while long icicles, hung from their branches
and sparkled as the sun went down behind
the hills and its last rays of red, and purple
and gold shown over them. 1t was the first
time since our marriage that my husband
had spent night away from me, and it is
hSs ots any ~ tSlI y iilttc chd ~ Nlc Scpcl u
tion. Presently an arm was thrown around
my waist, and Bells laughing eyes were look
ing into mine.
"Come, Mrs. Jones, we know 1t is a dread
ful thing to be so cruelty deserted by ones
worser half; but then. you know, We must
get used to trials, so let me wipe away the
tears and she demurely attacked my eyes
with o large blanket shawl.
go away. you saucy piece!' I exclaimed
II have not been shedding any tears r And
drew my chair with the rest around the
fire.
1t may be unromantic," suggested Bell,
& ebut think an extra good tea wouldn't come
amiss this evening; besides We shall need
something to fortify US against our fears now
~ that we are Alone"
Iqnite ayreed with hsr. AMI departed
III forthwith to Biddy's assistance. By the
8 time that supper was ready. felt quite hap.
ii Py ani Ike making mys,lf agreeable, and |