Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1872-12-27

him, Nellie's red lips compressed again,
and her brown eyes wore the same look
they had worn yesterday.
"War it Is, then," she said to herself.
"Now, Master Tom, we shall see who wins
the field"
She sat quietly about her mornings
work, and when Tom came home to din
ner everything was in its usual good or
der. 1t remained so, and Nellie busted
herself with her sewing until nearly time
for Tom to return to supper.
Then she arosa9 put awav her work, and
prepared to open the campaign.
First, she put Toms slippers where he
always left them, under the sofa. Then
she tossed the shawl upon the piano, and
his best hat upon the center-table. She
brought some of her dresses and flung
them across the chairs and on the sofa.
Her furs and sacque reposed IN Toms
especial armchair, and her best bonnet
kept Toms slippers company under the
sofa, while her own slippers lay on the
mantle.
And then, thinking that feminine inge-
nuity cou d make no greater sacrifice than
her Sunday bonnet, she sat down to
crotcheting.
Presently the opened, and in walk
ed Master Tom. He gave low whistle
of surprise as he glanced at the unusual
disorder, and at Nellie, sitting calmly in
the midst with her crochet work, and then
came into the room.
"House cleaning, Nell?" he asked.
"Oh, no. WhyP" said Nellie, looking
up in sweet Inconsistencies.
81 thought maybe you had been, that's
all" remarked Tom dryly, as he looked
for place to sit down.
Nellie quietly pursued her work.
Presently Tom said
paper come this EVENING""
'Not yet" answered Nellie.
Tom gave half sigh.
"Nellie, met Granger up town, and he
said he would call around this evening" ="
"Very well; probably he won't come be.
fore tea. 1t will be ready soon," said Nell
lie, working away in demure innocence.
"Hadn't you better pick up things lit
tie before he comes" said Tom, glancirg
around the room.
ooh, no. Just let 'em lie" answered
Nellie sweetly.
"But they look so badr' said Tom.
"Oh, no, they don't" said Nellie, as
sweetly as before. "a thing looks as
well in one place as another"
Toms face reddened.
~ never saw your room look like this
before, he said, hesitatingly. II shouldn't
like to have any one to step in"
"Why not" said Nellie. 1--WE might as
we'll keep things handy. whats the use
of having house if you can't keep things
| where you want to-"
Toms face grew redder and redder. He
tried to look sober, and then broke into a
laugh. "Oh, that's your game, is it?' he
said; "trying to beat me with my own
weapon, little woman"
"Well, don't you like the plan," said
Nellie, demurely.
mo, by George, DON'T" cried Tom
"Well, then, III make bargain with
you. AS long as you will keep your things
in their places, I'll do the same with
mine, and whenever you don't
"Oh, l will" interrupted Tom. Come,
Nellie, I'll own up like man-you've
up this awful room, and I'll never throw
anything down again. There, now, let's
kiss and make up, as the children say"
| Nellie rose, and laughingly held up her
sweet mouth for kiss Of peace. And
then, under the magic influence of her
| deft fingers, confusion was suddenly ban
ished, and when Granger came around to
spend the evening, he decided that no.
body had pretticr wife or tidier home
than his friend Tom Garter.
| Wise little Nellie, having once gained
possession of the matrimonial field, took
| good care to keep it until Tom was quite
cured of his careless habits.
Sometimes he seemed threatened with a
relapse, but Nellie, instead of scolding,
only had quietly TO bring something of
her own and lay it down beside whatever
| Tom had tossed down, and it was sure to
be put away Immediately, for Tom sci.
| dom failed to take the hint
And if some other little woman, as
wise and tidy as Nellie, takes a hint also,
this story will have served its purpose.