Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-05-20
SELECTED STORY.

SELECTED STORY.
MR.. PETERS FIRST WIFE.
Dear. dear no toast eggs boiled as hard
as brick bats, and the coffee stone cold
And Mr. Peters rose from the table in 9
temper by no means amiable, and rang the
bell violently. There was no answer He
rang again, third, a fourth time, and still
no answer Out of all patience, he went to
the door and called Maria Maria
A slight, pretty little woman, dressed in
soiled, tumblcd wrapper, with hair in a
state of direful confusion, answered his sum-
mons. She had or of those bright faces
which Nature intended should be dccked
with continual smiles but now, all its roses
in bloom, it was drawn to its full length,
and the large blue eyes had serious, or
rather doleful expression, totally at variance
with its usual joyous look. Her voice, too,
had lost its melodious, ringing round, and
was subdued to dismal whine.
What is it Joseph 2
Where's Bridget?'
Gore out for me. 1 want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe'
Mr.. Peters said very naughty word and
then continued: Gold coffee, hard eggs,
breakfast not fit to eat
I wish,' whined his wife, you would
talk less of temporal matters and turn your
attention to the great end of life'
Hang it all, madam, like to enjoy my
life while do have it, Here was I, the
happiesr man in the United States, with a
pleasant home, chatty, cheerful loving wife,
and good, quiet children; and now, since
you have Joined the Millerites. what am 2
oh, Joseph, if you would only come in
to that blessed circle
oh, Maria, if you would only come out
of it. Where are the boys?'
I'm sure l don't know
Are they going to school to-day?
No dear Joseph
For what reason, madam z
My dear, their teacher has given up the
school and is turning his mind to more ex>
allied objects. Oh! Joseph, turn now, while
there's time You still have a week for
preparation and repentance
Repentance Well, when l take up the
subject, it will take more than week to
put it through
And Mr.. Peters put on bis coat and took
up his hat.
Joseph said his wife, you need not
send home any dinner l shall be out, and
I'll take the boys over to their uncle's to
dinner
Joe made no answer unless the violently
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 friends,
Fred Somers, who looked up as he heard
Joe's order.
'Halloo p he cried, you here ? What are
you doing here at breakfast time? Wife
sick?'
No
Had quarrel?
No
Gone to town p
No
Then why don't you breakfast at home
Chimney on fire?
NO
Servants all dead?
NO.
Well, what in thunder's to pay!'
'Maria's joined the Millerites 7
Fred gave long, shrill whistle, ane
then said Going to ascend next week I?
Yes, and if don't commit suicide in thu
meantime, you may congratulate me. l an
ain ost distracted. Can't get a decent meal
children running riot, servants saucy, house
all in confusion, wife got the blues, eitbe
quoting the speeches of the elders at me, O.
sewing on white robe, and grooming ever,
third or fourth stitch. Hang it all, Fred
I've great mind to take poison or join thu
army.
'B'm! HIM! you give an enchanting
picture, but l think I can suggest cure.
"A cure ?
Yes, if you will promise to take my ad
vice. l will make your home pleasant, you
wife cheerful, and your children happy
DO it, cried Joe. 'I'll follow your wore
like soldier under his superior officer
What shall do?
At tea time Mr.. Peters entered his home
whistlipg, Maria was seated at her sewing
] and there we're no signs Of preparation TO
the evening meal.
Maria, my DEAR said Mr.: Peters, ''s tie
ready?
L don't know was the answer, 'haV
been out all day attending meeting.
ooh, very we'll ;; never mind. Attend
mol Won are resolved, then, to leave mex
week? u
oh! Joseph, must go when l am call
ed wa
Yes, my dear, of course: Well l mus
resign myself, suppose. By the way, m
nv dear, has it ever occurred to you: that
shall be left widower with three cnilaren
I think am handsome man yet' my love
and Joe walked over to the glass; Passe
his fingers through his hair, and pulled u
his collar. Maria looked up rathef SUI
prised. uo,;of 9,
You see, dear, it is rather rellei 10
you to go quickly, you know IL is s
wearing on the nerves to have long 'llpess
and besides, my dear, there will De no no., III
neral expenses to pay, and that Is qui'e
saving ,,,o..
Mrs. Peters lips quivered, and her larg
blue eyes filed with tears. Joe longeu
quit his heartless speech and comfort ner
but be was fearful the desired effect was no