The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1867-08-09
MORNING, AUGUST 9, 1867.

Of bright antlmn flowers on the table, i'm.
parting an air of taste and cheerfhlness TO
the apartment. made some such remark
about Il, to which the doctor responded
ayes, am very fond Of flowers, and
love to see them in tho house; and, as
spend much time here, my wife always
keeps vase Of them on the table a long
as they last"
Our business was finished before dinner,
and we walked out in the grounds which
were quite extensive, and tasiefully ar.
ranged.
There was variety Of flowers In bloom,
and noticed that tha doctor selected here
and there the finest until he had hand.
some bouquet
When we reached tho house, Mrs Stearns
was standing OF tho steps. The doctor,
still continuing our conversation, give her
the flowers, with slight bow and smile ;
and holding up spray Of crimson berries,
which he had broken of, she bent her head
while he fastened it among the dark braids
OF hair.
Il was trifling incident, yet their man.
ner arrested my attention. Had been a
stranger, should have pronounced them
lovers instead Of sober people. All through
the day notice,l the same delicate atten.
ton and Difference In their department to
each other.
There was nothing Of which the most
fastidious guest could complain yet, while
showing me the most cordial attention, they
did not seem to ignorr each others exist
ence, rs married people 30 often do.
l had never visited the doctor before, and
was very much pleased with his tasteful
home. said 30, after dinner, when we
strolIed out into the woods.
SHOW long have you been married"
asked.
"Ten years."
Well, 1 pursued, can you tell me whence
tho bright atmosphere that SURROUNDS your
home Tell me how you and Mrs. Stearns
manage to retain the depth and freshness
Of your early love, rs You seem to dot /
should think the wear and tear flife would
dim It somewhat never saw home
where my ideal of domestic happiness was
realized before. 1t Is what ! have dream-
ed Of.
The doctor smiled, and, pointing to q
thrifty grape climbing over neat lattice
and loaded with purple fruit, he said-
THAT kind needs careful attention, and
if pruned and properly cared for, 1t Is what
you see Il; but If neglected, how soon
would II become worthless thing. 80 the
love which Is to all, at some period the
most delicious thing In life, and which
needs rs much care to keep It unimpaired, ,
Is generally neglected. All, my FREUD, Il Is
little acts-trifles-that so oiten estrange
loving hearts. have always made 1t a
point to treat my wife with the same court.
esy that characterized my department in
the days of cOirtshp; and Willie am caro-
fll not to offend her tastes and little preju.
diccs, am sure that mine will be equally
respectful
That night M rode homeward, ponder.
ing tho doctors words and reviewing the
years of our married life, was surprised at
my own blindness. and determined to re.
call the early dream ifpossible.
The next morning ut breakfast ] astonish.
ed Alice by a careful toilet, chatted over
the dinner, and, after ten, invited her to
ride.-When she came down in my favorite
blue organde, with her hair In shining
curls, thought she had never looked love-
lier.
lcxerted myself, as Of old, to entertain
her. aud was surprised to find how quickly
and pleasantly the evening passed.
| resolved to test tho doctors theory per-
fectly, and tho result exceeded my most
sanguine expectations.
For all the little namelcss attentions SO
gratifying to a woman's heart, aud so uni
ycrsaIly accorded by The lover and neglect.
cd by the husband, find myself repaid n
thousand fold and would advise all who
are sghing over the fiilflment Of early
dreams, to 70 and 10 likewise, remember.
ing that that which Is worth winning ID
,vorth keeninp