Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-05-05

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then, it would look too much liko being
governed by his wife. BY and by he
went around and looked ut the steps oil
the front door. They certainly needed
liking, but he would not 10 the job until
after dinner. If he put it off until alter
dinner, that would show that he was not
controlled 10y his wife.
For an hour and Il half Job Poison
loa(cd around the barn and shed like a
man who knew not what 10 do with him
self.
The door steps and the tic up beam
troubled him. He knew they ought to
DC fixed but he would not turn his back
too soon upon the new road.
AT length the dinner.horn sounded'and
job went in and took his seat at the table
The old smile, that had, for fifteen years,
cheered him morning. noon and night
had faded from his wilc's face. and she
gazed upon him meekly and submissIveIy'
"Will my master have some oil this
saucc?" she asked. There was no irony
in the tone, bat she spoke quietly and
politely.
Yes" sail Job, II should like some
otit."
But his dinner did not taste good
TO him. He did not feel at home. He
lelt.to use one form of his own thoughts
like Il cat in strange garret." Alter
dinner he went ont and smoked in the
she'd; aud then he went in and fixed the
door step. This was finished about the
middle of the afternoon. and from then
until supper time he worked st the wood
pile. Al the suppcr-tabic he telt more
nervous and uneasy than he had done at
dinner. Oaco or twice he vcntured to
raise his eye, 10 his wilc's lace. But
there was no ami.c Tor him-none Of the
old happy look.
This WAS more than job Poison had
been prcpated Tor. He had-or supposed
hc had-scrcved his courage up to the
point of meeting his wiic's show OF tenn
per. II fact he had store OF harsh,
commanliug words already arranged. to
Lurl back At her when sho should dare
question his authority, or offer to treat
him with contempt, Bat he la! not
planned Tor mcctiug such an emergency
as thjs. lie had announced his inlen'
lion O. governing lis vile, and She had
taken him at his word. What should he
do? How should he commence? What
sort Of n task had he before him , As he
st in tAc chimney corner, after The
evening chores had all been done, sniok'
ing his pipe, lie felt very much like
man who las attempted to "Spcak in
meeting" aud has forgotten his speech.
His wife had been in the habit, every
evening. of singing and chatting over
her knitting, but her voice was now
hushcd.
\, nine O'Clock he rose to attend 10 his
cattle. lie looked Tor his lantern, but
could not find il.
Where is my lantern ~
Il guess it is where You left it," sand
Sarah. She laid down her knitting, and
went on, into the porch, where she found
/, sitting on a bench. She lighted it and
handed it 10 her husband.
"SAall do Any thing more for YOU
JoJ?"
She was calm and passive; he was
choking with pcrp'eNily.
"Thats AT" he Gaspcd. Aud then he
wen. away and fed the cattle, and goI in
his wood for morning.
What a cherries evening it had been
The following mornin. job found Tie
same scdate face 1t the UIo,klhs .taUle-
no smiles-no cacer-no social chatting.
Alter breakfast he went out and fixed
tic Team at lie ,ic.up; and then he was
NJ his wits end. What would he have
giycn =, that moment for suggestion
from hiswitc. By aud by lucky thought
struck him. lie could break tho ice with
out lowering his cwn dignity. lie went
into The house with with this purpose.-
sarah" he said, with his hands working
nelvously in his pockets. "what 20 you
think Of having the loom put in order ?"
II don't think anything about it, Job.
You can do as you think best
but you know whether You want to
use it or not, don't you:" Mr.. Poison
exhibited little feeling.
The wool is at your disposal, job
Ii YOU please to have some cloth made, |
will spin and weave it. You have but 10
issue your orders"
Her voice was very low and calm, and
her bearing respectful.
But" said Job, petulantly, and almost
losing his temper, "you know whether
/ the loom needs liking"
az is Your wish, my husband, | will
90 and examine it, and report TO you. !
viii do anything you say. Ouly be kind
10 me and don't expect ne to anticipate
our wants Shall 80 with You now?'
Eyes"
The loom was in the she'd chamber, and
thither Job led The way. His wife point
ed out to Linn what was necessary to be
done, and then left him at his work.
Dinner and suppcr-checrless and dark
r,Lp.J.on had conc the length O his