The weekly Oskaloosa herald. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Iowa) 1855-1885, 1875-02-11

Louie ana ncr motner, Wnllc Lima ruleQ
Herbert's house with rod of iron. He
began to experience sick longing for Es.
sizes gentle presence, Lima took him so
very literally in all he said, and yet he
could not rebuke her for doing exactly
what he openly wished
A chair with tiny spot on it, being
declared absolutely filthy, was upholstered
and vanished at cost of eight dollars.
A dozen new shirts, Essie's last labor of
love, being said to "set like meal bags, y
were bestowed upon the gardener, and a
new set sent from furnishing store.
Harry's blocks were burned at the kitch-
en- fire when Herbert stepping upon one,
said he "would not have such rubbish in
the house" Every window was opened
after pettish declaration that "thc room
was as hot as an oven, and an hour later
the stoves were up to smothering heat
because he declared it "cold enough to
freeze polar bear"
In short, with apparently an energetic
attempt to correct all short shortcomings
and put the housekeeping upon perfect
basis, Lima in one month nearly doubled
her brothers expenses, and drove him to
the verge of distraction, keeping accurate
account of every complaint.
But Essie, well and strong again, was
coming home On the day of her expect
ed arrival, Lima, with solemn face, invit-
ed her brother in the sitting-room for a
few moments private conversation.
"Herbert," she said, very gravely, 81
have proposition to make to you. You
are my only brother, and need not tell
you that / love you very dearly. 1t has
really grieved me to the heart to see how
much there is to find fault with in your
beautiful home" Herbert twisted him
self uneasily in his chair, bnt Lima contin-
ned:
"You know that mother is very depen-
dent upon me, Louie having the house
and children to take care of, but think
she would sacrifice her own comfort for
yours. So if you wish, Herbert, l will
come here permanently, to keep things in
order for you"
Here Lima was obliged to pause and
strangle laugh at Herbert's expression
of utter horror and dismay
"You are very kind" he faltered, the
instincts of gentleman battling with the
strong desire to tell Lima that she would
certainly drive him into lunatic asylum
by six months more of her model house
keeping.
"Not at all. A man who has made an
unfortunate marriage certainly needs all
the aid and sympathy his family can give
him."
The last straw was laid upon the cam
els back. Herbert spoke hotly: "You
are entirely mistaken, Lima have not
made an unfortunate marriage. If ever a
man was blessed in vile, / am that
man"
"You surprise me, Herbert" Lima
cried, in well feigned astonishment
81 do not see why you should be sur
prised Essie is gentle, loving, orderly, a
model mother and perfect home angel.
'IIcrbert is that true?"
Certainly it is true"
81 cannot believe itw was the slow re-
spOnse
Cannot believe it? Wby?"
Because" and Lima dwclt imprcssively
upon every word, During the nine years
OF your married life, though visiting here
frequently, ! have never heard you speak
one word OF praise or encouragement u
Esslc. i never saw one look Of approba
ton or appreciation Of any effort she
made for your comfort upon your face
Continual fault,fnding, constant blame
have changed her from happy, winsome
girl to pale, carcworn woman. Even
her last illness was but the unspokcn des
pair Of a heart crushed under load OF
daily ccnsurc and constant striving for
the appreciation never given And you
tell me now she has never failed in her
duty to you. There is grave error some
| where, brother"
The sadly earnest tone, the face oi
thoughtful gravity, sent every word home
TO Herberts heart. He spoke no word Of
self-defence as Lima slowly left the room
In the profound silence that followed
conscience reviewed the past, and ht
knew that his sister had but spoken The
truth. The habit Of faultfnding meet
ing no resistance in Essie's gentleness, has
gained in force till all it's monstrosity
stood revealed in the experience Of the
past month and Lina's words.
In the days when Essie lay dangerously
i'll, there had been no self-reproach like
this in her husbands sorrow. He had
given his wife fair home, an ample in
come, frequent social pleasure, many cost.
ly gifts, and loved her faithfully while
poisoning her whole life.
@God help me-" he whispered, 'tc
conquer this fault. Essie shall hear nc
more faultfnding; and if / sec her droop.
ing l will send her to mother and have
Lima here to keep house."
Never had wife and mother warmer
welcome than greeted Essie. The chill
dren were unchecked in their loudest
demonstrations Of delight. But Lima had
to rush into the hall TO hide her merry
eyes when Herbert, kissing Essie said:
we must let mother have Lima now,
dear She has been very kind, and work.
ed very hard for my comfort; but there
is no home fairy like my Essie."
The quick, glad look in his wife's sof,
eyes told Herbert one step had been Ia
ken in the right direction. As the days
glided By, and Essie found appreciation
meeting every effort TO add TO her com.
fort, word Of praise for every little
triumph Of cookery or nsedle.work, her
pale face grew bright with happiness
Gradually the carsvorn expression was
obliterated BY one Of sweet content, and
Herbert found his own heart lightened
By the cheerful voice, the sunny smile
the bright eyes Of Essie he had wooed
years before.
And Lima, making visit six month:
later, told her mother on her return:
Herbert learned the lesson by heart
mother. He appreciates Essie now al
her value, and Lets her ky,o.o IT."