Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-12-31
HAPPY DENOUmENT.

We do not believe it the legitimate pro-
vince of the press TO stoop TO scandal, or TO
search into the misgoings or shortcomings
of private life for material 10 amuse or in
struct the public; bnt a pleasant little story
came to our knowledge a day or two since
which will bear telling and may serve to
"point a moral or adorn tale"
Among the most enterprising and indus
trious merchants of Selma, is one whom we
will call Smith, principally because it isn't
his name, who is blessed with most exem-
plarY wife in all respects save one-she is OF
rather jealous disposition. Mr.. Smith has
been of late very much engrossed in his
business, and has often consumed his even
iugs over his ledger, instead of in the bosom
of his family as has been his custom for
years. Iu reply TO the queries OF Mrs. s..
OH the subject he would always say that he
was employed in his business. She did not
understand how business could take up 30
much of his time, and her suspicious were
aroused that all was not right. Visions of
hours spent by her husband in other female
society than her own haunted her mind, and
she made an inward VOW to watch him and
see for herself.
Soon after arriving at this resolution a
telegram arrived for her husband and was
sent to his office, which was closed, as he
had gone TO his supper. The carrier went
to his house and delivered it to the servant
at the door The gentleman not having ar
rived 1t was handed to his wife, who with
true feminine curiosity, read 1t. 1t was
plain and short:
"MoNTaoMERY, Dec. =, 1857.
'Mr. Smith: Meet Gertrude Tonight
Here was q horrible confirmation of her
worst fears. Controlling herself as best she
could, she LAID the dispatch by his plate.
He came in, read 1t, and said he ''would go
to town after supper, and might not be back
till late; she need not sit up for him." He
hurried through his meal, took his hat and
walked hurriedlY down the street. Before
he had turned the corner his wife was fol-
lowing him swiftly and noiselesslY. He
went straight on, she close behind, until he
reached the wharf. After an apparent in
spection OF the surroundings he stepped
down the hull and took seat in the office
of the Magnolia. His wife took position
where she could see him through the glass
door and waited for the fnale-whlch was
expected in the shape of the Gertrude whom
her fnithless spouse was TO meet. Time
dragged on wearily and the lady became
drowsy and at last fell into a doze, from
hrF xph
of an approaching steamer. Nearer and
nearer she came, and as she rounded to tht
name "GERTRUDB, in large, brightly paint
cd letters, met the view of the jealous wlte
and stentorian voice, inquiring ii Smitl
was on hand, completed her awakening.
AT a glance the position was realized, ant
the poor woman could have cried for vexa
tion as she saw her husband and anothe
gentleman hurriedly transacting some busi
ness within a few feet of her. At that mo
ment tipsy. negro came stumbling alonI
and seeing a woman's dress half hiddei
among the bales and boxes of merchandise
seized her, exclaiming, 'come out oh daI
ole gall" Her scream of terror brought he
J husband to the scene, whose astonishmer
may be imagined, She fell into his armi
with hysterical bursts of sobs, and explant
tlons ensued.
The party returned to their home in
hack, and somebody's head was on som'
body's bosom all the way. Since that tim
all that Smith has to do to avert a scoldln
is to insinuate that he will 'meet Gertrude.
Selma (4ta) Messenger.