Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-07-22

oil paintings
"But still, Helen, believe in having
pictures, both kinds, il we can"
$50 do |; for cu,iva,ing ones taste for
art is such different Thing from getting
upholstery. do think there is some
thing low and vulgar in making display
of fine furniture, and in trying TO be smaI.
Ter than our neighbors. 1t is in this love
of display that the essential vulgarily Of
Americans, so obvious to foreigners con-
sists; no other nation has so much of this
foolish rivalry, and so much courting Of
popularity, and il is certainly very ridic-
ulous 10 sacrifice time, ease and money as
we do, TO ouishine our neighbors. | am
disguised with it, and long to have more
simplicity prevail among us-for simple
iry Is, after all, the truest elegance" )"
"Why, Helen, how you do come down
on poor body You make me out sell
fish, unfeellng, and unchristlsn, just be-
cause want TO smarter up lltte; and
as if all these were not enough, you cap
The climax by making me out vulgar too.
And SO suppose am 10 be compelled
to live on IN The old hundrum, homely
way. looking as old fashioned as Time in
The primer, because my lille wife a ways
manages 10 get The better of me in an ar
gument."
"Becsuse your hlle wife knows you
are quite as anxious to do right as she;
and because your views and hers really
coincide. o, Edward, don't think be.
cause | preach so much, that consider
myself better than others. don't live
up to my theories, and every day feel
reproved, when see how coursgeousIy
and cheerfuIIy you 60 to your daily labor.
working hard from morning Ill night,
and then coming home, so thoughtful of
me, so gentle and cheerful, il you are ever
so tired, while | so often get impatient
and irritable"
"And why am so cheerfully Why
can | toll so faithfully Because have
such blessed home 10 come 10, such a
loving wife 10 labor for !"
And he drew the true and gentle wife
beside him and encrcled her with an en-
brace as full Of devotion and tenderness
as ever lover gave his mistress, while his
eyes bemed with jov and pride as he gaz'
ed upon her sweet face, blushingIy up
turned 10 meet his gaze.
A yesr has passed away, and we enter
again the LincoIn's parlor. 1t is little
changed; the same air of perfect neatness
and comfort prevails; no showy damssk
curtains, nor velve, sofas, nor tapestry
carpets have been introduced; there are
two choice pictures added, and the air is
fragrant with the breath of some rare flow
ers which are blooming on a stand by The
southern window. Helen Lincoln is alone,
and shadow rests on her fair, malrOnly
face, as if sad thoughts filed her mind as
she sits and sews. But it brightens as
her husbands step is heard entering the
hall.
20 Helen !" he exclaimed, when he
had warmed himself by the bright open
gra,e-"it is a great deal worse than |
expected; everything is gone; livestock is
all under mortgage so is the house and
furniture; and vet theswhole will be but
drop in the bucket, there is no end to
the claims that come in; yes, John Waters
is ruined man He can't pay ten cents
on dollar of what he owes"
"Wbat will become of his family :"
said Helen. "Poor things, they have been
so little accustomed TO any sorrow or
hardship; they are i'll fitted 70 encounter
them"
"Yes, that is true; and the creditors
seem TO blame him for living so extrava'
gan,Iy.
"But let US be charitable, Edward,
they have but done as hundreds of others
have, and what every one, almost. praised
them for doing al the time. Are not all
those whose words and actions 60 10
make up a false standard Of public senii-
ment 10 blame as well as The victims Of
such false views.
..Yes, they are, and do wish from
the bottom of my heart, We might learn
how TO live-live uprightly, comfortably
and simply, as sensible. honest, men and
women should" "Amen," said Helen.
"And if all wives were like you, there
would be fewer bankrupts. fewer broken
hearted wives and children, and fewer de-
frauded creditors. Ii is the love Of show
tina, ruins so many, The living as well as
their neighbors, the aping of those they
fancy elevated above them in position,
the ronnlng in debt for what does not
make them any hsppier-Oh, il is all
miserable miserable ~
Helen was reminded of the conversation
of the year before, but like the prudent
wife, did no, refer TO it. Ii was not the