Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1871-07-15
The Way to Keep Him.

Yes, L nave an engagement with
Moore. l shall be in early. Have light
for me in the library. Good night" And
with careless nod WIN. Hays left the
room.
"Always the way" murmured Lizzie
Hays, sinking back upon the sofa. "Out
every night don't believe he cares one
bit about me now, and we've only been
married about two years. No man has a
more orderly house, and I am not bit ex-
travagant, and yet l don't believe he loves
me any more. Oh, dear, why is it? l
wasn't rich he didn't marry me for
money, and he must have loved me then
why does he treat me with so much neg
lect ?" and with her mind filled with such
frctful queries, Lizzie Hays fell asleep on
the sofa.
Let me paint her picture as she lay
there. She was blonde, with small,
graceful figure, and pretty face. The
hair, which showed by its rich waves its
natural tendency to curl, was brushed
smoothly back and gathered into rich
knot at the back her cheeks were pale,
and the whole face wore a discontented
expression. Her dress was a neat chintz
wrapper, but she wore neither collar nor
sleeves. What's the use of dressing up,
just for William"
Lizzie slept soundly for two hours, and
then woke suddenly She sat up, glanced
at the clock, and sighed drearily at the
prospect of the long interval to be spent
alone before bed time.
The library was just over the room in
which she sat, aud down the furnace fue,
through the registers, voice came to the
young wife's ears it was her husbands.
"Well, Moore, what's man to do? I
was disappointed, and must have pleasure
somewhere. Who would have fancied
that Lizzie Jarvis, SO pretty, sprightly,
and loving, could have changed to the
frctful dowdy she is now? Who wants to
stay at home to hear his wife whining all
the evening about her troublesome serv-
ants, and her headache, and all sorts of
bothcrs? She's got the knack of that
drawlng whine so bad that, 'pon my life
l don't believe she can speak pleasantly ?"
Lizzie sat as if stunned. Was this
true? She looked into the glass. If not
dowdy, her costume was certainly not fit
for an evening at home, with none but
| William to admire. She arose and went
softly to her own room, with bitter, sor.
rowful thoughts, and firm resolution to
win back her husbands heart-and then,
his love rcgained, to keep it.
The next morning William came into
the breakfast room with his usual careless
manner, but bright smile came to his
lips as he saw Lizzie. A pretty chntz,
with pretty collar and sleeve of snowy
muslin, and wreath of soft, full curls,
had really metamorphosed her, while the
blush her husbands admiring glance
called up to her cheek did not detract from
her beauty. At first William thought
there must be guest, but glancing round,
he found they were alone.
"Comc, William, your coffee will be
stone cold" said Lizzie, in CHEEKY and
pleasant voice.
1t must be cool till you sweeten my
breakfast with kiss" said her husband,
crossing the room to her side-and Lizzes
heart bounded as she recognized the old
lovers tones and manners.
Not one fretful speech, not one com.
plant fell upon Williams ear during the
meal. The newspaper, his usual solace
during that hour, lay untouched as Lizzie
chatted gayly on every pleasant subject
she could think of-warming by his graft.
fed interest and cordial manner.
"You will be home to dinner ?" she
said as he went out.
"Can't to-day, Lizzie, 1 have business
out of town, but I'll be home early to tea.
Have something substantial, as don't ex-
pect to dine. Goodby," and the smilin 2
look, warm kiss and lively whistle were q
marked contrast to his careless, lounging
gait Of the previous evening.
81 am in the right path" said Lizzie,
in a whisper. go, what fool l have
been for the last years. A fretful dowdy.
William, you shall never say that again" j"
Lizzie loved her husband with real
wifely devotion, and her lips quivered as
she thought of her husbands confidence
to his friend Moore, but, like brave little
woman, she stifed back the bitter feelings
and stripped off to perfect her plans The
grand piano was opened, aud the linen
covers taken from the furniture; Lizzie
thinking. He shan't find any parlors
more attractive than his own; 1 am de-.
termined."
Tea time came and William came with
it. A little figure, in tasty, bright silk
dress, smooth curls, and oh such lovely
blush and smile, stood ready to welcome
William as he came in, and tea time passed
as the morning meal had done.
After tea, there was no movement as
usual toward the hat rack. William stood
up beside the table, lingering and chatting,
till Lizzie also arose. She led him to the
light, warm parlors, in their pretty glow
and tasteful arrangement, and drew him
down beside her on the sofa. He felt as
if he was courting over again, as he watch
cd her fingers, busy with some fancy
needle work, and listened to the cheerful