The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1869-11-13

Everything g0es wrong" grumbled Josie,
with . peevish elevation of her shoulders
"The kindlings were wet and the chimney
smoked, and"
"Well, well, my DEAR" said Philo, driven
into the unwonted task of consolation, ~ dare
say 1t will be all right"
"All wrong, more likely fretted Josie. Ut
is SO trying; and dinner isn't ready, although
it's half past six-and the fruit hasn't come fol-
dessert, and am 20 discouraged"
1--WE will do without the fruit, then"
''There is no other dessert"
"My dear Josie, it isn't best to let little
things fret your
"I'll discharge the cook tomorrow" said
Josie, acrimOniOusly.
"Oh, no dear would not do that; she
understands her work remarkably we'll"
"She burned the oysters yesterday"
| "Only scorched them, that was all"
''She is always behind hand with the meals. v
"On the contrary, my dear Josie, she is gen.
orally the soul Of punctuality. Where is my
dressing gOwn"
II am sure, don't know" "That chair
maid makes a rule of putting things just
where nobody can find them"
"Oh, here it is, back of the door," said Phi
10, "just where she always hangs it."
"Then why did you not look there before
you asked r. demanded his wife. Mr.. May
burne found it convenient not to hear, but
poked the fire diligently.
'There you 60, scattering ashes all over the
velvet rug" said josie, tartly.
Mr.. Msyburne checked himself, and sat
down, shivering, in rocking chair.
II wish you would stop .creaking that
chair" grOaned his wife "my poor nerves
are all in culver. Why don't you send up
dinnerr' tg@H
"There is the bell now," said Philo, jump
ing up with alacrity; 'come, JOSIE"
II don't think care for any dinner now
that have been kept waiting so long," said
Josie. ;a'f i' .,
"Now my dear Josie, do not be unreason-
able. 1 dare say they have got something
very nice for us.
The beafsteak was cold-the potatoes water
soaked, and the turnips dried like mummies,
while the bread was new and heavy. Mr..
Mayburne opened his lips to c0mpla in, but
Josie was beforehand with him.
my goodness gracious!' she exclaimed
with uplifted hands and eyes. "Such din
nerl Take me away, Philip; can't eat
mouthful
"Just little bit of the steak, dear-it's
very juicy"
''Not particle" said Josie. emphatically.
''Sarah, tell the cook she may 60 tomorrow"
my dear, pray consider"
"There is a chicken coming, ma'am, with
bread sauce" suggested Sarah, with twinking
eyes. sr ,5,
"Chicken and bread sauce-the very thing
l detest above all Others" exclaimed josie.
~ am sure it Is very nice, see how savory it
lOOkc | al a and little
slice of the breast !"
"It is burned to a crisp" r
Burned, my dear Not bit of it."
ut is raw then underside."
"DO try it, Josie-really l think it is de-
licious- land here are some steaming baked
potatoes" ~n ....ra-g %
NO." said Josie resolutely, shaking her
head, my dinner is spoiied--that is quite
| enough" laas
And she walked out of the dining-room
precisely as her husband had done the night
before. But, Philo, less philosophical than
his wife, rose and followed her."
.'tJosie, DEAR he said hesitatingly as she
flounced down upon the sofa.
SWELL" Es 5Nx. sf kfFt Gfft8EE
'Aren't you just little--a little cross :"
Gam V-suuw asrngE S1uu3 lo 's
"And unreasonable A trife So"
"Do you really think so, Philo ?"
"Yes" ~ $3.50 ~ -f' "
$50 dol. j am outrageously cross and I'M
reasonable !" sa.''-'.
The dimplcs had come back to Joses lips,
and the sparkle to her eyes. Philo looked
bewildered. as., ,oJ fu
"But my dear, what do you mean 2"
"::Philo,' said Mrs. Mayburne calmly you
have only been looking into a looking glass"
" Into looking glass, my dear Z" r t'4t
Exactly so. During the last hour, you
have seen yourself as you appear to the world.
How do you like the reflection ~
She laid her hand lightly on his shoulder
as she spoke. Philo Mayburne sat stroking
his whiskers meditatively without answering
her.
Am really as dissagreeable as that" he
asked, presently. I .co
81" Yes, quite" ...
IL had no idea OF it ,e.,,
Because you never have seen yourself as
others see YOU"
Another silence ensued, and then Mr.. May
burne spoke again. ee.
"Josie, nobody shall ever sec me again in
that lightw 60 ~ltON .iI1il.1- tI|I
Philo Msyburne kept his word, and to this
day Mrs. JOnesbury has never left off wonder
ing what mysterious agency wrought such
marvellous change in the spirit of Philo
Mayburne's dream.
For he amt like the same man, no more,
he amt J" truthfuly observed Mrs. Jonesbury.