The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1873-02-14

4
er was husband more devoted TO his
wife than he was. To our mind she
was model wiie--none of your
stormy yixens, that set their hearts
upon attaining q point, and will pull
the house down upon your head, but
they will attain it.
In her eye, Mr.. Washburn had only
one fault; and that was the villainous
habit of smoking, which all her elo.
quence had been powerless to over
come. She didn't "put her foot
down. as her friend Mrs. Volant, had
DONE" for--poor, gentle e-hearted crea.
ture--she could not think of provok-
ing n quarrel with him. and had about
concluded to make the best of it, and
let him smoke in peace.
But there was something so ire
ristably funny about Mrs. Volant's
plan, that she determined to try it,
and, accordingly, on the afternoon OF
the next day, she sent the Irish girl
to The apothecary's shop for bunch
of "Bagdad cigars" Disposing a
few of them in 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 tcased
him SO much about leaving off smok.
ing, commence smoking herself.
Wouldn't his eyes stick out 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 il in execution,
even if it had been only for the sport
it promised her, independently of any
good result which might flow from it,
Would he not be mortified, and would
she not win the day, and glory over
his defeat? Wouldn't smoke another
cigar as long rs he lived: 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 kiss and tender
greeting. They were seated at the
tea-table; Mrs. Washburn was So full
| OF mirth that she came near scaldin.,
| herself with the hot tea when she
poured it out. Her merry, mischiev-
ons laugh rang pleasantly in her hus-
bands ears, who, poor fellow, could
have had no idea of the terrible or.
deal through which he was doomed
/ 10 pass.
When tea was over, the astral lamp
transferred TO the light-siand, and Mr.
" WaShburn had stretched himself into
q comfortable position in the large,
easy rocking chair, with his legs lazIly
reposing in another chair, the ever
lasting cigar was produced, lighted,
and began TO diffuse its fragrance
throughout the room.
Mrs. Wasbbarn could hardly con-
troll her inclination 10 burst into a
laugh at the mere thought OF what
she was about 10 do. Seating herself
At the side of the table, opposite her
| husband, she took from the work bas-
ket, with an air as grave and solemn
as 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 expecta-
ton. he manifested no surprise, and
went on reading the 1ranscript
$50, so, Mr.. Smoker" thought she,
again, "you think | am joking do you:
| will soon convince YOU" and the
lady took a paper, and applied light
to the cigar.
But Mrs. Washburn was rather in.
experienced in the Dsod.ts opeanneii
of lighting cigar, and she was una
bic 20 make it go. She liz another
taper, and putfed away with all her
might; but the Bagdad was as reso-
lutte as the great caliph himself. She
persevered till her extraordinary ex-
ertions again attracted The attention
of Mr.. Washburn.
"You are lighting the wrong end
my DEAR" said he, with the utmost
n0ncIiutunce.
"How provoking he sm thought
Mrs. Washburn, why don't he re-
monstrate!"
"You should bite off the twisted
end, and then put it IN your mouth, y
continued 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
had determined to be a martyr for
her husbands sake, and, taking her
sewing she continued to puff away as
she piled her needle, till certain nau-
sea compelled her to abandon the ex-
pertinent for that time. Casting the
Bagdad into the CRATE, she began to
wish she had not listened to Mrs. Vo-
] liant.
"What is the matter, my dear?-
Wasn't it good cigar? Try mine !;
they are Monte Christos Of the first
quality" and the imperturable Mr..
| Washburn offered her the choice from
his case.
mo, thank you, my dear; will
not smoke any more tonight"
"But what's the matter, Mary p
You are as pale a. sheet!'
Il feel little faint; shall be bet
ter in moment,' and Mrs. Washburn
was obliged to leave the room.
Poor woman She was sick all the
evening. But the next day, Mrs. Vo-
liant, who had called to learn the sue
cess OF the experiment, advised her