The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-08-08
BIDDEFoRD, MAINE, FRIDAY MORNING,

On the next evening Emma prepared to s.
away again.
Il shall be back in good season, said she.
where are you goingr her HUSBAND
asked.
20. can't tell exactly. may 60 to sew
eral places
So George Wilson was left alone again
and he tried to amuse himself as before bu
he found ii hard work. Ever and anon h
would cast his eye upon that empty chair
and the thought would come, How pleasan
would il be If she were here.' The clock &
nally struck nine, and he began to listen 70,
the step OF his wife. Hall an hour NOR
slipped by, and he became very nervous ant
uneasy.
Il DECLARE he muttered to himself, afte
he had listened for some time in vain, 'thi
is too bad. She ought not to stay out 81
late
But he happened to remember that h
often remained away much longer than that
so he concluded that he must make the bes
of it.
At fifteen minutes Of ten Emma camo.
"A little late, ain't II she said, looking
up at the clock. But I fell in with som,
old friends, and we made time Of it. Hav,
you enjoyed yourself?'
First rate returned George, bravely. q
think home is great place.
Especially when ono can have 1t all Il
himself added the wife, with sidelonl
glance at her husband.
But ho made no reply.
On the next evening Emma prepared to g
out as before; this time she kissed her hus
band ere sho went, and seemed to hesitate
some.
Where do you think Of going?' Gcorg'
asked in an undertone.
Il may drop in to sec Uncle john repliet
Emma. However you won't DO uneasy
You'll know I'm safo.'
20, certainly
When the husband was left to his own rc
Elections, ho began to ponder seriously upoI
tho subject thus presented for consideration
He could not road-he could not play-h'
could not enjoy himself in any way, whil'
that chair was empty. In short, ho founc
that home had no real comfort without hi
wife. The ons thing needed to make hi
home happy was not present.
Il DECLARE he said to himself, Il did no
think 1t would DO 30 lonesome. And can i
be that she feels as do when she Is here al
alone? 1t must bc 50, he pursued, thought
fully. 1T is just Us she says. Before VI
wcro married she was very happy in he
childhood's home. Her parents loved her
and her brothers and sisters loved her, ant
they did all they could to make her comfort
able.'
After this ho walked up and down THEREON
several times, and then stopped again ant
communed with himself.
Il can't stand this. lshould die in week
If Emma were only here, | think I coul'
amuse myself very well. How lonesome art
dreary it is. And only eight o'clock, ] dc
clare. I've mind to walk down by Uncl
Johns and see il she's there. Itwould be
relief to see her face. I won't 60 in. Sh
shan't know that hold out 50 laintly.'
George Wilson took another turn acros
the room, glanced once more at the clock
and then took his hat and went out. III
locked the door after him, and bent his step
towards Uncle Johns. 1t was beautiful
moonlight night, and the air was keen AM
bracing. Ho was walking along with hi
eyes bent down upon the sidewalk, when h
heard light step approaching him. Ii
looked up, and-he could not be mistaken
it was his wife. His first impulse was t
avoid her, but she had recognized him.
George she said in surprise, lis this you !
1T is,' was the response.
And you do not pass your evenings a
home?
This is the first time have bccn out, En-
ma, upon INV word even now | have no
been absent from the house ten minutes.
merely turned out to take the fresh air. Blu
where are you going"
Il am going home, George. VIII you s
with me?'
Certainly returned the husband. Sh
took his arm, and they walked home in 81
lence. When Emma had taken of her thing
she sat down in her rocking chair and gaze
up at the clock.
you came home early tonight, remarke
George. The young wife looked up into he
husbands face, and with an expression hal
fearful, shc answered:
Il will confess the truth, George; hav
given up the experiment. managed to stan'
| it last evening, but could not bear it thro
tonight. When | thought Of you here al
alone, wanted to be with you. 1t didn'
seem right. have not enjoyed myself at all
have no home but this
Say you so,' cried George, moving bis sea
to the side Of his wife, and taking one Of he
hands. Then let me make my confession
have not stood it q whit better. When
left home this evening, could bear It n,
- = r.