The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-02-24

poor, Bentle'hearted crentllre-Ahe
could not think OF provoking quarrel
with him, and had about concluded to
make the best Of it and let him smoke
in peace.
But there was something so irresist-
IDLY funny about Mrs. Volant's plan
that she determined to try 1t, and nc
cordingly, on the afternoon OF the next
day she sent the Irish girl to the apoth.
ecarys shop for bunch Of "Bagdad
cigars" Disposing n few Of them in
her work. basket, ready.for the momen-
tous occasion, her mind pictured the
scene that would ensue when she should
light one Of them. It was SO funny
that SHE laughed ont loud at the idea.
Wouldn't he be surprised TO sec her,
who had teased him so much to leave
of, smoking herself. Would not his
eyes stick ont when he should see her
putting cigar at her sewing, as he did
when he read the evening paper.
She was so pleased with the plan that
she could have put It into execution,
even il it had been only for the sport
it promised, 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
lefeat2 Wouldn't hebe adtopromise
her that he wouldn't smoke another ci-
gar as long as he liycdP She was 30
delighted that she could hardly contain
herself.
Mr.. Washburn came home to tea, and,
MS usual, when he entered the house he
gave her kiss and tender greeting.
They were seated ut the ten table; Mrs.
Washburn was so full OF mirth TINT she
came near scalding herself with the hot
tea when she poured it out. Her NOR.
ry, mischievous laugh rang pleasantly.
in her husbands ears, who, poor fellow,
could have no idea Of tho terrible or
deal through which he was doomed to
pass.
When tea was over, tho astral lamp
transferred to the light-stand, and MI.
Washburn had stretched himself into n
comfortable position in tho large, easy
roclting.chair, with his legs lazily re-
posing in another chair, the everlasting
cigar was produced, lighted, and began
to ditluse its fragrance through the
room.
Mrs. washburn could hardly con-
troll her inclination to burst into q
laugh at the mere thought Of what she
was about to do. Seating herself Mt
the side OF the table, opposite her hus-
band, she took from the work-basket,
with IN mir MS grave and solemn ms n |
Judge, ono OF the "Dagdads." Placing
the filthy roll between her ruby lips she
glanced at her husband.
"Now, Mr.. Smoker" thought she-it |
would have spoiled to have said it.
" we will see whetheryou don'tabandon
that nasty habit"
Mr.. Washburn happened to glance ut
her, but, contrary to her expectation,
he manifested no surprise, and went on
reading the Transcript.
$50 so, Mr.. Smoker" thought she
again, "you think 1 an joking, do
you? l will soon convince you" md
tho lady took paper and applied u
light to the cigar.
Mrs. Washburn was rather inexperi-
enced in the moduS opcrandi Of lighting
a cigar, and sho wns unable to make 1t
20. She lighted another taper, and
puffed away with NIL her might; but
the Bagdad was as resolute us tho great
caliph himself. She persevered till her
extraordinary cxertions again attracted
the attention OF Mr.. Washburn.
"You are lighting the wrong end,
my DEAR. said he, with the utmost
nonchalance.
"How provoking ho isl" thought
Mrs. Washburn, "why don't ho remon-
strate9" sr.IU,
"You should bite the twisted end,
and then put it in your month, con.
tinued the husband, turning to the
paper again.
Aided by these directions the lady
took another cigar, which she succeed
ed in lighting. The first taste Of the
tobacco smoke was horrible, but she
determined to be n martyr for her hus-
bands sake, and taking her sewing, she
continued to puff away as she Piled her
needle, till o certain nausea compelled
her to abandon the experiment for that
time. Casting tho Bagdad into the
CRATE, she began to wish she had not
listened to Mrs. Volant.
"What Is the matter, my dear
Wasn't IL q good cigar? Try mine
they are Monte Christos Of the first
quality" and the imperturbable Mr..
Wash6urn offered her the choice from
his case.
"No, 1 thank you, my dear; I will
not smoke any more tonight"
"But what's the matter, Mary? You
are as pale rs o sheet?"
az feel q little faint; l shall be bet
ter in the morning." And Mrs. wash
burn was obliged to leave the room.
Poor woman She was sick oil the
evening. But the next day Mrs Volant,
who had called to learn the success of
the experiment, advised her to try
again, assuring her that it would not
make her sick the second time.
Mr.. Washburn had q couple OF his
intimate friends at his house to play q
game Of whist the next evening, and the
Of q smoke in their presence.
When tho party were seated Mr..
Washburn handed around the cigar
case.
"won't you smoke, my dears" asked
he, tending the cigars to'his wife.
II will but you know, Joseph, that
l never smoke your cigars, they do not
suit my taste"
"W6ew, that was COOL"
Mrs. washburn lit Bagdad.
0Is II possible you smoke. Mrs,
Washbun ~ asked Mr.. Barnes, aston
ishod at tho singular spectacle Of Q