Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1862-09-12
The HonOred Guest.
A SHORT CHAPTER FOR WIVES.

me-and, all being well, | will do little
needful shopping: call and pass an hour
with my old friends Mrs. Ashburton,
whom, on account of the distance, have
neglected of late; and then drop in to
take friendly cup of tea with my niece
Clara Whitford."
Having completed my household ar
rangcments, | accordingly set out, after
an early dinner, and the shopping done,
made my first call. Mrs. Ashburton's S
warm welcome, pleasant talk and cheer
full iireside, would have proved strong
temptations to induce me to accept her
invitation to remain for the evening" had
| not felt anxious to see my niece, whose
residence was much nearer my own.
On arriving at Clara's door, | was not
little surprised to see no light III the
front part of the house. I" am afraid
they are from home" thought /, with a
rcerctiul mental glance backward at the
pretty home picture had just left. But
| was mistaken. \ servant came IN an
swcr to my ring at the door bell. and,
usherng me into the diningroom, lighted
the gass, and went to summon her mis-
tress. | had ample time to look about
me before Clara made her appearance,
and could not help admiring the perfect
order and good taste which prevailed IN
both the apartment and its furniture, l
was the more pleased to note this, as my
niece, when unmarried, did not promise to
become very notable as housewife.
Il was beginning to tire Of waitlng-as,
my brisk walk over, felt chilley in the
firclcss room-whcn Clara entcrd, fasten-
ing a little article of dress, evidently just
assumed Her greeting was most cordial
aud yet there was a shade of regret IN
her tone when, our first salutations over,
She said; Why, my dear aunt, did you not
let me know you were coming, and l
should have been better prepared to re-
ccivc you"
"Surely, Clara" replied, "no prep
aration is needed before you can bestow
cup of tea ON so near relative as L am.
Pray do not make my friendly call Into
eeremonious visit or shall be tempted to
run away again, in place Of waiting until
after tea, and begging Mr.. Whittord's
escort home
PRAY, dear aunt, do not think Of such
a thing will light this fire in mo-
mcnt, and the room will soon be warm
and comfortable
30 saving. Clara was about to apply
li,at between the bars Of the gate, when
| stopped her.
You mast have fire somewhere,
nv dear" | said land where you were
sitting when | arrived will. l am sure
suit me best. 1t am to disturb any of
your arrangements, l will leave you
forthwith
Then, if so aunt, you will have to
excuse my taking you into the nursery,
" Anywhere to warm iircsldc, Clara !;
hut is Mr. Whittord Trombone ~
No, aunt, he is here" replied my
niece, her color rising as she spoke.
laughingly congratulated her on her
husbands liking for the company ot her
first born; but, pcrceiving no evidence OF
pleasure on her countenance l asked II the
baby was well.
sOh yes, quite so, thank You, aunt.
To say the truth it is my doing that We
are in the nursery tonight, and Freder-
lex is not too well pleased about it but
it saves SO much trouble and the other
rooms have Just been cleared and put IN
order. But do not say a word" she ad
dcd, as she opened the nursery door.
Ny nephew advanced, shook me warmly
by the ha d, and then turning to Clara
said e" hope my dear you do not intend
to make your aunt nursery guest. Ii
YOU do shall not wonder If her visits
become still more rare"
FASTENED to assure him that had
been brought there at my own request,
and begged no difference might be made ;
but, quietly ringing the bell he desired a
servant to light the dining-room fire, and
bring word when it was well burnt. Clara
Bit her lip and looked red and uneomtor-
table, whilst |, feeling still more so. occu-
pied myself in admiring the baby, |
could, however, distinguish easily enough
two or three little articles which con-
WINGED me that tea equipage had just
been removed aud certainly this was not
what | should have expected to see IN
Clara's home, knowing the comfortable
and even atiluent income Of her husband.
felt sorry my unceremonous visit should
have produced such an alteration III the
arrangements, for | could tell, from the
production of sundry keys, etc., etc., that
many articles not in common use were to
be brought out and the evening meal de-
feared Oh my account. Besides this, L
felt crieyed at Mr.. Whittord'sill-conceal-
ed vexation, not displayed towards me,
but his wife.
At length we were summoned to the
dining room; and truly wonderful
change had been effected there. A bright
Ere Illuminated every corner an elegant
tea eouipage was on the table; in short,
everything looked-as | had hoped at first
t. find tin accordance with the position
of the owners. Moreover, the pleasant
aspect of affairs bauished the cloud from
Mr.. Whitfords face. ard so agreeably
did the time pass, that | quite regretted
when obliged to bid my niece good
night
!" Good night, dear aunt said Clara,
affectionatcly kissing me; :" do come again
very soon, but do let me know when tc
expect you
And then" added Mr. Whitford, after
the door was closed. F" the dininr-room