The Van Buren press., 1875-03-16
~ never thought her singing very

the same story, and strong in her new
resolutions, Ella determined upon agood
hour of practice early in the morning.
Jane was rather amazed at the cleaning
the sitting. room room received at tue
hands of herself and her mistress. The
cradle was banished into the adjoining
bedroom, where baby could still be heard
if he wakened; the fire shovel assumed
its legitimate place at the hearth. IL rath-
er astonished Ella herself to hnd how
many useless articles were "aboHt' and
how universally every thing was in the
wrong place. But by noon the room was
bright as hands could make it, and after
luncheon a man was sent for to tune the
piano, closed for nearly year.
The six o'clock dinner brought Will.
Ella was in the hall as lie entered, and
led the way to the dining room, where
CHEEKY brightness reigned
Company, Nell p quericd Will. his
eyes resting upon his wife. The golden
hair--carefully curled-was gathered in
to mass with comb, and fell in a pro-
fusion OF natural ringlets upon Elias
shoulders, the waving bands drawn back
from her face Her dress OF soft, blue
merino, was finished with dainty rutiies at
throat aad wrists, and Wills last Christ
mas gift, set Of canoes, held collar.
cuffs, and dropped from the delicate ears.
Not a costly dress, but carefully adjusted,
fitting exqusitely, and certainly most
becoming.
"No company said Ella, "but our
selves, unless you count Harry. have
made YOU some Of the bread sauce you're
so fond of, Will"
YOU'RE jewel. Only don't make
Yourself sick in the hot kitchen, Nell
You are not very strong, you know
Ncli,blushcd at that, for it reminded
her of many a neglected duty, many a
LAZY hour for which the plea had been of.
fcred in excuse.
That did not hurt me-" she said," for
was in the kitchen, making some lemon
pies"
"Lemon-plcs! You make my mouth
water. Nobody else can make them to
taste like yours"
SO the dinner was success Ella was
a good cook, and Will was never sparing
of praise for the dainties she provided.
But she had left the kitchen to Jane so
long that her husband had ceased to look
for the dainty tribes that had graced his
table before Elias health had become en-
feebled
Dinner over, Will, in great good hu.
NOR, went to the sitting room. The open
CRATE threw ruddy glow upon the
bright surroundings, and his face lighted
with pleasure. But the large eyes fairly
danced as he cried: " The piano open |
began to think it was buried forever''
mot quite" said Ella, laughing, and
yet blushing brightly; II thought from
what you said, last night, you would like
to hear me sing again.
"You ret would !" was the emphatic,
if not very elegant response.
Lets play doninos, then, till can
sing. II is too soon after dinner now.
Be merciful, for / am out Of practice, re-
member"
Here Jane came in with Harry, ready
for bed, and after good many soft kiss.
es, he was taken into the next room and
put into his cradle.
"You will come up, if he cries, Jane"
Ella said, and took down the domino box.
:" I think Harry is old enough, now, to
spare me In the evening" she added, in
explanation.
Little monkey, how he grows" was
the reply. Come, what is your high
est ~
Cunningly Ella kept up the interest Of
the game till nearly nine O'Clock, when
Will certainly would not so out Then
she sang for him. Her voice, clear and
sweet, had been highly cultivated, and
she was surprised to find how much plea
sure she felt herself in once more excrci.
sing it.
Eleven o'clock chmed from the lttl G
mantel clock, when Will was pleading for
:" Just one more song" and Ella sang the
Good night in answer.
"By Jover' cried Will, ~ was to
meet Charley at the clubroom, at eight.
Where has the evening goneT'
Never mind! Amy other evening
will do as WE'LL said Ella
The next day was stormy. Ella ap
peared at breakfast with the neatsst Of
collars and cuffs, hair in q knot like burn.
ished gold, and face like Il sunbeam.
Will, who had eaten, in solitary state, for
more mornings than his wife cared to
count, was as attentive rs rover ms
parting kiss accompanied the words;
take nap, Nell, this morning We
must keep you we'll, you know. ! have
not enjoyed my breakfast so much for a
year.
"Dont forget the new songs, VIII. II
you will send them round, will try them
over before you come home
"Ill send them, then, as l 60 down
town"
Wet, and dlsmally muddy, will came
in from February storm Of rain upon
melting snow. Ella was waiting for him,
and drew him into the bedroom. Before
the fire hung dressing gown of bright
cashmere, faced with blue silk, while un.
der the dry, warm socks pair Of gor.
geous slippers were toastipg.
Good gracious! Nell, where did thsec
come from ?" said viii. hastily drawing
off his soaked boots.
at is your birthday. Have you for
gottenY l bought those to-day for
you"
"Out in all this rain ?"
al d;l nat walk mnch TRY them ON