The Republican journal., 1870-03-24
Mr.. PETERS FIRST WIFE.


Mr.. PETERS FIRST WIFE.
'Dear, dear! no toast, eggs boiled as hard
as brickbats, and the coffee stone-cold."
| And Mr. Peters rose from the table in q
temper by no means amiable. and rang the
bell violently. There was no answer! He
rang again, third, fourth time, and still
no answer! Out of all patience. he went to
| the door and called-sMaria Maria ~
A slight, pretty little woman. dressed in q
soiled, tumbled wrapper, with hair in state
of direful confusion, answered his summons.
She had one Of those bright faces which Ma
smiles but now, all its roses in bloom, it
was drawn to its full length, and the large
blue eyes had q serious, or rather doleful eX
preston, totally at variance with their usual
Joyous look. Her voice, too, had lost its
melodious, ringing sound, and was subdued
to dismal whine.
"What is it, Joseph?"
! "Where's Bridget?"
"Gone out for me. l want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe"
Mr.. Peters said very naughty word, and
then continued: "Cold coffee, hard eggs,
breakfast not fit to eat"
II WISH" whined his wife, 'you would
think less OF temporal matters, and turn
''Hang it all, madam, like TO enjoy my
life while l do have it. Here was I, the hap
piest man in the United States, with pleas
ant home, chatty, cheerful loving wife, and
good quiet children; and now, since you
have joined the Millerites, what am I?"
ooh, Joseph, if you would only, only
come into that blessed circle'
"Oh, Maria, if you would only come out
OF it. Where are the boys?''
'1'm sure don't know"
care they going to school to-day?''
'No, dear Joseph"
"FOr what reason, madam ?"
'My dear, their teacher has given up the
school, and is turning her mind to more ex-
alted objects. Oh! Joseph, turn now, while
there's time. You have still a week for pre-
paration and repentance"
''Repentance! Well, when | take up the
subject, it will take more than a week to put
And Mr.. Peters put on his coat and took
''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 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
.Toe's order
''Hallo!' he cried, .you here? What
arc you doing here at breakfast time ? Wife
sickp"
"No"
Had quarrel P"
| "GOne to toWn?''
| mop
''Then why don't you breakfast at h ONE ?
Chimney .l8n y on fireP"
Servants all deadp"
Mop
I "Well, what in the thunder is to pay?"
"Maria's joined the Millerites %
Fred gave a long, shrill whistle, and then
said:
| "Going to ascend next week? P"
"Yes, and if don't commit suicide in
the meantime, you may congratulate me.
am almost distracted. Can't get decent
meal, children running riot, servants saucy,
house all in confusion, wife got the blues,
either quoting the speeches OF the elders at
me, or sewing on white robe, and groaning
every third or fourth stitch. Hang it ali,
Fred, I've great mind to take poison or
join the army!''
Him !! him you give an enchanting pic
ture, but think can suggest cure"
| "a cure?"
Eyes, if you will promise to take my ad-
vice, | will make your home pleasant, your
wife cheerful, and your children happy"
'Do t'' cried Joe "rll follow your
word like soldier under his superior officer.
What shall do ?"
At tea time Mr.. Peters entered his home,
WhlStkInp tal hn,
and there was no signs of preparations for
evening meal.
| maria, my DEAR" said Mr.. Peters, sis tea
ready?"
81 don't know" was the answer, shave
been out all day attending meeting"
"Oh, very, well; never mind. Attending
meeting! You are resolved, then, to leave
ME next week p''
ed" ''''' >''''
Eyes, my DEAR of course. Well, 1 must
resign myself, l suppose. By the way, my
dear, has it ever occurred to you that shall
be be left widower with three children?
| think am handsome man vet nv love"
and Joe walked over to the glass, passed his
fingers through his hair, and pulled up his
collar
Maria looked up rather surprised.
- ou see, dear, it is rather relief for YOU
to 60 quickly, you know 1t is so wearing
on the nerves to have a long illness; and be-
sides, my dear, there will be no funeral ex
pense to pay, and that is quite saving"
Mrs. Peters lips quivered and her large
blue eyes filled with tears. Joe longed to
quit his lheartless speech and comfort her,
but he was fearful the desired effect was not
yet gained.
$50, my DEAR" he continued elf YOU must
60. have been thinking of getting another
"What?" cried Mrs. Peters.
"Another wife, my love. The house must
be kept in order, and the boys cared for'
The grief was gone from Maria's face, but
her teeth were set with look of fierce
wrath.
Another wife, Joseph! Another wife ~
Eyes, think l have selected a good sue
cessor. have deliberated long time, when
| was bachelor. between her and yourself.
You will like her; she is your bosom
friend p
what Sarah Ingraham !"
"Yes, my dear. l think that on the day
you ascend, l will marry Sarah Ingraham !'
'What! that good for nothing, silly. emp
ty-headed old maid, the mother of my child
rem! Whatr'
Wall NV 1oor Il ,oo,,,, - L A.