Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1863-08-13
the old lovers tone and manner.

plant, fell upon WlillaW b ear throuSh
the moal. The newspaper, his usual So
lace at that hour, lay untouched, as Liz'
zie chatted gaily on every pleasant sub
| ject she could think of, warming by his
| ,gratifed interest and 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 home early to
tea. Have something substantial, for
don't expect to dine. Good by. and
the smiling look, warm kiss, and lively
whistle, were marked contrast to his
loupging careless gait, the previous even
ing.
I am in the right path. said Lizzie. in
a 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 real
wifely devotion. and her lip would culver
as she thought of his confidence to his
friend Moore yet like a brave little wo-
u,an she stifed back the bitter feelings,
tipped off to perfect her plans. The
grand piano silent for months, was open
ed. aud the linen covers taken from the
furniture, Lizzie thinking. He shan't
find any parlors more attractive than his
own, | am determined.
Tea time came, and William came
with it. A little figure, in tasty bright
silk drest, su. Doth curls, and oh such a
lovely blush and smile stood ready to
welcome William as he came in; and
tea time passed as the mornings meal
had done.
After tea. there was no movement as
usual, tward the hat-raok. William
stood up beside the table, lingering.
chatting, till Lizzie also rose. She led
him to the light, warm, parlors, in their
pretty glow of tastful arrangement, and
drew him down beside her on the sofa
He felt as if he was courting over again
as he watched her fingers bnsy with somt
| f.ncy needle work and listened to tht
cheerful voice he had loved so dearly two
yeo beer;.
What are you making, Lizzie ?
"A pair Of slippers. Don't you re-
member how much you admired the pair
worked for you oh ever so long ago 2
Il remember, black velvet with Aow-
ers on them. used to put my feet on
the fender, aud dream of blue eyes and
bright curls, and wished time would
move fster. to the day when could
bring my bonnie wee wife home, to make
music in my house
Li:zic's face saddened for moment,
AS she Thought Of the last two years,
aud how little music she had made for
this loving heart. gradually weaving
from ITS allegiance, then she said:
Il wouder if you love music as much
as you did then ? ..
OF course do. often drop in
a. Miss Smiths for nothing else than to
hear the music ,.a
i can play and sing better than Miss
Sn. ith. said Lizzie half pouting.
But you always say you are out of
practice when ask you.
Il had the piano tuned this morning.
Now open it, and We will see how it
sounds.
William obcycd joyfully, and, tossing
aside her sewing, Lizzie took The piano
stool. She had very sweet voice, not
powerful, but most musical, and was a
very fair performer on the piano.
Ballads, Lizzie ?
'Oh! yes, | know you dislike opera
music in parlor.' ...... .....
One song after another, with noe
turne, or lively instrumental piece, oc-
oasiopally. between them, filed up an
other hour pleasantly
The little mantle 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. l can scarcely
believe it is SO late
The piano was closed, Lizzie's work
put in the bas -et, and William was
ready to 90 up stairs, but glancing back
he saw his little wife near the fireplace
her hands clasped. her head bent, and
large tears falling from her eyes. He
was beside her in an instant.
Lizzie, darling, are you ill What
is the matter?
'Oh? William, I have been such q
bad wife I heard you tell Mr.. Moore,
last evening. how l had disappointed
you; but l will try to make your home
pleasant. indeed will. if you will only
forgive and love me-
Love your Oh! Lizzie, you cannot
guess how dearly | love you!
AS the little wife lay down that night
she thought
i have won him back again Better
than that. have learned the way to
keep him !! ...
PUZzLED FOR AN EXCUsE.-Some years
since, while the cholera was prevalent in
| Virg MIA, the Inhabitants. especially the ne