The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-08-08
Volume IS.

And why not continue 30 to do, my hus
bandH am sure we Gould be as happy a
ever. II you remember, one Of our plan
was to make home
And haven't we got one, Emma?'
we have q place in which to live an
swered the wife, somewhat eyasiyely.
And it is our home pursued George
And he added, with sort of confden
flourish, 'home is the wife's peculiar prov
inee. She has charge Of it, and all her wori
is there while the duties Of the HUSBAND
call him to other scenes
AYE, | admit that, so far as certain duties
are concerned replied Emma. But yor
remember that we both need relaxation from
labor; we need time for social and menta
improvement and enjoyment, and what season
have we for this save our evenings? VIII!
should this not be my home evenings, rs wei
as in daytime and in the nightT
We'll, isn't it?' asked George.
'How can il DO, If you are not here?-
What makes home for children, II it b
not the abode Of the parents? What hom'
can husband have where there is no wife
And what real comforts can wife enjo.
where there is no husband? You do no
realize how lonesome am alone here during
these long evenings. They are the very
seasons when am at leisure to enjoy youl
companionship, and when you would be Al
leisure to enjoy mine, IL it is worth enjoy
ing. They are the seasons when the happi
est hours OF home life might be passed.
Come, will you not spend few of your eve
nings with me?'
you see enough OF me as II is said the
husband lightly.
ALLOW me to be the judge Of that, George
You would be very lonesome here all alone.
Not if it were my place Of business, as II
is Of yours, returned the young man. 'Yor
arc used to staying here. All wives belong
at home
Just remember. my husband, that prcvi
Gus to our marriage had pleasant compan,
all the timo. OF course remained at hom'
much Of my time but had father and {
mother there; aud our evenings were happi
ly spent. Finally, / gave up all for you
left the old home, and sought home will
my husband. And now, have not righ
to expect some Of your companionshiPi How
would you like to have me away every eve
ming. while you were Obliged to remain herr
alonof'
why, 1 should like it well enough
.Ah, but you would not DO willing to tr!
it,
Yes, would said George, at venture
swill you remain here every evening mex
week, and let mo spend them among my fe
male friends?
Certainly l will; +; and assure you that
shall not be so lonesome as you imagine
With this the husband went out, and wa
soon among his friends. lie was steady
industrious man, and loved his wife truly
but, like thousands Of others, he had con
tracted a habit Of spending his evening
abroad, and thought 1t no harm. His onl.
practical idea Of home seemed to be that
was a place which his wife took care Of, an
where he would eat, drink and sleep, as Ion
as he could nay for it. In,hOrt. he treate
il as sort Of private 5oarding-house, O
which his wife was landlady; and il he pai
all the bills he considered his duty done.
His wife had frequently asked him to sta
at homo with her, but she had never ventures
upon any argument before, and he had n
conception Of how much she missed him.
She always seemed happy when he cam
homc, and he supposed she could always b
so.
Monday evening came, and George Wilson
remained true to his promise. His wife pu
ON her bonnet and shawl, and he said h
would remain and keep house.
what will you do while am gone" En-
ma asked.
20, l shall read, and sing, and enjoy my
self generally
Very we'll. l shall be back in good sea
son.
The wife went out and the husband wa
LEFT alone. He had an interesting book, an
began to read il. He read till eight O'Clock
and then he began to yawn, and refer lrt
qucntly to the dial. The book did not in
tcrest him rs usual. Ever and anon he woul
come to u passage which hc knew woul
please his wife. and instinctively he turne
as though he would read 1t aloud; but ther
was no wife to hear it. At half past eigh
no arose from his chair and began to pac
the door and whistle. Then he went out an
cot his futc. and performed some Of his mos
iayorits airs. After this he got pack G
cards, and played game OF High, Low
Jack with an imaginary. Then hewalke
the floor, a@ whistled again. Finally tn
clock struck nine, and his wife returned.
well, George, am back in good season
How have you enjoyed yoarselfF
.Capitally.' said the husband. 'lhopcyo
have had good time
20, splendid. l had no idea how muc
enjoyment there was away from home. Hon
Is q dull place, after all. Isn't itT