The southern aegis, and Harford County intelligencer., 1862-07-26

softly went to her own room with bitter
and sorrowful thoughts and a firm resolu-
tion to win back her husband, and then
his love regained, keep it.
The next morning William came into
the breakfast room with his usual careless
manner, but bright smile came on his
lips as he saw Lizzie. A pretty chintz
wrapper witha neat collar, and sleeves of
snowy muslin, and wreath of soft, full
curls had really, metamorphosed her
while the blush his admiring glance
brought up to her cheek did not de-
tract from her beauty. At first William
thought there must be guest, but CLAN.
cling, he found they were alone.
"Come, William, your coffee will be
stone cold," said Lizzie, in CHEEKY, pleas
ant voice.
Not one fretful speech, nor one COM
plaint fell upon Williams ear during the
meal. The newspaper, his usual solace
at that hour, lay untouched, as Lizzie
chatted gaily on every pleasant subject
she thought of, warming by his gratifed
interest ana cordial manner.
"You will be home to dinner?" she said
as he went out.
"Can't to-day, Lizzie; I have business
out of town; but I'll be at home early to
tea. Have something substantial, for
don't expect to dine. Good bye."-
And the smiling look, warm kiss, and
lively whistle were marked contrast to
his lounging, careless gait the previous
evening.
~ am in the right path," said Lizzie,
in a low whisper. "Oh, what fool I have
been for two years A fretful dowdy,
William, you shall never say that again"
Tea time came and William came with
it; little figure, in tasty silk dress,
smooth curls, and oh such lovely blush
and smile stood ready to welcome William
as he came in; and tea time passed as the
morning meal had done.
After tea there was no movement as
usual toward the hat rack. William stood
up beside the table, lingering, chatting
till Lizzie also arose.
"What are you making, Lizzie ?''
"a pair of slippers. Do you not re-
member how much you admired the pair I
made for you ever SO long ago p
81 remember-black velvet, with flow
ers on them. 1 used to put my feet on
the fender and dream Of blue eyes and
light curls, and wish time would move
faster to the day when I could bring home
my bonnie wee wife to make music in my
house"
Lizzie's face saddened for moment as
she thought of The last two years, and how
little music she had made for his loving
heart, gradually weaving it from its ale
glance, and then said, II wonder if you
love music as you did then Z"
"Of course, 1 do. I have often drop
ped in at Miss Smiths for nothing else
than to hear the music"
II can play and sing better than Miss
Smith, I" said Lizzie, half pouting.
"But you always say you are out Of
practice when / ask you. ?
81 had the piano tuned this morning
Now open it and we will hear its sound"
William obeyed her joyfully, and tos-
sing aside her sewing, Lizzie took the pi-
ano stool. She had very sweet voice,
not SO powerful, but most musical, and
she was a very fair, performer on the pi-
ano.
"Ballads, Lizzie y
ooh yes know you dislike operatic
mnsic in the narlor."
The little clock struck eleven.
"Eleyen!" I thought it was about
nine. I ought to apologize, Lizzie, as I
fused to do, for staying SO long; and can
truly say, as | did then, that the time has
passed 50 pleasantly I scarcely believe it
is so late
The piano was closed, Lizzie work put
up in the basket and William was ready
to 90 up stairs but glancing back he saw
his little wife near the fireplace, her
hands elapsed, her head bent, and large
tears fell from her eyes. He was beside
her in an Instant
sLizzie, darling, are you i'll What is
the lnatter?' RI s
ooh, William! | have been such d
bad wife! i heard you tell Mr.. Moore,
last evening, howl had disappointed you;
but 7 will try to make your home pleasant,