The Van Buren press., 1871-04-04
MISCELLANY.
DR.. Peters First Wife.

| OeaI, ucaT. Ho toa9t, eSEs DOlleu
hard as brlckbats, and the coffee stone
cold.
Aud Mr. Peters rose from the table in
a temper by no means ainiahle, and rang
the bell violently. There was no answer
He rang again, and Il third and fourth
time, and still no answer. Out of all pa
tience he went to the door and called:
"Maria Maria!'
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 nat ire inten ted 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
serious, or rather doleful expression,
totally at variance with its usual joyous
look. Her voice, too. had lost its melo-
dions -;..c,;--o ------i, ---. ----.~ ~,I,anal "a.
dismal whine.
"What is it, Joseph"
Where's Brdgetl'
"Gone out for me; want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe.
Mr.. Peters said a very naughty word,
and then continued
"Cold coffee, hard eggs, and breakfast
not fit to eat. "
IL wish, f" 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
cn ,vti I /
happiest man in the United States, a
pleasure home, chatty, loving wife,
with good quiet children, and now, since
you have joined the Milerites, what am
n"
"Oh Joseph, if you would only come
into tho blessed circle "
40, Maria, if you would only come
out of it. Where are the boys?'
"I'm sure | don't know
"Are they going to school? 7"
"No, dear Joseph.
"For what reason, ma1ad p
My dear, their teacher has given up
the school and turned his attention to
more exalted objects 0, Joseph, turn
now. while there is time. You still have
week for preparation and fcpentance.'
Repentance Well, when l take up
the subject, it will take more than II 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. aud l II take the boys over to their
uncle's to dinner.
Joe made no answer, unless the vic
lent emphatic manner in which he closed
the door was one Muttering with anger
he strobe TO restaurant to make break.
fast. Here he was hailed by ono OF his
old friends, Fred Somers, who looked up
as he heard Joc's order.
Halo. he cried, you here What
are you doing here at breakfast time !?
Wife sick y
No.
Had a quarrcl2"
mo"
"Gone to town.
mo.
"Then why don'tyou take your break
fast at home? Chimney on fire 7"
mo"
"Servants all dead p
"No.
"Well, what then is to pav2"
Maria'- joined the Millerites. /"
Fred. gave long, shrill whistle, and
then said: Going to ascend next
week Z"
"Yes, and irI don't commit suicide in
the meantime, you may congratulate me.
am almost distracted Can't get a de-
cent meal, children running riot, house
in confusion, servants saucy, wife got the
blues, either quoting the speechers OF the
elders at me, or sewing on q robe. and
groaning over the third or fourth stitch,
Hang it 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" F"
"a cure z"
"Ycs, ic you will promise to take my
advice, will make your home cheerful,
your wife pleasant, and your children
happy.
"Do it, cried Joe, "Ill follow your
advice like soldier under his superior
officer. What saall do,