Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-04-06
A word to Married People.

Steerns, TO ride out to his residence in the
country, the next day, to transact some
business that he had long pending, and
an invitation TO bring my wife and spend
the day.
was pleased-frst, because l wanted
the business completed; and, secondly,
because needed days recreation.
But the next morning everything SEEM
ed to 20 wrong. Alice could not accom-
pany me, and could not get off as early
as wished; and consequently was peey-
ish and fretful; and Alice reflected my
humor ! suppose-as it appeared to me
she had never been so unamiable.
At length, however, drove away,
though not in very pleasant mood. 1t
was lovely October day, and as | rode
along, noting the tints of the landscape,
memory went back to the golden autumn
when l wooed and won my bride.
How lovely Alice was then thought.
How happy we werel But that was long
ago. Yet nature is the same, though We
are changed. Let me see, we have been
married three years, is it possible it is no
longer?
And l felt pang as | contrasted the
past with the present, to think that we
could settle down into the commonplace
life we now lead.
We had no serious trouble, We didn't
quarrel; though when felt cross, or 9TH
er things didn't go to suit me, took no
pains to conceal il, and often spoke harsh
" TO Alice, who sometimes replied with
the same spirit, sometimes with tears
Yet we were generally good friends. But
the charms, the tenderness of our early
love had imperceptibly vanished.
/ had become careless about my ap-
pearance at home, and Alice was equally
negligent. Her beautiful brown hair,
which she used to wear in the most be
coming curls, was now usually brushed
plainly behind her ears. unless she was
going out or expected company. dis
missed the subject with a sigh, at the doc
tors gate, with the reflection that it was
the same with all married people-must
be so, in fact-for how could romance and
sentiments find place among so many
prosy realities? l suppose we were as
happy as Hybody; and yet 1t was not the
kind of life had looked forward 70 with
so many bright anticipations.
The doctor came cut and greeted me
cordially. In the hall we met Ars.
Stearns, looking fresh and lovely in her
pink muslin wrapper, with her ietty hair
in tasteful braids She scolded me play
fully for not bringing my wife, chatted q
few minutes, and then fitted away, while
the doctor, remarking that his motto was
business fret and pleasure sfterward, led
the way TO the library.
As we entered the room noticed vase
OF flowers on the table, imparting an air
of taste and cheerfulness to the apart
ment. I made some remarks about It. tc
which the doctor responded:
.Yes, am very fond of flowers, and
love 70 see them in the house; and IS
spend much time here, my wife keeps 3
vase Of them on the table as long as they
last"
Our business was finished before dinner
and we walked out in the grounds, which
were quite extensive and tastetuliy ar
ranged.
There was a variety of flowers in bloom,
and | noticed the doctor selected here
and there the finest, until he hsS hand
some boquet.
When we reached the house. Mrs.
Stearns was on the steps. The doctor still
continuing our conversation, gave her the
| flowers. with q bow and smile and hold
ing up a spray of crimson berries which
he had broken of, she bent her head
while he fastened il among the dark
braids of her hair.
| 1t was a thrilling incident. yet their
manner arrested my attention. Had
been q stranger, should have pronoun.
ced them lovers instead Of sober, married
/ people. All through the day | noticed
| the same delicate attention and Difference
| in their department to each other.
There was nothing of which the most
/ fastidious guest could complain; yet
while showing me the most cordial atten-
ton, they did not seem to ignore each
others existence, as married people SO
often do.
Ihad never visited the doctor before
and was very much pleased with his taste
full home. said so after dinner, when
we strolled out into the woods-
YES" he said, "I think it is pleasant
and he added, 81 am contented man &c
far am not disappointed in you"
How long have you been married
Doctor?" I asked.
Ten years"
"Weli," pursued, 'can you tell me
whence the bright atmosphere that sur
rounds your home? Tell me how you
and Mrs Stearns manage to retain the
depth and freshness of your early love, a.
vou seem TO do. l should think the veal
and tear of life would dim it somewhat
! l never saw home where my ideal Of do
mestic happiness was realized before. II
is what have dreamed o."
The doctor smiled, and pointing to {
thrifty, grapevine clambering over neat
lattice, and loaded with purple fruit, ht
said:
"The vine needs careful attention, ano
if properly cared for, it is what you see 1t
but if neglected, how soon would Il be
come a worthless thing. So the love
which is TO all, at some period, the mos
precious thing in life, and which needs Sc
much care to keep it unimpaired, is gen
i erally neglected All! my friends, it il
little acts-trihes-that so often estrangt
loving hearts. I have always made it {
point to treat my wife with the same
courtesy that characterized my deport
ment in the days of courtship; and while
am careful not to offend her tastes anc
little prejudices, | am sure that mine VII
be equally respected"
That night rode homeward, ponder
ing the doctors words, and reviewing th'
. years of our married life was surprised
at my own blindness, and determined Il
, recall the early dream, if possible.
The next morning at breakfast aston
ished Alice by careful toilet, chattet
over the dinner, and, after tea, invites
her TO ride. When she came down in m,
fayorite blue organda, with her hair IL
. shining curls, thought she never looke'
! lovlier.
II exerted myself as of old, to entertain
4 her and was surprised to fnd how quickl
and pleasantly the evening passed.
7 resolved 70 test the doctors theoF