Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1870-08-25
MIR. PETERS FIRST WIFE.

time, and still no answer! Out of all pa
thence, he went to the door and called:
maria MarisF'
A slight, pretty little woman, dressed in
soiled, tumbled wrapper, with hair in
state of direful confusion, answered his
summons. She had one of those faces
which nature intended should be decked
with continual smiles; but now, all its
roses in bloom, it was drawn to its fullest
length, and the large blue eyes had seri-
GUS, or rather doleful expression, totally
at variance with its usual joyous look.
Her voice, too, had lost its melodious
ringing sound, and was subdued to dis
NAL whine.
"What is it, Joseph"
Where's Bridgetf"
"Gone out for me; | want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe"
Mr.. Peters said very naughty word,
and then continued:
"Cold coffee, hard eggs, and breakfast
not fit to eat"
az wish" whined his wife, "you would
think less of temporal matters and turn
your attention to the great end of life"
"Hang it all, madam, like to enjoy my
life while have it. Here was l, the hap.
piest man in the United States, pleas.
ant home, chatty loving wife and good,
quiet children, and now, since you have
ioiped the Millerites, what am II"
90, Joseph, if you would only come in
to the blessed circle"
80, Maria, if you would only come out
of it. Where are the boys?"
"I'm sure I don'tkuow."
"Are they going to schoolY"
mo. dear Joseph
"For what rea son, madam
"My dear, their teacher has given up
the school, and is turning her mind to
more exalted objects o Joseph, turn now,
while there is time. You still have week
for preparation and repentance"
Repentance Well, when i take up
the subject, it will take more than a week
to put 1t through"
And Mr.. Peters put on his coat and took
up his hat.
"Joseph," said his wife, "you need not
send home any dinner. shall be out, and
III take the boys over TO their uncle's to
dinner"
Joe made no answer, unless the violent.
ly emphatic manner in which he closed
the door was one. Muttering with anger,
he strobe into restaurant TO make
breakfast Here he was hailed by one OF
his old friends, Fred. Somers, who looked
up as he heard Joe's order.
"Hallo' he cried, "you here VIVA
are you doing here at breakfast timer
Wife sick'"
"NO."
"Had quarrel:"
"No."
"Gone to town."
EMO"
"Then why don't you breakfast at
hc aNo /. Chimney on fire."
"No."
"Well, what then Is to pays"
"Maria's joined the Millerites."
Fred gave Q long, shrill whistle, and
then said: "Going to ascend next
week."
Eyes, and If don't commit suicide in
the meantime you may congratulate me.
am almost distracted. Can't get q de-
cent meal, children running riot, house in
confusion, servants saucy, wife got the
blues, either quoting the speeches of the
elders at me or sewing on q robe and
grooming every third or fourth stitch.
Hang 1t all, Fred, I've q great notion to
join the army or take poison"
Him, HIM you draw an enchanting
picture, but think can suggest cure"
"a curc?"
Eyes, if you will promise to take my
advice, l will make your homo pleasant,
your wife cheerful, and your children
DO til" cried Joe. an follow your
word like q soldier under his superior
officer. What shall dot"
At tea.time Mr.. Peters entered his
home, whistling. Maria was seated at her
sewing, and there we're no signs OF prepa-
ration for the evening meal.
Maria, my DEAR" said Mr.. Peters, lis
tea readys"
II don't know" was the answer
have b,en ous all day ate nding meet
7Oh, very well--never mind. Attend.
ing the meetingi You are resolved, then,
70 leave next week Z"
ooh, Joseph, must go when / am
called"
"Yes, my dear, OF course. Well, must
resign myself, suppose. By the way, my
dear, has it ever occurred TO you that /
shall be lefe widower, with three chill
dreni ] think am handsome man yet,
nv love-" and Joe walked over TO the
glass, pressed his fingers through his hair,
and pulled up his collar. Maria looked
up il surprise.
aYou zee, my dear, it's rather . relief
for you to 60 quickly, you know-it II 20
wearing on the nerves TO have Illness
and besides, my dear, there win be no
funeral expenses TO pay, and that u quite
8 nving.
Mrs Psten' lip quivered, and her largo
blue eyes filled with tears.
Joe lonesd 70 quit his hsaxtlem speech
and comfort her, bilt he was jeaSful the
dssared s4sct VS. not yet eained.
80, ny dear" he continued, ~ you