The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1871-01-21
MIR. PETERS FIRST WIFE.

CN udlSl oiAU sAA> SOAA~~
stone cold ~
And Mr.. Peters rose from the Ia
BILE in a temper by no means amia-
BILE, and rang the bell violently.
There was no answer. He rang
again, and third and fourth time,
and still no answer! Out of all pa
tience, he went to the door and
called:
"Maria Maria y
A slight, pretty little woman,
dressed in a soiled, tumbled wrap
per, with hair in state Of diretul
confusion, answered his summons.
She had one of those faces which
nature intended should be decked
with continual smiles but now, all
it's roses in bloom, it was drawn to
it's fullest length. and the large blue
eyes had a serious, OF rather dOleful
expression, totally at variance with
it's usual joyous look. Her voice,
too, had lost it's melodiOus, ringing
sound, and was subdued to dismal
! whine.
"Vhat is it, Joseph =
''Where's Bridget p
"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, and the
breakfast not fit to eat"
II wish," whined his wife, "you
would think less of temporal mat
ters, and turn your attention to the
great end of lite.0
"Hang it all, madam, I like to
enjoy my life while | have it. Here
was |, the happiest man in the Uni
ted States, pleasant home, Il chat
ty, loving wife and good, quiet chill
dren, and now, since you have join
ed the Millerites, where am ! p
20, Joseph, if you would only
come into the blessed circle.T
90, Maria, if you would only come
out of it. Where are the boys?"
| 'I'm sure [ don't know"
care they going to school p
"No, dear Joseph
'FOr what reason, madam :"
-''My dear, their teacher has given
up the school, and is turning hen
mind to more exalted objects. Oh
Joseph, turn now, while there is
time. You still have a week for pre-
paration and repentance"
sHRepentance Well, when l take
up the subject, it will take more
than week to put it through
And Mr.. Peters put OH his coa1
and took up his hat.
"Joseph," said his wife, ''you nee(
not send home any dinner. | shal
be out, and I'll take the boys ove]
to their uncle's to dinner"
Joe made no answer, unless th'
violently emphatic manner in which
he closed the door was one. Mutter
inc with anger, he strobe into res
taurant to make breakfast. Her
he was hailed by one of his OLE
friends, Fred. Somers, who looked
up as he heard Joe's order.
nHellov' he cried, ''You here
What are you doing here at break
fast time9 Wife sick p
"No.n
''Had quarrel ?"
HNo."
EEGone to town 2"
ssNe.7
E'Then why don't you breakfast a
homeq Chimney on fire 7"
9sNO."
Servants all dead Z"
"No."
"Wen, what then is to payp
''Maria IS Joined the Millerites."
Fred gave a long, shrill whistle
and then said: "Going to ascen
next week 2" -r1
Eyes. and if I don't commit SUI
eide in the meantime you may col
gratulate me. I am almost distrac
ed. Can't get decent meal |; chi
dren running riot !; house in conf
sion; servants saucy; wife got tn
blues, either quoting the speeches
the elders at me, or sewing on a rob
and groaning every third or fourt
: stitch. Hang it all, Fred, I've
great notion to join the army
take poison"
y "H'm! You draw an enchantin
If picture, but / think ] can suggest
l. cure"
1t "a cure p
3, eyes; if Won will promise to tak
? my advice, I will make your hon
y pleasant, your wife cheerful, an
your children happy
sDo itw cried Joe. "rll folio
: your word like soldier under b
superior officer. What shall / do
y AT tea-time Mr.. Peters entere
50 81 his home, whistling. Maria WI
m seated at her sewing, and there wel
er no signs Of preparation for the eve
O. ing meal.
;a1 1'Maria, my DEAR" said Mr.. p
ters, "is tea readyT
II don't know" was the answer
II have been out all day, attendir
meeting.n
"Oh, very well-never mind. A
tending the meeting9 You are
solved, then, to leave next week"
"Oh, Joseph, must 60 when
am called"
ayes, my dear, Of course. We
I must resign myself, I suppose. T
the way, my dear, has it ever 9