The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1866-05-19
EVENINGS AT HOME.
A WRITER in the Ladies' .Repositor,

tells the following pleasant story:
The husband, greatly to the annoy
ance of his young wife, had acquired
the habit of spending his evenings away
from home, and her earnest protest
against this practice resulted in his
agreement to stay in every evening for
a week, and allow her to be absent. The
result might be expected, as in every
case where true and strong affection ex-
lists between the husband and the wife.
Monday evening came, and George
Wilson remained true to his promise.
His wife put on her bonnet and shawl,
and he would remain mt home and keep
house.
"What will you do when am gomez"
Emma asked.
"Oh, shall read and sing, and enjoy
myself generally"
every well," said Emma; "I shall
be back early"
The wife went out, and the husband
was left alone. He had an interesting
book, and he began to read it. He read
till eight o'clock, and then began to
yawn, and looked frequently at the
clock. The book did not interest him
as usually. Ever and anon he would
come to passage which he knew would
please his wife, and instinctively he
turned as though he would read it aloud
but there was no wife to hear it. Al
half-past eight O'Clock he arose from his
chair, and began to pace the floor ant
whistle. Then he went and got hi.
flute, and played several Of his favorit,
airs. After this he got chess-board
and played game with an imaginary
partner. Then he walked th floor, ant
whistled again. Finally the Cock strucl
nine, and his wife returned.
"Wcll, George" said she, I am back
in good time. How have you enjoyed
YOURSELF"
"Capitally," returned the husband
81 had no idea it was so late. l hop,
you have enjoyed yourself"
ooh, splcndidly!" said the wife; g.
had no idea how much enjoyment ther,
was away from home. Home is dul
place, after all, isn't it?"
"Why, no, can't say that it is" re
turned George carelessly. "Indeed, h,
added " l rather like it,"
81 am glad of that" rctortcd Emma
for we shall have q nice comfortable
week of it."
George WINGED at this; but he kcp
his countcnancc, and determined I,
stand it out.
On the next evening Emma prepared
to go off again.
81 shall be back in good time" sh,
said.
Where are you going, Emma?" he
husband asked.
"Oh, l can't tell exactly; may go t,
several places"
So George Wilson was left alone again
and he tried to amusc himself as before
but he found it difficult task. Eve
and anon he would cast his eyes on tina
empty chair, and the thought woul,
come, "IIow pleasant it would be if sh
were hereW The clock finally strucl
nine, and he began to listen for the step
of his wife. Half an hour more slippc,
by, and he became very nervous an,
uneasy.
81 DECLARE" he muttercd to himself
after he had listened for some time il
vain, " this is too bad she ought not t
stay out so late"
But he happened to remember tina
he often remained away much later thai
that; so he concluded to make the bes
of it.
AT a quarter to ten Emma came home
"A little late, am | not?" she said
, looking up at the clock. But fell il
with some old friends. How have yo
enjoyed yourself?"
"First rate, returned George bravely
81 think home is capital place"
Especially when man can have
all to himself" added the wife, with
sidelong glance at her husband. But h
made no reply.
On the next evening Emma prepare
to go out as before; but this time sh
kissed her husband before she went, an
seemed to hesitate about leaving.
, "Where do you think about going
George asked in an undertone.
, 81 may drop in to see Uncle John,
replied Emma. However, you won
; be uneasy. You will know Pm safe"
son, certainly" said her husban,
Y But when left to his own reflections, !
began to ponder seriously upon the ca
; thus presented for consideration.
lie could not read, he could not enjC
himself in any way while the chair w
empty. In short, he found that hon
i had no real comfort without Il VIII
: The one thing necdful to make Georl
! Wilson's home pleasant was not preser
Y 81 declare" he said to himself A" d
l mot think it would be solonesome, Al