New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-01-26

bunch of "Bagdad cigars" DispOsing a
| few Of them III her work basket, ready for
the mOmentOus occasion, her mind pictured
the scene that would ensue when she
should light one of them. 1t was so funny
that she laughed out loud at the idea.
Wouldn't he be surprised to see her, who
had leased him 50 much to leave oft smok
ing herself Would not his eyes stick out
when he should see her putting cigar at
her sewing, as he did when he read t1e
evening paper.
She was so pleased with ,the plan that
she could have put it into execution, even
if it had been only for the sport 1t prom
Used, independently Of any good result
which might flow from it. Wouldn't he be
mortified, and would she not win the day,
and glory over his defeatl wouldn't he
be Glad to promise her that he wouidn
smoke another cigar as long as he hved
She was so delighted that she could hardly
| contain herself.
Mr.. Washburn came home to tea, and, as
usual. when he entered the house he gave
her a kiss and tender greeting. They were
seated at the tea table; Mrs. Washburn was
so full of mirth that she came near scald
inc herself with the hot tea when she
| poured it out. Her merry, mischievOus
laugh rang pleasantly in her husbands
| ears, who, poor fellow, could have no
idea of the terrible ordeal through
| WIlCH he was uODIitu W pass.
| When tea vas over, the astral lamp trans
| ferred to the light-stand, and Mr. Wash
burn had stretched himself into comfort
! able position in the large, easy rocking
| chair, with his legs laZily repOsing in another
chair, the everlasting cigar was produced
| lighted. and began to diffuse its fragrance
| through the room.
| Mrs. Washburn could hardly control her
| inclination to burst into laugh at the mere
| rbpuuht pf w ho+ ba MA hort tn do Saat-
| ing herself at the side of the table, opposite
| her husband, she took from the work basket,
| with an air as grave and solemn as a judge,
one of the "Bagdads." Placing the filthy
roll between her ruby lips, she glanced at
| her husband.
Now, Mr.. Smoker" thought she-it
would have spoiled the joke to have said
| tive will see whether you don't abandon
that nasty habit"
Mr.. Washburn happened to glance at her,
but, contrary to her expectation, he mani
| Tested no surprise, and went on reading the
| Transcript
$50, so. Mr. Smoker" thought she again,
you think | am oking, Go you! l will
soon convince you," and the lady took a
paper and applied light to the cigar.
Mrs. Washburn was rather ineXperi
enced in the m0dus opera,edi of lighting
cigar, and she was unable to make it 90.
She lighted another taper, and pulled away
with all her might; but the Bagdad was as
resOlute as the great caliph himself She
persevered till her extraordinary exertions
again attracted the attention of Mr.. Wash
burn.
You are lighting the wrong end. my
DEAR said he with the utmost noncha
lance.
How provoking he is.'' thought Mrs.
Wash burn. "why don't he demonstrate"
o'YoU should bite the twisted end, ana
then pu: il ia your mouth" continued che
husband, turning TO the paper again.
Aided by these directions the lady took
another cigar. which she succeeded in
lighting. The first taste of the tobacco
smoke was horrible, but she determined to
be martyr for her husbands sake, and
taking her sewing, she continued TO pltf
away as she piled her needle, till certain
nausea compelled her to abandon the ex.
pertinent for that time. Casting the Bag
dad into the CRATE, she began to wish she
had not listened to Mrs. Volant.
'What is the matter, my dearF Wasn't
it a good cigar Try mine: they are
Monte Ohristos of the first quality" and
the imperturable MIR. Washburn offered
her the choice from his case.
''NO, thank you, my dear: wil! not
smoke any more tonight
''But what's the matter. Mary! You are
as pale as a sheet
81 feel little fain': ! shall be better in
moment and Mrs. WashburD was obliged
10 leave the room.
Poor womanl She was sick all the eve.
ming. Bat the next day Mrs. Volant. who
had called 70 learn the success OF the cX
pertinent, advised her to try again. assuring
her that it would not make her sick the sec.
Ond time.
Mr. Washburn had couple of his in.
innate friends at his house t. play game
OF whist the next evening. and the devoted
wife resolve. to try the effect of = smoke in
their presence.
When the party were seated, Mr.. Wash
burn passed around the cigar case.
''WOn't you smoke. my dear . asked he.
rendering the cigars to his wife.
l will: but you know. Joseph, that I
never smoke youg cigars: they do not sui:
my taste
Whcw. that va. cool.
Mrs. Washburn liz Bagdad.
''ls it possible you smoke. Mrs. Wash
burn !" asked Mr. Barnes, astonished al the
S ngular spectacle of a woman putting away
at cigar, for all the world like q !oater in
a har-roOm.
Occasionally. Just to please my hus.
band replied Mrs WashbuTn, after she
had blown out long breath OF blue smoke. !
Yes, Barnes interposed Mr.. Washburn,
''it is more sociable, YOU know, to have com
alone in the evening, and she is so kind as
to smoke with me. All, Barnes ! teach your
wife to smoke; it is 50 pleasant to smoke |
with ones wife
The lady was thunderstruck Was it pos |
sible that he had no more respect for the |
of life than that ! She smoke |
She had already acquired the reputation of |
being a smoker, without having produced |
any of the anticipated good results.
Mrs. Wash hnTn threw the 1UbtpG r.
dad into the stove. She had almost cried |
with veXatiOn.
Not smoke, my dear 2" said her husband.
Il think yOu can be sociable tonight ii |
don't smoke"
DO smoke, my dear; it gives me so much
pleasure to see you enjoy good cigar"
That's too bad, Joseph"
Mr.. Washburn laughed outright, ard.
down his cards, explained the
event of the preceding evening.
Il will own up; | did it to break him Of
the habit; give it up"
When the gentlemen had taken their
leave Mrs. Washburn explained by whose
advice she had adopted the plan.
Mrs. Nolant has the reputation Of being
a perfect shrew. Her husband is a laugh
ng,stock for all State street: She is bad
adviser
How slick You have turned the joke
upon me- said MRS. Washburn, laughing
heartily.
To tel! the truth, I overheard some of
your conversation when the plot was laid
''oh. 10. You did: no wonder it :.i!ed:
then"
~ did: but Mary. are you 50 very much
against my smokIng' love the weed. bu.
love you more and Mr.. Wasl!burn kissed
her tenderly.
NAY, will say no more abour it. rev
haps was selfish
NO: selfish: l vii! leave i: off. my dear.
for your sake
''Nc. no: don. wan. you 70 do SO. II
you are SO very fond of smoking, viii I!