The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1875-12-16
MY COUSIN JOHNS WIFE.

SOuku 1uu IIldb hC udu
been an ornament to society, an honor
to himself and the flower of the FAM
ily." A strict regard for veracity-it
answers my purpose upon the occasion
forbids any such observation on my part.
1 am obliged to say this masculine
specimen of our ancient race was abso-
lutely the fag-end of our characters. Seem
ingly, he was the recipient 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 example. Not that he was an
assassin, highwayman or politician.
He was simply a maelstrom OF careless
ness and generosity. If it had not been
for the good luck which always followed
him he would have made a frst-class
vagabond. As it was, he made out to
be a well-dressed, handsome "good fel-
low:" 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,
lingering farewell lingering is the
proper word, as l had been through the
ceremony seven times+and an invitation
from Cousin Sarah to run over and turn
her black silk. Besides that, had my
own sorrow. My Tabby had been invisi-
BILE for two days. The evening before
she disappeared she had refused the fifth
saucer Of milk for her supper, and ap-
peared pensive. feared she had commit
ted suicide, or wandered out into this un-
feeling world, because neighbor Browns
Tab had Tilted her for Mrs. Rays green
eyed, black, ugly feline she had the au-
dacity to call Beauty"
Just then, as / was bitterly regretting
that l mad not taught Tabby, from my
own experience, something OF the tickle
ness of the world, and mankind in par
ticular, who should come blundering in
but John. OF course he upset chair,
overturned my work-basket, knocked a
book off the table, stepped on my weather.
oracle toe, and tumbled into my best
chair with a crash. Then he reached
over to the stand beside me, and, taking a
pin, began to draw figures upon my
rosewood writing-desk.
"Good morning, john" 1 remarked
"Say, Sebrina," he replied, jabbing al
his forehead with a pin, 81 am to be
married next week"
"You surprise me, John!'
Doubtless; but it's settled fact.
have purchased that little cottage on the
hill yonder. 1t is prepared for the bride
Now you want to 90 over and make tht
place home-like. Have a jolly supper
ready on next Thursday night when w
come. You can, Sebrina; you have nj
husband"
"John," l cried, ait isn't for me II
say. nigh have had dozen husbands,
with touch of pride.
"And all died of broken heart" h
laughed. "But will you go?"
Having survived in the championship
of my own cognomen until had arrivet
at respectable age, 1 was accustome'
10 being convenience. think Ou
family had habit of considering it
charity to make me useful. Therefore
dlun't say Nay, JOnn.
In due time l went over to the col
tage. Itwas cozy and pleasant, save th
varnishy odor which always clings t
new furniture. How the relatives di
run over that place! What comment
were made! They ended the siege 8
last by declaring, now that John was t
be married, he would be entirely lost III
less his wife had sufficient decision
insist upon the turning of new leaf
his conduct. And as he had been s
neglectful as to consult none of then
probably she was an unsuitable persol
They came. John introduced me
: "My wife Matte" with great fourisl
My heart misgave me. "My wife Ma
tie" was a tiny pink and white do
with profusion of light curls and fri
zes. When l looked into her larg
laughing blue eyes, almost cried wht
1 though ht how sad they would grow u
t der Johns treatment. l promised to r
main with them until Matte shou
become acquainted with the place. 81
e had left an immense number of siste
. and brothers-John was sure to mar
into large family-and would be lionel
For whole fortnight everything W
d lovely; John was devoted, punctual al
altogether model husband; Matte W
Il a perfect pattern of a housewife, love
and happy. 1t was "John, deal
d and Matte, darling" until was fair
\ wild for good, healthful snarl from L
Tabby, who had returned to her hon
ID But when John was a month MARI
= he was more lawless than ever. He f
got to order the repast for dinner uu
y he came-but four days out of five
a forgot to come home to dinner.
threw off all household cares. He v
at even growing careless in his dress, a
a threw everything into disorder whene'
i. he entered the cottage. The pink
- Mattie's cheeks began to change to whi
Id and the laugh in her eye to sob. E
a IDENTIFY she had been favorite at hor
and was sorely grieved. l longed
a comfort her, but l did not know what
T. say.
She was sitting before the CRATE
'- evening, waiting tea, as usual. : " I
sumo he will not come" she said, W
Ter sigh; ~ do wish John wouldn't do 81
!, "But he WILL" 1 replied; "it's
'O way"
BILE dit is?' with a little start.
he eyes, indeed. He was very foolish
marry, considering his negligence.
Iks the relatives pity you," l went on, in
in effort to console her, "and if it becol
ou unbearable, some of them will bls
ICY you"
led Perhaps the fire in the crate far
- up her cheeks. At all events, they "
crimson. She thrust both hands
o1 her curls, and then said, sweetly:
e1- "We may as well have tea, Co,
Sebrina."
she John came in at halfpast ele1
lily overfowing with glib excuses. Ma
:, stood on tip toe and kissed him v
i'' more of the old look than had seen
mt days. After my hint, she might b
taken decided stand in the camp.
l was awakened next morning by !