The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1870-06-17
MIR. r. TEIss. First WIFE.

s"He sAS b0A 4ACA0 Whb
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 I"
A slight, pretty little woman, dress
ed in u soiied, tumbled wrapper, with
hair III state of direful confusion,
answered his summons. She had one
Of those bright faces which Nature in
tended should be decked with contin-
ual smiles; but now, oil its roses in
bloom, it was drawn TO its full length,
and the large blue eyes had a serious,
or rather doleful expression, totally at
variance with its usual joyous look
Her voice, too, had lost it's melodious,
ringing sound, and was subdued to O.
dismal whine.
"What is it, Joseph?"
Where's Bridget?"
"Gone out for me. / want more
white ribbon for my ascension robe.
MIR. Peters said very naughty word
and then continued "Cold coffee,
hard eggs. breakfast not fit to eat"
Il 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 en-
JOY my life while l do have it. Here
vas l, the happiest man in the United
States. with pleasant home, chatty,
cheerful, loving wife, and good. quiet
children and now. since you have
joined the Millerites, what am i ?"
"Oh, Joseph, il you would only
come into that blessed circle"
"Oh. Maria, if you would only come
out of ii. Where are the boysw
I'm sure don't know"
"Are they going to school to-day?"
mo, dear Joseph. :"
"For what reason, madam"
my dear. their teacher has given
up the school and is turning his mind
to more exalted objects. Oh ! Joseph,
turn now, while there's time. You
still have week for preparation and
repentance e.
Repentance! Well, when l take up
that subject, it will take more than a
week to put it 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 I'll take the boys over to their
uncle's to dinner.
Joe made no answer, unless the vio-
lently emphatic manner in which he
closed the door was one. Mutteri q
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.
"Hallo !" he cried, "you here p
What are you doing here at breakfast
time? Wife siekf"
"No."
Had quarrel?"
"No."
"Gone to town."
"No."
"Then why don't you breakfast at
home? Chimney on freY'
"No."
Servants all dead?"
"No."
"Well, what in thunder's to pay?"
Maria has joined the Millerites.
Fred gave long, shrill whistle. and
then said: Going to ascend next
week ?''
"Yes, and if don't commit suicide
III the meantime, you may consrntu-
late me. / am almost distrncted.-
Can't get decent meal, children run
ring riot. servants saucy, house all in
confusion, wife got the blues, either
quoting the speeches of the elders ut
me, or sewing on a white robe, and
grooming every third or fourth stitch.
Hang it all, Fred, I've great mind to
take po son OF join the army"
Him him you give an enchant-
ing picture, but think can suggest
q cure"
"a cure?"
"Yes, if you will promise to take
my advice, I will make your home
pleasant, your wife cheerful, and your
children happy"
'Do it !" cried Joe. "I'll follow
your advice like q soldier under his
superior officer. What shall dor"
At tea time Mr.. Peters entered his
home whistling, Maria was seated at
her sewing, and there were no signs of
preparation for the evening meal.
Maria, my DEAR" said Mr.. Peters,
sis tea ready?" - I1 a9fsaz.,
"I don't know" was the answer,
II have been out all day attending
meeting" IS aaa Is
"Oh, very well ; never mind. At
tending You are resolved, then, to
leave next week?' agiz. Hil
ooh Joseph, I must go when I'm
called" aa
eyes, my dear, of course. Well I
must resign myself, I suppose. By
the way, my dear, has it ever occur
red to You that shall be left Wild
over with three children? I think |
am a handsome man yet, my love-
And Joe walked over to the glass,
passed his fingers through his hair,
and pulled up his collar. Maria look
ed up rather surprised. s..
You see, dear, it is rather relief
for you to go quickly, you know. Il
is so wearing on the nerves to have
long illness and besides, dear. there
will be no funeral expenses to pay.
and that is quite q saving .gs aT
Mrs. Peters lips ,quivered, and her
large blue eyes filed with tears. Joe
Ilonged to quit his heartless speech and
comfort her, but he was fearful the
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