Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1874-09-18
JOHNS WIFE.


have Cousin John. | wish might add
that he has always been an ornament to
society and an honor to himself, and the
flower of the family" A strict regard
for veracity lit answers my purpose upon
the occasion-forbids any such observa-
ton on my part. | am obliged to say
this masculine specimen of our ancient
race was absolutely the tag end of our
characters. Seemingly, he was the re-
cipient of what was left after furnishing
the heads and hearts of all the others.
When the grand DANES, aunts or uncles
desired to illustrate any particular vice,
John was held up as the frightful exam
pie. Not that he was an assassin, a
highwayman or politician. He was
simply maelstrom of carele3sness and
generosity. If it had not been for the
good luck which always followed him,
he would have made a first-class vaga-
bond. As it was, he made out TO be
welldressed, handsome, "good fellow"
Beyond that he could not be trusted,
and then only when ones eyes were on
him.
| was sitting in my solitary parlor one
morning, in momentary expectation of
receiving an appeal from Sister Jane to
hasten to "The Naples" as the twins
were down with the measles; summons
from Aunt Hannah to bid her last lin
gering farewell7.dinsering is the proper
word, as | had been through the cere-
mony seven times-and an invitation
from Cousin Susan to run over and turn
her black. silk. Beside that, | had nay
own sorrow. My Tabby had been invis-
ible for two days. The evening before
she disappeared she had refused the fifth
saucer of milk for her supper, and APP
peared pensive. feared she had COM
mitted suicide or wandered out into this
unfeeling world because Neighbor
Browns Tab had Tilted her for Mrs.
Rays green-eyed, black, ugly feline she
had the audacity to call Beauty"
Just then, as | was bitterly regretting
that had not taught Tabby, from my
own experience, something of the tickle
ness of the world, and mankind in par.
ticular, who should come laundering in
but John. OF course he upset a chair,
overturned my work basket knocked a
book off the table, stepped on my wealth
er-oracle toe and tumbled into my best
chair with a crash Then he reached
over to the stand beside me, and, taking
pin, began to draw figures upon my
rosewood writingdesk.
Good morning, John" | remarked.
"Say, Sebrina," he replied, jabbing at
his forehead with pin, l am to be mar
ried next week"
You surprise me, John"
Doubtless, but it's settled fact |
have purchased that little cottage on the
Hill yonder; it is prepared for the bride
Now you want to go over and make the
place homelike. Have jolly supper
ready next Thursday night when we
come. You can, Sebrina, you have no
husband"
John" cried, lit isn't for me to
say. | might have dozen husbands"
with touch of pride.
"And all died of broken hearth he
| laughed. "But will you go?"
Having survived in the championship
of my own cognomen until | had arrived
at respectable age / was accustomed
| to being convenience. | think our
family had habit of considering it a
| charity to make me useful. Therefore
didn't say nayn to John.
In due time | went over to the cottage.
1t was cozy and pleasant, save that
varnishy odor which always clings to
new furniture. How the relatives did
run over that placel What comments
were madel They ended the siege at
last by declaring, now that John was to
! be married, he would be entirely lost un-
less his wife had sufficient decision to in
sist upon the turning of a new leaf in his
| conduct And as he had been so neg
! lectful as to consult none of them, proba-
bly, she was an unsuitable person.
They came. John introduced me to
"My wife, Matte" with great flourish.
My heart misgave me. My wife,
Matte, was tiny pink -and-white doll,
topped with profusion of light curls
and frizzes. When | looked into her
large, laughing blue eyes almost cried
as thought how sad they would grow
under Johns treatment | promised to
remain with them until Matte should be-
come acquainted with the place, She
had left an immense number of sisters
and brothers-John was sure to marry
into large family-and would be
lonely.
For whole fortnight everything was
lovely; John was devoted punctual and
altogether model husband; Matte was
perfect pattern of housewife, loving
and happy. 1t was "John, DEAR" and
Matte, darling" until Twas fairly wild
for a good, healthful snarl from my
Tabby, who had returned to her home.
'rRBut when John was month married
he was more lawless than ever He for
got to order the repast for dinner unit
he came-but four days out of five he
forgot to come to dinner. He threw of
all household cares. He was even grow
ing careless in his dress, and threw
everything into confusion whenever hi
entered the cottage. The pink in Mat
ties cheeks began to change to white
and the laugh in her eye to a sob. Evi
IDENTIFY she had been a favorite at home
and was sorely grieved. Ilonged to com
fort her, but l did not know what Il
say.
She was sitting before the CRATE on
evening waiting tea, as usual. T" pre-
sumo he will not come" she said witt
a sigh; II do wish John wouldn't d.
sol"