South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-02-26

Vic DistIt. DuJ Nv noon TIC TOOul
was bright as hands could make it,
and after luncheon a man was sent for
to tune the piano, closed for nearly a
year. The six o'clock dinner brought
Will. Ella was in the hall as he enter
ed, and led the way to the dinning-room.
where a CHEEKY brightness reigned.
Company, Nell?" queried viii. his
eyes resting upon his wife. The golden
hair carefully curled was gathered into
mass with comb, and fell in 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 rufiles
at throat and wrists, and Wills last
| Christmas gift. set of canoes, held col
lar cuffs, and dropped from the delicate
ears, Not a costly dress, but carefully
adjusted, fitting exquisitely, and certain
~ most becoming.
No company" said Ella, 'but our
! selves" unless you count Harry. | have
made you some of the bread-sauce YOU
are so fond of, VIII
You're a jewel. Only don't make
yourself sick in the hot kitchen, Nell
You are not very strong, you know
! Nell blushed at that, for it reminded
her ofmany neglected duty, many a la
zy hour for which the plea had been of
fered in excuse,
That did not hurt me-" said she, ''for
| was in the kitchen making some lem
on pies.
Lemon pies You make my mouth
water. Nobody else can make them to
taste like yours ~
So the dinner was n success. Ella
was good cook, and VIII 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 triiies that
| had graced his table before Elias health
had become feeble.
Dinner over, Will in great good hui
NOR, went to the sitting.room. The o.
pen CRATE threw n ruddy glow npon the
bright surroundings, and his face light
ed with pleasure. But the large eyes
fairly danced rs he cried The piano
open ! began to think it was buried
| forevern
Not quite - said Ella laughing. and
yet blushing brightly; Il thought from
what you said last night you would like
to hear me sing again ~
You bet / would?r was the emphatic
if not very elegant response
Let's play dominos then till can
sing. 1t is too soon after dinner now
BE merciful, for | am out of practice, re-
member
Here Jane came in with Master IIar-
/ ry, ready for bed, and after soft kisses
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. 81 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 hghest?"
Cunningly Ella kept up the interest
of the game till nearly nine o'clock.
when, Will certainly would not 90 ont.
Then she sang for him. Her voice. clear
and sweet. had been highly cultivated.
and she was surprised to find how much
! pleasure she felt herself in once more
exercising it.
Eleven o'clock chimed from the little
mantle clock when Will was pleading
| for Just one more song. and Ella sang
/ biit ATOOA ilt2tib III dtiSNtts
by Jove = cried Will, II was to meet
/ Charley at the club-room at eight Where
/ has the evening gomez
Never mind Any other evening will
do as well. said Ella.
The next day was stormy. Ella ap.
peared Mt breakfast with neatest Of col
\ lars and cuffs. hair in q knot like burn
ished gold, and n face like a sunbeam
/ VIII, who had eaten i'm solitary state for
more mornings than his wife cared to
count, was "a attentive rs lover. His
| parting kiss accompanied the words:
Take n nap. Nell, this morning.
We must keep you well, you know !
haven't enjoyed my breakfast 50 much
/ for year.
Don't forget the new songs. Will
/ If you will send them round / will try
them. over before you come home"
iii send them then rs I go down
town"
Wet and dismally muddy Will came
i'm from n February storm of rain upon
melting snow. Ella was waiting for him.
and drew him into the bed room Be
fore the fire hung n dressing gown of
bright cashmere with blue silk. while UNI
der the dry warm socks n pair Of gor.
geou5 slippers were toasting.
Good gracious, Nell. where did those
come FROM said Will hastily. drawing
off his soaked boots
"lt is your birthday Have You for.
ry,ffnYD 4 I,gyarf,f fIg.r, e.. F,t. 49,.