Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1864-06-11


guests.
Cora was quite satisfied. She had never
been accustomed to be first anywhere and il
was enough for her to reach home at last,
and sit down with the dearest friends in
those beautiful, rooms She was quite will
ing that her mother should give orders, and
manage the servants, and appoint the hours
for meals, in short, assume the duties of
mistress, even to sitting at the head of the
table, because that left her free to sit beside
Alfred, to pile his plate with dainties and
to display as many winning ways as she
dared in Mrs. Graystones dignihed presence.
She was quite surprised at the frown that
gathered and deepened on Alfrcd's brow,
during the first meal in their own house, Mt
which Mrs. Graystone presided. And she was
still! more surprised when, as soon as they
were alone, he informed her that it was his
wish thar she should at once assume all the
duties and dignites of mistress ofthe house
hold.
But my mother is so accustomed to such
matters, would prefer to have her attend
to them all.
Your mother is your guest, Cora, and
must be treated as such. must not SEE my
wife degraded in her own house. There is
a proprlety which must he maintained. -
Cora acguiesced, for she had always yielded
to "A stronger will, but was not without
some misgivings that she entered the break
fast iot M tie following morning. Mrs. Gray
stone was already seated ut the table. and
smiIingly greeted her children from behind
the cotiecurn rs they entered; and Cora
pressed her husbands arm in token that he
was to remain silent. lie paid no heed to
the signal, but approaching Mrs. Graystonc,
politely offered her his arm, saying:
"My wife will assume herplace ns mistress
Of the household, this morning, aud we will
not trouble your father, madame, Allow
me to give you another seat"
Mrs Graystone was taken hy surprise.
She said something of CoraS being fatigued,
and Of her readiness to save her all trouble,
but there was Alfred Benefits offered arm,
and smiling, impcrturhablc face, and she
was forced to yield She chohcd down her
rage, and with an attempt to turn the whole
affair into Jest, she rose and took her seat
to Alfred led her
The meal was y most uncomfortable one
for all three though Alfred talked contin-
ually, determined not to notice Mrs. Gray
stones di-nifcd i'll humor nor Cora's fearful
embarrassment. As they were raising from
the table he addressed his wife.
Cora, dear, had you better not have in
Mrs. Bates for her orders, now our first
dinner in our home must be very fine one,
and | should like to hear You order it,
"Oh Alfred, don't ask me to do that
Mamma, lam sure, will attend to the order
ing OF dinner
Indeed, we should he very much obliged
to you, madam Alfred replied, "bGt Mrs.
Bates is not accustomed to receive orders
from my guests, and of course is waiting to
take them from her mistress
The bell was rung, and Mrs Bates came
in. She had already received her cue. NJ
allusion Was made To Mrs. Graystone's orders,
and that lady sat Ivy spceChlrss with rage,
while Cora, aided not little 10y her house
keepers suggestion gave her orders for din
ncr When she was gone, Alfred politely
inquired if Mrs. Grays.onc wished to 90 out
and offered TO order the carriage for her
declining he gave her his arm, and with the
utmost ceremony, escorted her to her apart
mCnt.
Two or three days passed in this way
All Mrs GraystOne's struggles for mastery
were met with determined opposition
disguised by such ccremoniOus pOlitcness
that she could find no ground for complaint
She was treated as q distinguished guest
while it was evident to her that no lntertcr
ence in the management of the household
would be tolerated.
At the end of that time she charged hcl
actics. She preserved mourntul silence
in the presence of Alfred Bennett and tol
several days remained secluded in her owT
apartments, save at the hour of meals. Cor,
became very unhappy, but Alfred explained
to her the grounds of those aggression,
which would, il allowed to proceed, destro,
! the peace, aud comfort, and dignity OF thei
! home lives. lie concealed his own impres
/ siuns of her character, liut was firm IN thu
desire that she should maintain truthful.
! the position which OF right belonged Il
J her.
Mrs. Graystonc's next movement, aitc
| preserving for some time an obstinate 81
/ lence not 10 he soitened by COra's entreaties
was to dcplore her unfortunate marriage,
You have splendid home, my child,
she said, while tears rolled over her checks
/ but it is no better than gilded cage. How
! ! wish that the past three month could b
recalled, and that had you once more II
! our houe, free from the clutches OF the cole
tyrant that calls you wife. Poor, unhapp
| child it breaks your ;thcr's heart Ia SCI
| YOU thus, and to know that, wretched Il
YOU must he there is no escape y
But now she had in her malace quit
overshot the mark. Cora's allegiance ha'
heen transferred 10y the magic of love. Wit
all of wile's loyalty, she repelled the az
cusasion. Alfred was all that WAS kind, a
that was loving, and no man could be les
II tyraut. Mrs. GRAY stone sighed, shoe
her head, and talked of the future But
thr that time, made no impression nn CO
Z m.
But Cora was new to life, and unused
cares and responsibilities. At the charm
of novelty wore oil, she listened more ireel
when her mother talked of her BURDEN
And she had almost implanted the seeds
4 distrust in the young wiie's heart, whe
Alfred Bennett discovered what she ha
been doing.
suddenly Mrs. Graystone found herse
politely hnnishrd 10 her own apartment
. Alfred conirived Ia On Cora's time Wit
amusements and occupations In which Ia
mother had no share,
lie succeeded in his object, at last Tn
tile to gain Cura's ear, and fan the seeds
: discord she had planted, and wnleh We
fast wilhering Ia ungvnial soil, nnhesded |
I the servants With whom she no longer intf
! ieFed senl iHln stately eonVentTy, M
+ barriea,ivd, on every slide, 10y eeTemoniol
ahser,s sBers, her residence Ia her sOn-ln'laN
n house heegme decidedly uncomfortable
l.u A.. asa.l.l.ulsf l.F infsf