Clarksville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1865-1867, 1867-05-10
LOOKING UNDER THE BED.

1t Is the habit Of many persons to take a
3ook under the bed before retiring for the
night. Mrs. Evergreen, my beloved wife in
dulges, if indulgence it can be called, in this
peculiar practice. Of do not object TO it in
the least SO long as she does not enforce the
performance upon myself; but when, as is
sometimes the case, she forgets until she
has put out, the light, and ensconced her
self under the comforter, then it is hard that
l, who am not troubled with nervous appre-
hensiyeness, should have to go out in the
cold and do it for her Ihave, often remark
ed to Mrs. Evergreen, when I have seen her
prying under the bed, that it was silly
habit, and that the sooner she gave 1t up
the better. To this gentle admonition my
better half invariably rejoins:
"La, Evergreen. what harm does it do "
It's kind of satisfaction to know that no
body's under there, and then don't think
of such thing after I'm in bed.
al think, my dear, you might just as
well persue your investigations further, and
look into the bureau drawers and in the
clothes-basketf
Evergreen" she will rejoin, "don't men
ton the idea or shall certainly do so.--
come to think of II, man could very easily
get tno the clothes-basket."
"Certainly he could, my dear, quite as
easily as Falstaff. You should certainly in
cude the clothes-basket--and, by the by,
there's the chimney: why not look up that
as well2"
"Now, Evergreen you are laughing at me
But can't leave off the habit, and | never
will. 1t is a comfort for me to know that
there's nothing wrong about it, and don't
see why you should deprive me of itf'
So under the bed goes the candle, and nc
signs of humanity being discovered, Mrs
Evergreen is able to repose in peace. But
as already observed, this precautionary act
is sometimes forgotten, and am sometimes
obliged to rise, light the lamp and report
I've done 1t rather frequently of late than is
agreeable, aud have intimated as much to
Mrs. 4. She says:
"yery well, Mr.. Evergreen. l will do il
myself"
But this procedure is almost equally as
bad, for she invariably lets the cold in or
me both in getting out and getting in. II
II were not for increasing the mental lido.
syncrasy on the part of Mrs. Evergreen, by
giving her some good reason to apprehend
danger, should relate to her what ] am
about to lay before the reader. In this mar
ration, therefore, ask the public most par
tcularly 10 bear In mind that Mrs. Ever.
green Is Of sensitive nature, rather appre-
hensive and slightly superstftious, and that
what what may have to say must under
no circumstances be told again. If for two
and twenty years (that is the period of ouI
welded life, and happy years have they
been-if, ] say, have for this long peri
cd refrained from imparting the matter tC
the beloved sharer of my joys and partakel
of my sorrows, surely the public (which, a!
we know, always does keep secret) will
keep mine.
All young meu, I suppose have their af
fections on the one who is to bless their 10
through life. know what had and don
regret it. Regret it far from IT, Mrs. Ev.
ergreen is not present, and therefore hav'
no hesitation in saying that il had my lif'
to live over again, I'd like to 60 through
the same sentimental experience, particular
ly if it were to be succeeded by again lead
ing to the hymenial altar the present Mrs
Evergreen.
was not bad-looking when was in m,
twenties. think | may go farther, anC
confidently say that "Gus. Evergreen wa
decided favorite among the girls of Oak
ville and really believe could have had
any of them, {" for the asking" As | be
fore remarked, Mrs. Evergreen is not present
and indulge my thoughts somewhat NOR
freely than would ortherwise be the case
don't think that | cared particularly 70
any of the Oakville girls however, and
might have kept my heart whole to this da!
If it had not been for the circumstance
which am about to relate.
Fred Evans, who had been my chum a
school, came TO make me visit at Oakvill'
for "a day or two" as he said when h
came but he made II week or two easil,
enough after I'd taken him about a littl
among the young ladies. When that tim
had expired Fred said he really must go, a
he didn't know what his father and mothe
would think Of his absence; but it ended II
his relieving their anxiety by a letter AM
seading for his trunks. | knew how 'th
mNeter was perfectly well, and that Bell
Bronson had bewitched him out OF his fiv
senses. Fred. used to put II TO The countr
air and the quiet which was beneSting hi
health. Sc., but 1t was no use trying to do
ceive me, and told him so. Then he owl
ed up frankly and promised to help him
| could If he required any help in the pro
ecuton OF his suit. never thought Belle
fiirt, or that she would willingly distre
any human being; but she had way
looking into any ones eyes as II to capt
: vate them for her mere personal anus
ment
At any rate, she had a larger share
beaux than the other girls but all their q
tentions came to nothing. ] feared IL mig
&c so with Fred. Evans, and warned him q
lnnrhinalYi but Ffeh taid bod have her u