The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-05-01
Don't Scold.

l making dress for my little two year old Fan
NY and would have finished it last evening but lack OF
just one half yard of trimming.
tToo bad" said |, in tone of impatience, letting
my hands fall into my lap
"What is too bad?" asked my husband, in his quiet
way, glancing up from the book he reading.
MY trimming is short just half yard, and can't
finish this dress tonight. 1t so provoking Twas sure
five yards wouldn't be enough but Mrs Sade said she
only used four and half her Pinlys frock, and in
sisted that shouldn't buy any more. l wish people
would mind their own business
! was really out of humOr, and answered a remark
from my husband in pettish way He said nothing
further, but kept with his reading, while worried
myself in truitless the unfinished dress,
and made myself am ashamed to say, quite unhappy
about it.
On the morning, after breakfast, as my husband
stood with Fanny in his arms receiving his good buy
hug and kiss, called out to him from the dining
room
of that trimming. 1t wont be much out Of your way
90 by Maxwels Just wait until | run up stairs and
get pece of it for sample
"Now you wont forget?7 l said handing him the
sample of trimming wrapped up nicely
"Ofcourse not, he replied, with pleasant laugh
"Oh, but you so torgetful, Henry" had my
reasons for doubling the fidelity of his memory; he is
not always faithful in the performance of my tring
commissions; and wonder for he has world of busi
ness cares and perplexities on his mind.
'Nevcr fear; you shah have your trimming. Do you
think I'd forget anything that was for my little Fanny
and he hugged the darling close to his BOSOM nearly
smotherng her with kisses. In the next minute he
was in the street.
My husbands business was way down town, nearly
two miles from dwelling and be is usually absent
from morning till night Twenty times during the day
had Fanny new dress III my hand-it delicate
blue merno, just suiting her fair compexon-and every
time wished for the trimming that might give the
finishing touch. As evening approached, and the time
for my husband to return drew near my thoughts dwelt
more intenty the trimming
"HOw foolish said l. mentally "to let my mind be-
come so absorbed in a a trife.'
Darkness came down. the gas was lighted; and sat,
with Fanny III little chair by my side awaiting the
moment when my husband should come in. His key
ratified in the door, and Fanny starting her feet went
flying down stairs. | sat still by my workstand on
which the blue merino dress was living ready for the
the deficient trimming heard Funnys laughing cry of
Joy as she sprung into her fathers arms the sound OF
well known steps up stairs aud in a moment af-
ter my husband entered the room his face allaglow with
pleasure, bearing his precious burden That child
his idol and Fanny loved him with an ardor that made
me at times feel almost jealous.
Have You got the trimming" Iasked forgetting to
press forward and put up my lips for the accustomed
kiss.
''Now that too bad" he exclaimed, shadow falling
over his face. 1T hasn't crossed my mind since left
the house this morning. | have had such busy day
and so many things TO occupy my mind "
My heart gave an indulgent bound; the blood rushed
to my face; was disappointed and angry. "I is toe
bad!' replied sharply 'Too bad that my husband
can't attend to my most triHing request 1t will be
long time before ask him to do ANYTHING more for me
''Tm very sorry" he replied in a tone of regret.
But would take no apology; the neglect seemed Sc
inexcusable. lie had to pass Maxwels in goingan re
turning, and wouldn't have taken five minutes to mattel
the trimming. | don't remember all that said; but
must have spoken in a very unwifely manner. hyhus
band after eXcung himself made no further reply bu
looked greved and hurt. Fanny made a movement tc
get down from his arms and he set her on the floor
As soon as she vas released she quickly acros
the room to where was sitting, drew down my head
and lifting her tearfiled eyes to my face Whispered
through quivering lips this sentence, which went
bu1ngly to my heart:
Don't told papai-he's dood!'
couldn't stand that. Yes, he was kind and good
thoughtful and loving and for that one act of forgetul
ness, in the midst of busy and all knew him per
picked and anxious day had assaied him with hars
words the instant he crossed the Threshold of hi
home.
eyes, darling papa is good, I whispered lack as
kissed my precious little monitor and I'll never sco
him again
Repentant tears were in my eyes as rose and cross
ed the room.
Forgive me dear" said, as | laid my lips on hi
clouded forehead at was moment of forgetfuness
The trimming is of no consequence l shall be out to
morrow and get it myself"
; 81 am sorry about it. he answered. at was lttl
thing and should have rememberedt In the fuur
will be more thoughtful"
"And so will l." was my penitent response.
And trust that have been Dear little Fanny
Can ever forget her look and tone, when she said
Don't scold papa!-he's dood."
No, never. Home Magazine.