North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1862-12-31
VOL. 9, NO. FL.

She scolded me playfllly for not bringing my
wife, cbatted few minutes, and then fitted
away, while the DOCTOR remarking that his
motto was, Cuisines first, and pleasure Is
terward," led the way to the library.
As We entered the room, noticed vase
of bright autumn flowers on the table, iaa;.
parting an air of taste and cheerfulness to
the apartment. made some remark about
it, to which the doctor responded.
"Yes, am very fond of flowers, and loSs
te see them in the house; and, as spssd
much time here, MY wife always ksepS 1
vase of them on the table as long as they
last"
Our business was finished before dinner.
and we walked out into the grounds, which
were quite extensive and tastefully arrane-
ed.
There was variety of flowers inbioon,
and l noticed that the doctor selected here
and there the finest, until he had handsome,
bouquet.
When we reached the house, Mrs. StsatnS
was standing on the steps. The doctor, stitt
continuing our conversation, gave her the
flowers, with Slight bow and smile and
holding up spray OF crimson berries, which
he had broken off, she bent her head while
he fastened it among the dark btaids Of hair.
1t was trlffng incident, yet their manner
arrested my attention. Had been q stran.
ger, should have pronounced them lovors
instead of sober married people. All through
the day noticed the same delicate attent Ssn'
and Difference in their department. to each
other.
There was nothing of which the most fas.
tidious guest could complain yet, whitS
showing me the most cordial attention, sha1
did not seem to ignore each others existenos.
as married people 80 often do.
| had never visited the doctor before, ana
was much pleased with his tasteful home,-
| said SO, after dinner, when we strolled out
into the woods.
Yes" he said, I" think it pleasant -
and" he added, " believe am contentsG
man; SO far am not disappointed in life"
How long have you been married, doe.
tor ?" l asked.
Ten years.
"Well,"I pursued, "can you tell MD
whence the bright atmosphere that surrounds
your home Tell me how you and MtS.,
Stearnes manage to retain the depth and
freshness nf vonr no rly Iowa a.. 49,, ....- A.
do? should think the wear and tear OF
life would dim it somewhat I never saw
home where my ideal of domestic happiness
was realized before. 1t is what once dream.
ed Off
The doctor smiled, and, pointing to thrift.
ty grapevine climbing over neat lattice
and loaded with purple fruit, he said:
That vine needs careful attention, and.
ifpruned and properly cared for, it is what
you see it; but, if neglected, how soon would
1t becomes worthless thing. So the love,
which is to all, at some period, the most pro-
clous thing in life, and which needs so much
care to keep it unimpaired. is generally neg.
lected. Ah my friend, it is little acts-tri.
ties-that so often es strange loving hearts,
L have always made ita point to treat My
vile with the same courtesy that character.
lzed my department in the days of couftship :;
and, while l am careful not to offend her
tastes and little prejudices, am sure that
mine will be equally respected"
That night, as rode homcward, ponderinr
the doctors words, and reviewing the years
OF our married life, was surprised at nv
own blindness, and determined to recall
the early dream, if possible.
The next morning at breakfast, T sstunish:
ed Alice by careful toilet, ,chatted over the
dinner and, after tea, invited her to ride
When she came down, in my hvorfts Blue
organdle with her hair in shining cutls, T
thought she had never looked loyelier.,
exerted myself as of old, to entertain
her, and was surprised to find how Quickly
and pleasantly the evening passed.
L resolved to test the doctors theory per.
fectly, and the result exceeded my most SAN.
guine expectations.
For all the little namoless attentions 40
gratifying to awoman's heart, ahd SO univer.
sally accorded by the lover and neglected "
the husband, 1 find myself repaid a thodIaHdi
told and | would advise all who are sighing
over the non-fulfilment of early dreams, to
go and do likewise, remembering that, thai
which is wcFth winning, is worth Keeping.