The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-03-16
DIR. PETERS FIRST WIFE.

swer. He rang again, and tnlru anu
fourth time, and still no answer. Out
Of all patience he went to the door and
called:
maria Maria :,
A slight, pretty little woman, dressed
in soiIed, tumbled wrapper, with hair
in a state of direful confusion, answered
his summons. She had one OF those
faces which nature intended should be
decked with continual smiles; but now,
all its roses in bloom, it was drawn to lts
fullest length, and the large blue eyes
had serious, or rather doleful .expres,,
sion totally at variance with its usual
ioyous 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; want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe"
Mr.. Peters said very naughty word,
and then continued;
"Cold coffee, hard eggs, and breakfast
not fit to eat :,
II wish" 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
nv lite while / have it. Here was !,
the happiest man in the United States,
a pleasure home, a chatty, loving wife,
with good quiet children, and now, since
you have joined the Millerites, what am
lIY
"Oh Joseph, if you would only come
into the blessed circle"
80, Maria, if you would only come ont
of it. Where are the boysy
"Tm sure / don't know"
"Are they going to school?
mo, dear Joseph
, For what reason, madam
my dear, their teacher has gwen up
the school and turned his attention to
more exalted objects. o, Joseph, turn
now, while there is time. You still
have a week for preparation and re-
pentance.
Repentance Well, when | take up
the subject, il will take more than 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, and I'll take the boys over to their
uncle's to dinner" ="
Joe made no answer, unless the vio-
len: emphatic manner in which he
closed the door was one Muttering with
anger, he strobe to restaurant to make
a breakfast Here he was hailed by
one of his old friends, Fred. Somers,
who looked up as he heard Joe's order.
Halo" he cried, "you here? What
are you doing here al breakfast time?
Wife sick 2
NO"
Had a quarrel?
No"
"Gone to town
NO"
"Then why don't you take your break
fast at home2 Chimney on fire ~
NO"
Servants all dead ,?
No
"Well, what then is to pay?
"Maria's Joined the Millerites.'
Fred. gave long, shrill whistle, and
then said: Going to ascend Eext
week ?"
eyes, and if | don't commit suicide in
the meantime, you may congratulate me.
| am almost distracted. Can't get a
decent meal, children running riot,
house in confusion, servants saucy, wife
got the blues, either quoting the speeches
of the elders at me, or sewing on robe,
and groanng over the third or fourth
stitch. Hang it all, Fred, I've a great
notion to join the army or take poison"
Him, h'm you draw an enchanting
picture; but think I can suggest a
cure
"a cure?'
"Yes, if you will promise to take my
advice, | will make your home cheerful,
your wife pleasant, and your children
happy" m
"Do it," cried Joe, III follow your
advice like soldier under his superior
officer. What shall do
At tea time 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 Mr.. Peters,
lis tea ready?'
II don't know" was the answer;
"have been out all day attending meet
ing"
"Oh, Joseph, | must go when I am
called"
"Yes, my dear, of course. Well, !
must resign myself, suppose. By the
way, my dear, has it never occurred to
you that | shall be left widower with
three children? l think l am hand
some man yet, my love-" And Joe
walked over to the glass, passed bis fin
gers through his hair, and pulled up his
collar. Maria looked up in surprise.
You see, my dear, it is rather relief
for you to 60 quickly, you know
it is so wearing on the nerves 10
have Illness; and besides, my dear, there
will be no funeral expenses to pay, and
that is quite saving"
Mrs. Peters lip quivered, and her
large blue eyes filled with tears.
Joe longed toquit his heartless speech
and comfort her, but he was fearful the
desired effect was not yet gained.
$50, my dear" he continued, iii you
; mustgo have been thinking of getting
another wife,
"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 face,
but her teeth was set with a lock of
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