The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-09-05
MORNING AT ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY YEAR. ADJ
BIDDEFoRD, MAINE, FRIDAY MORNING,

missed, or a book removed from its place,
would produce lamentation half indignant
and half pathetic, which rung in Chrissys
ears and made her heart ache after Clement
had forgotten tho circumstance altogether.
Strange as it may seem, Mr.. Ashton never
thought of this habit, of which he was but
imperfectly concious, as to its being fault
Ho thought, indeed, that it was pity be
should be sensitive, and sometimes said that
he wished he had not such love for order and
symmetry, for then he should not DO so OF.
ten annoyed by the disorderly habits OF other
people. Hc said to himself that II was one
of his peculiar trials, that even Chrissy, per-
feet as she was, did not como up to his ideas
in this respect; but that the temper with
which no met what. he was pleased to call
his peculiar trials ever became trial to other
people he did not imagine. He had indeed
remarked, in spite Of himself, that Chrissys
face was not as cheerful, nor her spirits as
light as when they were fret married, and
he regretted that the cares of housekeeping
should weigh heavily upon her; butnothing
was further from his thoughts than that
anything in himself could have produced the
change.
Mr.. Ashton, exhausted with his days
work turned towards home with his mind
full Of oil he had seen and felt. lie said
very little during dinner, but when the table
cloth was removed, and when he sat down in
his dressing gown and slippers before the fire.
no related to his wiio all tho events Of tho
day, describing with all tho enthusiasm OF
his earnest nature the patience and holy res
ignaton he had witnessed, and ended by say
ing
"Certainly religion has power to sustain
and console under all trials, and under every
misfortune"
Excepting tho loss of button," replied
Chrissy, seriously. "That is q misfortune
which neither philosophy nor religion can
enable one to sustain.''
Tho Reverend Mr.. Ashton started rs
though pistol had been discharged at his
ear.
"why. what do you mean, Chrissy?"
"Just what say" returned Chrisy, with
the same sobcrncss, yourself, for instance;
you can bear with the greatest resignation
the loss OF friends and misfortune. never
saw you ruiIlcd by rudoncss or abuse FROM
others, nor show any impaticncc under severe
pain; but the loss of n button from your
shirt, or nail from the carpet, gives you n
perfect right to bc unreasonable, unkind,
and must say it-unchristian."
Mr.. Ashton arose and walked up and down
the room in some agitation.
al did not think, my love-" he said at
last, in trembling tone, "that you would
attach so much Importance to singc hasty
word:--perhaps spoke too quickly; but
even il it were so, did we not promise to bo
patient with each others infrmities? am
very glad 10 Dear WITH
Mr.. Ashton paused: hc was an emincntly
truthful man, and upon consideration he
could not remember that hc ever had any
thing to bear from his wife, aside from the
shirt buttons, etc.. which he was now becom-
ing conscious ho had not borne very patient.
ly.
"If it were once, my dear husband, l
should say nothing about it; but you do not
seem in the least aware how tho habit has
grown upon you. There has not been day
this week in which you have not made my
heart ache by some such outburst OF iretful-
ness"
Mr.. Ashton was astonished but as he be-
gan to reflect he was still more surprised to
find that his wiic's accusations were quite
true.
One day it had been about the front door
mat, the next about mislaid review, and
then lost pair Of gloves, which, after all,
were found in his own pocket. He fet that
it was all true. and his own conscience
brought forward one instance Of unkindncss
after another-real unkindness-ho sat down
again and covered his face with his hands.
"But this is not the worst" continued
Chrissy, becoming agitatcd in turn. al fear
Il cannot help fearing-that shall bo led
to feel as ought not towards you. l fear
lest shall in time loso the power OF respect
ing my husband; and when respect goes,
Clement, love does not last long. This very
morning found myself wishing had never
known YOU" Chrissy burst into tears, an
unusual demonstration for her; and Clement
springing up once more traverscd the room
once or twice, and then sat down by his wifcs
side.
"Christiana," no said, mournfully, al
have deserved-I feel that have, but to lose
your respect, your love,-my punishment is
greater than I can bear, Chrissy."
alt was but the thought Of a moment" ro-
piled Chrissy, checking her sobs; "but am
frightened that tho idea should have entered
my head. If should, l would rather die
this moment"
"God forbid I" CALCULATED her husband, as
be clasped her in his arms. "But why, my
dearest. have you never told mo Of this be-