American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1866-07-11

I've MIND TO take poison, or JOIN the
army"
"H'm, HIM you give an. enchanting
picture; but | think l can suggest a
cure"
+" A cure !"
Yes, if you will promise to follow my
advice, will make your home pleasant,
your wife cheerful and your children
happy"
" Do it." cried Joe; III follow you
like a soldier What shall I do ?"
At tea pe Mr. Peters entered his
house, VIII. ing. Maria was seated at
the table, sen pg on her white robe, and
there was no sign of preparation for Z $
evening meal.
"Maria, my DEAR" sad Mr.. Peters,
cheerfully, sis tea ready?"
"I don't know" was the answer, 81
have been out all the day attending meet
ing"
"Oh, very well, never mind. Attend.
ing meeting? You are resolved, then, to
leave next week -
ooh, 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 I shall be left widower with three
children? think aSa handsome man
vet, my love-" and Joe walked over to the
glass, passed his fingers through his hair,
and pulled up his collar. Maria looked
rather surprised.
"You see, my dear, it is rather relief
for you to so quietly, you know. tits
so wearing on the nerves to have long
illness; and besides, my dear, there viii
be no funeral expenses, and that is quite
a saving"
Mrs. Peters lips quivered, and her
large blue eyes we're filed with tears -
Joe longed to stop his heartless speech
and comfort her, but he was fearful the
desired effect was not yet gSiaed.
SO, my dear" he continued, eff you
must 90, | have been thinking of getting
another wife"
"What ?" cried Mrs. Peters.
"Another wife, my love, The house
must be kept in order, and the boys cared
for"
The grief was gone from Mara's face,
but her teeth were set with look of fierce
NAnother wife, Joe. another wife )"
eyes. | think have selected good
successor. / deliberated long time
when I was bachelor, between her and
yourself. You will like her, for she is
your bosom friend"
"My bosom friend! ~
"Ycs, my dear. | think on the day
that you ascend, will marry Sarah Ba-
ker."
"What that good-for nothing, silly,
empty headed old maid to be the mother
of my children What p
"Woll my dear, it seems to be the best
I can do. I don't want to leave my bu-
siness to 90 courting, aud she will have
me, know"
"No doubt. oh, you great, brutal,
hateful"
"Stop, my dear, don't fly into furry
we will try to spend our lask week in
happiness Oh, by the way, l have a
proposition to make"
"Go on, sir Don't spare me !"
"Ah, yes, that is the very thing wish
to do. know your mind is entirely en-
crossed with your ascension, and wish
to spale you the care of the house Sup
pose you invite Sarah here to morrow to
spend the week"
"What I"
"And you can leave the house in her
charge all day. That will give you plenty
of time te GO out, and she can learn the
WAYS about the house"
"Whatp''
"And, my dear, one little favor. 1t
NAV be the last | shall ever ask. Stay at
home one or two days, won't you, and
show her ROUND, where you keep things
and 50 on, so that she won't have any
trouble in keeping order after you go =
You will do this to oblige me, wont you
dear 7"
Mrs. Peters, for answer, rolled up the
ascension robe into hall, and fired 1T al
Joe. The cotton, scissors, work-baske'
and table cloth followed this missile II
such rapid succession, that he was unable
to fly. Then Maria's rage found vent IL
words.
"Sol You and Sarah That's tn
reason you ,ohistled when you came IN
You will be very glad TO have me go, ant
marry her, won't you? No doubt of it
But you shan't marry her, sir Yol
E shan't have that qualification! / wi