The mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado County, Calif.) 1863-1943, 1865-01-28
MIR. PETERS, FIRST WIFE.

BILE, and rang the bell violently. There
was no answer. He rang again-a third,
fourth time-Etifl no answeri Out of all
patience, he went to the door and called,
Maria, Maria!"
A slight pretty woman, dressed in q
soiled, tumbled wrapper, with hair in a
state Of dreadful confusion, answered his
summons She had one of those round,
bright faces which Nature intended
should be decked with continual smiles
but now, with all its roses in bloom, il
was drawn TO its full length, and the large
blue eyes bad serious, or rather doleful
expression, totally at variance with their
usual joyous look. Her voice, too, had
lost its melOdious, ringing sound, and was
subdued to dismal whine.
What is it, JosephE'
where's Bridget2'
Gone out for me. want moro white
ribbon for my ascension robe,
Mr.. Peters said very naughty word,
and then continued: Cold coffee, hard
eggs breakfast not ct to eat
Il wish,' whined his wife, you would
think less Of temporal matters and turn
your attention to the great end Of life
Hang it all, Madam would like to
enjoy my life while do have it. Here
was !, the happiest man in the United
States, with pleasant home, chatty,
cheerful, loving wife, and good, quiet
children; and now, since you have joined
the Millerites, what am | ?
'Oh, Joseph, if you would only come
into that blessed circle
oh, Maria,if you would only come out
Of it. Where's the boysi'
I'm sure don't know
Are they going to school to day?'
My dear. their teacher has gwen up
the school, and is turning her mind to
more exalted objects. Oh, Joseph, turn
now while there is time. You have still
week for preparation and repentance
Repentance! Well, when | take up
the subject it will take more than u week
TO put it through
And Mr.. Peters put on his coat and
took up his hat
Joseph said his wife, you need not
send home any dinner. | shall be out,
and III take the boys over to their uncle S
to dine
Joe made no answer, unless the violent.
ly emphatic manner in which be closed
the door was one. Muttering with anger
he strobe into a restaurant to make a
breakfast -IIere he was hailed by one oI
his bachelor friends, Fred. SommerS, who
looked up as he heard Joe's order.
lIalloo!' he cried, you hereY Why
what are you doing here at breakfast
time? Wife sickf'
mo-
Had quarrel3'
Nor
Gone to town.
mo!
Then why don't you breakfast al
home? Chimney on tire!'
Nor
Servants all dead ?
Nor
'Well, what in the thunder is to pay:
'Maria'S joined in the MilleriteS!'
Fred. gave long whistle, and then
said: Going to ascend next week ?
YES and if don't commit suicide in
the meantime you may congratulate me
am almost distracted. Can't get de.
cent meal children running riot, servants
Saucy, house all in confusion, wife in the
blues, either quoting the speeches of the
elder to me, or sewing on white robe
and groaning every third stitch. Hang
it all, Fred, I've great mind to take
poison or join the army!
HIN! him. you give an enchanting
picture, but think can suggest a cure.
a cureT'
YES; il you will promise to follow my
advice | will make your home pleasant
your wife cheerful, and your children
happy
do it, cried Joe. Il will follow your
word Ike a soldier under his officer
At tea-time Mr.. Peters entered his
home whistling. Maria was seated at the
table sewing on her white robe, and there
was no signs Of preparation for the even
ing meal.
Maria, my dear said Mr.. Peters cheer.
fully, lis tea ready!'
Il do not know, was the answer; have
been out all day attending meeting.
'Oh, very we'll; never understanding
meeting! You are resolved, then, to
leave me next week =
'Oh, Joe, must go when ! am called!
Yes, my dear, Of course. Well,
must resign myself, suppose. BY the
/ way, my dear, has it ever occurred to you
that shall be left widower, with three
children? think | atm handsome man
yet, INV love-
And Joe walked over to the glass, run
his fingers through his hair, and pulled
his shirt collar.
Maria looked up, rather surprised.
You see, it is rather relief for you to
go quickly, you know; it is so wearing
on the nerves to have long illness; and
besides, my dear, there will be no funeral
expenses, and that is quite saving
Mrs Peters lip quivered, and her large
blue eyes filled with tears. Joe longed
to stop his heartless speech and comfort
her, but he was +, arful the desired etfect
was not gained yet.
so, my dear he continued, 'if you
must go, have been thinking of getting
another wife
'What?'
Another wife, my love; the house
must be kept in order and the boys cared
for
The grief was gone from Maria's face
but her teeth were set with look of in
tense wrath.
Yes; think I have selected good
successor | deliberated long time
when | was a bachelor, between her and
yourself. You will like her, for she's
your bosom friend. Yes,my dear, think
that on the day you ascend l will marry
Sarah Ingraham.'
What that good, or,nothing, silly
empty-headed old maid the mother Of my
childrenl Whatr
'Well, my dear, it seems to be the bes