Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-07-26
THE WAY TO KEEP HIM.

THE WAY TO KEEP HIM.
"0ut again tonight" said Mrs. Hays fret
fully as her husband rose from the tea-table and
demanded his coat.
AYES, have an engagement with Moore, |
shall be in early have light in the library.
Good night"
With careless nod William Hays left the
room.
always the way" murmurcd Lizzie Hays,
sinking back upon the sofa. "Out every night;
don't believe he cares one bit about me, and
yet we've been married only two years. No
man can have more orderly house, am not
a bit extravagant, and yet don't believe he
loves me any more Oh dear why is it l
wasn't rich; lie didn't marry me for my money,
and he musthave loved me then--why does he
treat me with so much neglect? and with her
mind filled with such frightful queriesj lizzie
taysf fell asleep on the sofa
Let me paint her picture as she lay there
She was blonde with a small graceful figure,
and pretty face. The hair which showed by
its rich waves, its natural tendency to curl, was
brushed smoothly back and gathered into arich
knot at the back-it was such bother to curl
it, she said; her cheeks were pale, and the
whole face wore discontented expression.
Her dress was neat chintz-wrapper, but she
had neither collar nor sleeves. What's the
use of dressing up Just for William 2"
Lizzie slept soindly for two hours, then a.
woke suddenly. She sat up glanced at the
clock, and sighed drearily at the prospect OF a
long interval still to be spent before bed time.
The library was just over the room in which
she sat, and down the furnace fue, through the
register voice came to the young lady's ears /;
it was her husbands:
"Well, Moore, what's man to do? | was
disappointed. Who could have fancied that
Lizzie Jarvis, so pretty, sprightly, and lovely,
could change into the frightful dowdy she is
now? Who wants to stay at home to hear his
wife whining all theevening about troublesome
servants, and her headache, and all sorts OF
botherS? She's got the knack of that drawl-
ing whine, SO pat, 'pon my life, don't believe
she can speak pleasantly. ,4
Lizzie sat if stunned. Was this true? She
looked in the glass If not exactly dowdy, her
custom was certainly not suitable for an even
ing with only William to admire. She rose
and went to her room with bitter sorrowful
thoughts, and firm resolution to win back her
husbands heart, and then his love regained to
keep it.
The next morning William came into the
breakfast room in his usual careless manner,
a bright smile played upon his lips as he saw
Lizzie. pretty chintz with neat collar and
sleeves of snowy muslin; with wealth Of soft
full curls, had really metamorphosed her, while
the blush her husbands admiring glance called
up to her cheek, did not detract from her beau
ty. AT first William thought there must be
guest, but glancing around he found they were
alone. "Come, William, your coffee will soon
be cold," said Lizzie, in cheerful, pleasant
voice
." 1t must cool till you sweeten my breakfast
with kiss" said her husband, crossing the
room to her side, and Lizzies heart bounded as
she recognized the old lovers tone and man
ner.
No one fretful speech or complaint fell upon
Williams ear through the meal. The newspa-
per, the usual solace at that hour, lay untouch-
ed, as Lizzie chatted gaily on every pleasant
suiect shecould think of, warming by his CRATE
full interest and cordial manner.
"You will come home TO dinner 2 she SAID
as he went out.
"Can't to day Lizzie; I've business ont OF
town; but I'll be home early to tea. Have
something substantial, for don't expect to
dine. Good by;' and the smiling look, warn
kiss, and lively whistle were marked contrast
to his lounging gait the previous evening.
clam in the right path said Lizzie, in a
low whisper. "Oh, what fool l have been
for two years. "a fretful dowdy" William,
vou shall never have to say that again.
Lizzie loved her husband With real wifely