The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-10-10
For the Register
A Scolding Wife.
ny HRLEN MAYNARD.

the limits of the Green Mountain State,
dwells genuine scod. l admit that all
housewives are daily tried by vexatious
troubles. None are exempt; for each
day brings its trials. How often do we
see tired mother weary from the tolls
Of the day, smooth her glossy braids, and
arrange her collar, ere she takes her ac-
customed seat at the tea table when her
poor tired body ycarns to seek couch of
rest. Yet jest or kind word from
kind and indulgent husband, erasS the
frown from her brow, and dispcls the air
of discomfort so plainly written there.
How often do we sec young and lovely
daughters, reared in the lap of luxury,
leave fathers fireside, or mothers care,
and volunteer by the side of their chosen
companion, to face the battle of life, with
cheerfulness, and content for guide, as
they slowly wind their way through the
days of adversely, and at last reach the
summit of success. While on the other
hand, some may be placed in garden of
wealth, and everything around them that
heart or soul could ask, and yet, they are
unhappy and make every one around
them so. Show me man that takes off
his boots every time he enters his house,
or every time he ventures to speak, cast
a side glance at his better half, and | will
show you ascolding wife. and a hen
pecked husband.
But to return to my story the scold-
ing wife, whom l will introduce to you
as Mrs. Matilda Stoddard. Doubtless l
should not have had the honor of be-
coming acquainted with this paragon Of
loveliness, had 1 not married Clarence
Denham, and unfortunately settled next
door neighbor. We had only been mar
ried two weeks, when we moved to
our farm. Ours when the mortgage was
paid. Yet what did l care 4? happy as
health and my kind husband could
make me. | did not care for aught be-
sides
When the last rays of setting sun,
were glimmering on the far eastern hills,
being stranger, and in strange place,
l would take my work, and spend the
hours Of closing day in my little parlor,
carpeted with pretty pattern of autumn
leaves, with cabinet piano, gift from
my father, climbing ivy, trailing its
spray of shining green, and seemingly
playing hide and seek among the folds Of
lace that shaded our windows. Despite
the inviting aspect of this cosy apartment
l could not refrain from admiring the
charming homestead of my next door
neighbor. Not over the way. but over
the fence, on the slope of a superbly
wooded hill, in the rear of grove oi
youthful elms, with here and there for
est balsam, or weeping willow, was stu
ated neatly painted dwelling, surround
ed by wide farm house verandah. Thu
numerous and well painted out buildings
the large and spacious carriage house
the new and elegant carriage, all seemed
to indicate that they were people o
wealth.
had yet to learn their names, for no
a descendant Of Adam. or Eve, had
seen lift the iron latch, and enter thu
yard that was spread with the carpet o
nature, unsoiled by the foot prints of m,
neighboring friends. Oh! the torturinI
pangs Of suspense for anything that
knew it might be q country nunnery fo
once or twice had caught the glimps
of something that very much rescmble'
Sister of charity. And there ais
seemed to be gentleman on the premi
ses, though his form so bent. and silver
locks, were sure proof that he was on tn
shady side of sixty. AS he was the onl
masculine form ever visible, was ofte
reminded of Alexander Selkirk's soilo
guy, II am monarch of all l survey"
I will not linger kind reader, to Civ
you full description of our acquaintance
but will leap year Of clouds, and storm
that were continually gathering in tina
family life. BY this time, l had becom
very well acquainted with the household
which consisted of Mr.. Stoddard and wife
, Mr.. Stoddard when he first settled j
B was considered very intelligen
! accommodating man, and bid foir to 500
!. become one of the leading men Of tn
town. He was elected to hold some {
e the most important Offices of the tow
It and county, and doubtless would hay
l. arisen to eminence, had it not been f
l. l. his wife, more commonly known as "Tilt
N Ann" who, though deficient in learnir
9 and common sense, esteemed herself cor
pctent of the whole management design,
for the opposite sex, and over steppir
the bounds of feminine capacity, regar
e less of their marriage covenant, he stepp'
one side, while she spread her wings
r self conceit to hence forth govern wi
u high authority. And accordingly s.
A was the subject of gossip and slande
x Soon, either effectively or by emancip
r. , tion, they were dropped from societ
= Nevertheless, We were on the best
!. terms, simply because We would be.
g One fine spring morning, Claren
>" went bright and early, to the villai
% Ua Happy as cricket, l had been beddi
some plants, when on looking up l s'
m. Clarence coming up the walk with
,S Of open letter in his hand, handing it to |
| exclaimed, "what is it, Clarence ?"
Cd Nothing to frighten those roses
ice your cheeks, Carrie, letter from Ca
n tain Daylesford; read it, dear, yoursel
AZ A. 1t ran as follows:
. l26 CouRT STREET, May Sd
CAPTAIN DEsuAM, SIR There has been
other call for troops. have raised compi
for the service. Ny company is now full anC
Do two weeks timo are wanted in camp. At
No late hour, my business demands my attention
home. Being onco under your command kr
ub Of no man better posted In the tactics. And
,ns regimental drill you have no superior. Now
lu- are just the right man, in the right place, an'
you will take my place for a few months. let
} know Immediately.
CAPTAIN DArLEsroRD
rk. read it through with reeling bra
- when my husband said, "What say y
Carrie, you know it may be the last
can ever do for my country"
/ "Clarence, Oh Clarence. The ne
4 | knew, | was reclining on the sofa, 4