Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1871-08-25
THE NEW HOME.

new home; it is not SO large as our old
one, to be sure, nor quite SO stylish, as
the world goes; but, however, Matte,
dear, we will make it a perfect little
paradise, will we not? 1t will be our
own home, too, and we will know who
our friends are by the callers"
The young wife turned awayswith a
perceptible sneer about her red lips and
a frown upon her brow.
"No, Arthur, do not call this place
home. 1t is all the place we have to
stay in now-thanks to your manage
ment-but don't say home to me. [
have none, nor do | ever expect one
again"
ANY one could see the deep sorrow
in the husbands eyes, while listening
to her words; and the agony the scorn-
full look gave him, as he endeavored to
point out to his wife the silver lining
to the cloud.
"Why, Matte, no home where your
little Allie and husband are oh, darl
ing!"
"Oh, of course, Arthur, shall try to
be resigned; it is the duty of wife,
you know"
Arthur Baker lifted his little boy from
the floor, with a detected look, and
walking to the window, looked out
into the moonlight night; his thoughts
were bitter just then, for he had done
the best he could-had struggled man
fully up to try again, while many had
fallen to a lower depth; had denied
himself many things that he might buy
this home, as a surprise for Matte,
thinking she would be so pleased with
it; now he was almost tempted to con-
clude that il was no use to try any
. more.
Oh Matte, take care. Do you know
how near the brink of a fearfnl preci-
pice your hands are pushing your hus-
band? He has refused the sparkling
wine for your sake; yes, even when al
most forced to taste the Intoxicating
draught by your own bantering words
and bright smiles.
Well he knows that, once yielding,
all will be lost.
Matte Baker, you surely have deep
love for your husband beneath that
cold exterior drive selfish thoughts to
the winds, and reach forth helping
hand; try to help him to make your
home beautiful, as he says, or it may
become too late before you are aware
of it.
The morning dawned bright and
beautiful after this, the first night in
their new home. The husband was up
and away to business, while the birds
were making the grove ring with their
music. He ate his breakfast quietly,
for there was no Matte in the seat op-
posite to smile good morning; Biddy
alone ministered to his wants. But
there was no room for reproaches in
his heart for his wife. No, she was very
tired, no doubt, for her yesterdays
journey Snatching kiss from Allies
pouting lips, and casting loving glance
upon his sleeping wife, he is away to
battle with another days trials for the
loved ones.
The sun is gliding the western hill
tops, ere Arthur Baker closes the doors
for the night, and tired and worn from
from the days duties, turns his face
homeward.
"Ah, good evening, Baker, just the
man I've been looking for these two
days; where have you kept yourself?
you need not bury yourself from your
friends, if your account at the bank isn't
quite so large as it used to be; it doesn't
hurt you, my man. But just place
yourself at my disposal for two or three
hours, won't you? We, that is, Ben.
Harris, Aft Walker, and the others, are
going to make night of it, and give
you chance to win back what you've
lost. We don't think it quite fair that
you should have all the bad luck"
"No, thank you all the same, Will,
but have made up my mind to quit
that sort of thing; besides, must 60
home to Matte, now.n
made up your mind to quit it
Where are you going to get your enjoy
ment, pray? Beg your pardon, Arthur,
but I would not give much for your
You see, I've been behind the scenes"
"Will, if you were any one than her
brother, you should account for that
you know Matte does love me-"
"Well, Arthur, if she does, she has
poor way of showing it, that's all, and
save me from such love. wonder you
don't 60 under, Arthur. / know |
should, if | had no better encourage
ment;" and turning on his heel. he
walked away, a noble-looking, intelli
gent man.
All, Matte, who knows but that an
only sisters unselfsn love might have
won him away from the slippery paths
in which he is now walking. A little
less time given to the fashion-plates,
and little more to him, in loving,
kindly way, and what change you
might have wrought! But the golden
moments have gone-gone with their
record to eternity. turn away with a
shudder, as ! think what that record