Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-07-19

refresh you; or''-his face lighted up as with
bright idea" suppose we take tea together?n
Together! :" echoed the lady.
"Oh don't be alarmed" said the gentle
man; "you shall pay for your own, and for
mine, and we'll hay it on different trays, in
the most platonic manner possible.''
Despite the rapid beating OF her heart, the
lady could not repress q smile, Of which her
husband took immediate advantage by order
ing tea for himself. The tea was brought and
he placed himself at the table opposite his
Mr. and Mrs Thirlby had been married in
the year 1S46. Miss Harbrowe was a noted
beauty, and Francis Thirdly somewhat ex-
centric bachelor. After o honeymoon, and
three or four moons more Of unmixed sweet
ness, spent abroad amidst grand old ruins,
crumbling columns, and colossal statues like,
ghosts Of greatness passed away, under dreamy
skies and Oyer-pent volcanoes, they returned
to cool and cloudy England-its tempestuous
summers, mild though murky winters, and
carefully concealed domestic hur rcanes.
year passed, and among old friends, old
haunts and old associations, easy-goiDg Mr..
Thirlby became the usual careless husband
engaged chiefly with his Greenwich dinner
| and his clubs than home, unless he gave a
party, when he would shine with his customary
brilliance. When alone with his wife, he ap-
peared absorbed in meditation. She resented
mis- want Of assiduity, and he resented her re-
sentiment She had been an only child; so had
he. Neither would be the first to yield! Each
was largely endowed with the fatal gift eff sar-
casm, aDa used it mercilessly. They stabbed
their mutual happiness with epigrams, and
battered down their home with the artillery
of bitter words. Months passed in fierce storms
and threatening calms. The last provocation
was given. Mrs. Thirdly was jealous. She
left the house, and shortly after q separation
was mutually agreed On.
Mr.. Thirlby, finding his freside cold and his
home merely furnished apartments, resolved
on adopting career. He had interest at tho
India House, and obtained an appointment in
the civil service. Years passed. He returned;
and as be looked at the wife he had once so
loved, he felt that he could have begun his
cour.ship once again; the last fourteen years
were aDnihilated; she was before him; the old
charm hOated around her, and he felt his heart
liquefy as he traced the we'll rem EN- bered fea-
lures and their play beneath the swinging
light in the close, trem bling, rocking cabin.
Mrs Tnirlby sat with her eyes fixed on the
tumbling sea-externally calm, violet eyed
impassive, and grand. Her husband, leaning
his elbow on the table, and his bead upon his
hand, said "Upon my word, Maria, you are
looking hsndsomer than ever"
flush Of pleasure surged up to Mrs. Thrill
by's face; she beat it back bravely, but could
not resist slight smile, for she felt, with the
self-conscieusness of a handsome wOmsn, that
her husband had spoken truly, and as he
thought.
This is a remarkable meeting, is it not ~
continued he, hardly knowing what to say, yet
disiiking silence more than hszsrding some
thing commonplace. "By the way, you have
servant with you, haven't your"
NO" replied the lady.
ono! How is that 2"
Harriet had never seen the sea In her life,
and refused to embark. She said we were sure
to be drowned, so 1 came away without her."
How Odd :" said the husband; there's
not single passenger mean in this cabin
We are single" said the wife, relaxing to
a smile
cor course We are-at presentt' said the
husband.
"And mean to keep so," continued Mrs.
Thirlby, observing that her husbands eyes
were fixed on hers with an expression of deem
interest. Finding that his earnest gaze was
noticed, that gentleman swallowed nearly a
whole cup of tea at a draught.
haven't enjoyed my tea so much for
years, said he, putting down the empty cup
50 may say ten years" )"
1t was always Mr.. Francis Thirlby's prac.
tice to jest whom he was in earnest, until he
felt his way, and his antagonists power of
resistance.
"Shsll be indiscreet in asking what mo-
tives you have in visiting ireland ~ he asked,
finding that no reply, verbal or facial, was
made to bis last observation
Mrs. Thirdly poured herself out second
cup OF tea. and said 60 [ am going to pass a
few months with OH :"
She shrieked with pain. Thirlby rose with
an anxious and perturbed countenance.
What is the matter?" he asked.
g have scalded my hand i" replied his ex.
wife, applying her lips to the part affected.
ALLOW me, said he, about to take hold of
the injured member
Thank you, no." said the lady, hastily
Withdrawing it. "I permit no interference
with what is entirely my own property"
The face Of the husband turned red and tho
wife felt the cruel pleasure of victory.
Better put little dry soap on it; best
thing in the world for a scald," said he: CT
have some in my bag"
You are very kind" answered his wife.
touched with the attention.
TO BE Continued