Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-04-21
MIR. PtTtIIN FIRST WIFI

L
temper 10y umiable, and rang the
bell violently. There WAS no answer. He
rang aga n, 81 thl. 81, ii fourth time, and still
no answer Out OF all patience. he went
10 the door III Il called, "Maris!" "Maria!"
slight. pretty little woman, dressed In
a soile1, tumble wrapper. with hair in
state OF direfnl 'ntusioI, answered his
summons SbD had uDe OF those bright
faces Which uaiuIe iuieLd=d should be
decked with continual sml!. S; but now, all
its roses in bloom, it was drawn to its full
length, aid the large blue eyes had g. Sc
rious. or rather doleful expression, totally
at variance with their usual yous look. =
Her voice, too. had lest its meiodious,
ringing sound. and was subduei to a dis
NAL whine.
''N hat is ii, Joseph %
''Where's Bridget 2
"Gone ont for ne. l want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe.
"Nr. Peters said a very naughty word.
and then continaed: "Cold coff,e, hard
eggs, breakfast not fit to eat "
II wish, " whined bis wife. "you would
think less Of temporal matters, and turn
your attention to the great end OF life
"Harg it all. madame, like to enjoy
my life when have it. Hero was 1 the
happiest man in the United States, with
pleasant home, chat'y. cheerful. loving
wife, and good quiet children; and now.
since you have joined the Millerites, what
am %
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 p
I'm sure 1 don't know"
Are they going to school to-day 2"
mo, dear Joseph"
''For what reason, madame 2?
oh h,Ss
the school, and is turning Der mind to
more exalted objects. Oh, Joseph. turn
now while there's time. You have still O
week for preparation and repentance.
Repentance Well, when I take up the
subject it will take more than week to
put it through"
And Mr.. Peters put on his coat and took
up his hat
"Joseph," said bis wife. you need not
send home any dinner. l shall be out,
and I'll take the boys over to their urcle's
to dinner"
Joe made no answer, unless the viol Mt
ly emphatic manner IN which he closed the
door was one. Muttering with anger, he
strobe into u restaurant to make breAk-|
fast. Here he was hailed by one of his
friends, Fred Somers, who looked up as
he heard Joe's order.
"HalIo y he cried ''you here ? What
are you doing here at breakfast time p
Wife sick q
No"
Had a quarrel ?"
s. No.
Z" Gone to town."
enc"
''Tnen Why don t you breakfast at
home Chimney on fire p
Me-
Servants all dead 2"
"No"
"WelI. what 10 thunder is to pay 2"
"Maria joined the Millerites -
Fred gave long. shrill whistle, and
then said :: Going to ascend next week?"
~ Yes, and if [ don't commit suicide in
the meantime, you may congratulate me.
[ am almost distracted, Can't get de-
cent meal, children running riot, servants
saucy, house all in confusion, aud wife got
the blues, either quoting the spec ches of
the elders at me, or sowing On o white
robe, and grooming every third or fourth
stitch. Hang it all. Fred, I've great
mind to take poison or join the army"
''H m! HIM! you give an enchanting pic
turo, but think [ can suggest a cure"
"a cure?"
Yes. if you will promise to take my ad-
vice, will make yonr home pleasant,
your wife cheerful and your children hap
py."
DO it i" cried Joe. ON follow your
word like st soldier under his superior off
Ger. What shall [ do 2?
At tea 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 MI. 4,eters, ''is
tea ready?"
II don't know" was the answer, ''have
been out all by attending meeting"
''Oh, very well; never mind. Attending |
meeting! You olvcd then, to leave
next week "
'''Oh, Joseph, ! nuyt go when 7 ssm
called
Yes. my dear, of course. Well, l must |
resign my ELF, l suppose. By the way,
my dear. had it ever occurred to you that
[ shall be left a widower with three chill
dren think | am u handsome man ct,
my love-" and Joe walked over to the |
glass, paa ed his fOgers through bis hair.
and pulled up his collar. Maria looked up
in surprise.
You see, dear, it is 1ather q relief for
you to go quickly. you know. Il is so
wearing on the nerves to have long illness;
and besides, my dear, there will be no
funeral expense to pay, aud that is quite
q sayi+g.p
Mrs p ter's lips quivered, anu her large
blue eyes filed with teare. Joe longed to
quit his heattless speech. and comfort her,
but he was fearful the desired effect was
not yet gained.
$50. my dear" he continued, eff you
must go have been thinking of getting
another wife"
''What ?" cried Mrs Peters.
':Alother wife, my love. The house
must be kept in order, and the boy cared
For.''
The grief was gone from Maria's face,
out her teeth were set with look of fierce
wrath.
Another wife, Joseph Another wife,"
Eyes, L think I have selected good
successor. I have deliberated a long time,
Yhen was bachelor, between her and
7ourself fo4 will like her she is your
BOSOM friend o.
'What Sarah Ingraham p i
FYes. N dear. think that on the day
7ou ascend will marry Sarah IngraAam."
''Wha. that good-for nothing, silly,
'mpty-headed old maid, the mother OF
ny children What %
well, my dear, it seems to be the best
can do. don't want to leave my bust.