, 1863-02-07

something substantial, for don't expect to dine.
Good bye" And the smiling look, warm kiss,
and lively whistle, we're marked contrast to his
loungng careless gait of the evening previous.
81 am in the right path" sad Lizzie in low
whisper "Oh, what fool have been for two
years. A fretful dowdy William, you shall
never say that again"
Lizzie loved her husband with true wifely devo-
ton, and her lips would quiver as she thought Of
his confidence to his friend Moore but like a
brave, little woman, she stifed back the bitter
feeling, and trpped off to perfect her plans. The
grand piano, silent for many months. was opened
and the linen cover removed f.om the furniture
Lizze was thinking. "IIe shant find any parlor
more attractive than his own, am determined"
Tea time came, and William came with it
little figure in tasty ailk smooth curls
and oh! such lovely blush and smile, stood
ready to welcome William as he came in and tea
passed as the morning had done.
After tea there was no movement as usual to-
ward the hat rack. William stood up beside the
table, lingering, chatterng, till Lizzie also rose
She led him to the light, warm parlor, in the glow
of its tasteful arrangement and drew him down
on the sofa beside her. He felt as if be were
courting her over again, as he watched her fingers
busy with some needle-work, and listened to the
cheerful voice he had loved SO two years ago.
"What are you making Lizzie ?"
ga pair of slippers Do you remember how
much you admired the pair I made for you ever
SO long ago? ?'
81 remembers black velvet, with flowers on
them. used to put my feet on the fender and
dream of blue eyes add Light curls, and wish time
would move faster to the day when 1 could bring
home my bonny wee wife to make music in my
house.
Lizzie's face saddened for a moment, as she
thought of the last two years. and how little mu
sic she had made for his loving heart, gradually
weaving it from allegiance and then said, q won
der if you love music as you did then ?"
"Of course I do. I often drop in at Miss
Smiths, for nothing else than to hear the mu-
sic"
81 can play and sing better than Miss Smith,"
said Lizzie, half pOuting.
"But you always say you are out of practice
when l ask YOU"
81 had the piano tuned this morning. Now
open it and see how it sounds"
William obeyed her joyfully, and tossing aside
her sewing, Lzze took the music stool. She had
a sweet voice, not powerful but most musical, and
she was a very fair performer on the piano.
"Ballads, Lizze"
"Oh, yes, know you dislike opera music in the
parlor."
The little clock struck eleven.
"Eleven! thought it was about nine.
ought to apologize, Lizzie, as I used to do, for
staying so long and can truly say as did then
that the time has passed SO pleasantly I can
scarcely believe it is SO late"
The piano was closed. Lizze's work was put
IN the basket, and William was ready to go up
stairs but looking back, he saw his little wife
near the fireplace, her hands clasped, her head
bowed, and large tears falling from her eyes. He
was beside her in an instant.
"Lizzie darling, are you illP What is the
matter ?"
"Oh, William have been such bad wife |!
heard you tell Mr. Moore yesterday evening,
how had disappointed you but will try to
make your home pleasant, indeed will, if you
will only forgive and love me-
"Love you Oh Lizzie, you cannot guess how
dearly love YOU"
As the little wife lay down that night, she
thought have won him back again Better
than that-I have learned to keep him.