American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-12-06
NUMBER /


Lillian was in despair Good graciousl
was Jane going to relate any more atfoc-ss
tiles! She should 60 frantic, she felt
convinced, if she had 10 listen. She had
better put an end to the conversation at
once by pleading fatigue a s
Jane" she said, YEARLY, closing her
eyes, ~ feel very tired I think if I
were alone might try and sleep little,"
When Lillian was alone, instead Of
sleeping, asshe had led Jane to believe
she should do, she began seriously to res
fleet on the past. The more he thought
of Harry's conduct, the more extraordi-
nary it seemed She felt sure he would
return home penitent; he would see that
he had acted wrongly and rashly, aud
would beg and implore her forgiveness in
such touching, heart-rending language
that it would be impossible not to forgive
him. But of course she should impress
upon him the Nervousness of his doines
ana that II such things ever happened
again he must not look to her for mercy.
But lsten--yes that waa his step; the
cplprit was in the hall Lilian's, heart
beat wildly. What long time he was
hanging up his hat How different to
what she had expected: she thought he
would have rushed in frantically, thrown
himself on his knees, and yehemently
besought her pardon. What could il
mean But there was no time for fur
ther meditation. Harry was now coming
into the room; she raised her eyes to his
face; that one look was enough it told
her palmer than words could have ex.
pressed that penitence was not there
Then it was not momentary passion that
had caused him to act in the way he had.
No. no he must have meant oil he said
and did or Why would he not speak now2
Why look SO cold and stern? Oh, that
she could die! yes, that very minute,
What had she now to live for? what
would the future eto her Pail dark and
dreary,
Dinner passed over in gloomy silence,
and the evening commenced in the samo
way. Harry sat in the easy-chair, read,
ing the paper, as if unconscious of his
wife's presence. Lillian watched anxious
ly. expecting every minute that he would
show some symptoms of contrtion; but
no, hour after hour passed by, and still.
Harry's heart remained hardened; at last
she began to doubt If it ever would sof.
ten. But she would wait no longer; it
was hopeless to think ne would be the
first to speak, and to go on living in that
wretched state, she couldn't do it. She
would appeal to bis feelings. She felt
sure, if she told him how much she had
suffered, the wretched suspense she had
endured, he would relent. Andsh would
beseech Linn to nevSr treat her so
again.
"Harry," she said, IN low, quiveripg
voice. H q
No answer. raI
"Ohl Harry, dear Harry! Do speak
to me I'm SO very, very miserable"
Harry rose slowly from his chair, and
sat down by her side on the sofa. m
"Well, Lillian" he said, gravely.
"Oh, Harry! if you only know all I
have suffered, how wretched have been,
I'm sure you would feel for me. Prom
Use me you will never behave to me again
as you did to-day" 92e ea
LILLIAN, ] shall only promise on one ;
condition, that is-remember-that yo,
never give me cause to do So
aI will try, indeed will," answered
Lillian, earnestly.
"Well, my darling, if you really try,
I'm sure you will succeed" ,s,sat
And Lillian did succeed in overcoming
her little weakness. Whether it was her
determination to conquer. or the fear ofa
good sound shaking, still remains mys-
terry. But suffice to say, Harry is never
troubled with any more scenes, = and his
home now is perfect elysium. rs
---->~~s~--<>-- Is