The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-10-01

IL uleS tu9 QOOr---Lno farmer enters,
Dripping aud drenohing from his adventures;
Einds Jenny sighing, the baby crying,
The frightened children hushed, and lying
Hqadled upon the gedItegetheEi fl r. g.
With pans,apd chairs, and baskets, which in
Wetconfusibh crowd the Kitchen. -
ME- sTEVENs' LAST FLIRTATIoN.
The morning sun-light streamed cheer
lily In through the dinipg-room windows,
its golden beams play ying elfin games DER
the delicate ,Sevres and glistening silver
composing the dainty breakfast service.
:.Weil. Mary. have You decided?" in
quired MI. Stevens, a fine-looking man,
sor.S tSrty years old, sitting down to his
cup of untasted Mocha, and glancing
over to his wife, whose dimpIed pouting
face was almost hidden by the massive
ST decided some time ago TO attend
the soiree this evening with Major Hun
ter, and assuredly shall not alter my de-
cision at this late moment" = IL,
"But, Mary, he is no companion for
one like you; and-2.iiL59
"Oh. spare mel" interrupted pretty
little Mrs. u Stevens, with d martyred eI-
preston. Z Major Hunters demeanor
to me has always been that of gentle
man. Because my husband, whom T
acknowledge my rightful escort, has
become, snrfettea with gaiety, must
needs settle down into the humdrum
existence only congenial to those whose
age renders more trivial amusement un-
bearabler' -
He waitsa until she had finished then,
with a sad, stern smile, said, calmly,
.,saosSan Good morning madam. pe and left her
"Oh, dearr' sighed his wife, as the
door closed softly. "How strangely he
!ooked-not angry sxaetly-not as Lever
ed in me to speak so-,sicketl-,oicked," 1"
and her words were now accompanied by
choking sobss 7, when I know his sensi-
tiveness upon that one subject; knew so
we'll Of his MANY misgivings in regard to
my love for him, simply on account of
the difference in our ages, how could I
have been 50 cruel!"
Her reverie was interrupted by the
entrance of servant, bearing the card
of Major Hunter, who was waiting in
the parlor.- With an impatient gesture,
she read the name, and entered his pre-
sence after o short time, with eyes
around which-notwithsta nume-
rous applications. of rose water-traces
of tears were still visible. The Major
rose with compliment smile and com
plimentary greeting, but Mrs. Stevens
was in no mood for Aattery, as he had
tact enough to perceive.
cat what time shall call for your"
he inquired, as conversation began to
flag;
Oh! how she longed to excuse herself,
and refuse to attend, but pride, our om-
nipresent enemy, rose up in arms, and
with apparent nonchalance she appointed
the hour.
''Mrs. Stevens" began the Major, in
low, earnest tones, "you appear sad
harassed. Excuse my seeming imperti-
nence, for when one has but few friends.
he is apt to discover any signs, however
slight, serving to indicate their unhappi-
ness"
His voice had assumed slightly senti-
mental tone, which, grated unpleasantly
on Mrs. Stevens ears, and she looked ND
in amazemenG as he continued:
&r''Since my withdrawal from the army,
have met you often, and the emotion
which compelled me to seek an introduc-
ton at our first meeting has not grown
cool In the many weeks of our acquaint-
ance; and although have not been as
sured of a reciprocity of sentiment, your
evident pleasure in my society, and nc
ceptance OF my protection upon differ
ent occasions. give me courage to ask
you-whose interests are far dearer to
me than my own--the cause of this sad
ness. - ..t-.- .'
Mary Stevens, was under.struck.
Could this insulting rascal be the man
over whom she and her husband had but
On hour ago quarreled? But without
waiting for any comment from his au-
ditor, indeed, giving her no time to
express her indignant contempt, he went
on:
II, in common with the rest Of the
world, have perceived the utter uncon-
geniality existing between yourself and
the man you call husband would
be q more appropriate term-and de-
sisted from acquainting you with my
fi1n uNIup pfo,.i Iy. I'm