River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1875-03-12

Mrs. Brown had retired for the night.
1t was now near twelve o'clock, but she
was awake and watching. She had gone
to bed at ten, and would have resented
with indignation the imputation that she
had slept, solemnly declaring that she
had never closed her eyes; but, neverthe.
less, certain sounds now and then came
from under the sheets which indicated
that at all events she had breathed very
hard. She was now awake for purpose.
She was a woman of purpose. Her
cousins daughter was about to be mar
ried. She had received an invitation to
the wedding, and was determined on max.
ing her handsome wedding present, and
to wedding presents she knew Mr.. Brown
had a most decided aversion. The
cathedral clock struck twelve, the chimes
rang out the quarter, then the half hour
Brown had not come in. She smiled as
she heard-a drowsy, sleepy, smile; then
she breathed hard again.
1t was election time, ana for the last
two months Brown had been out nearly
every night. At first he must go to see
about the nomination; then after the
nomination, he must work for the party (;
60 to ward meetings, general rallies, see
that this man and that was posted, and
talk and canvass, and so the nights passed.
Then came the election. One night he
was not at home at all. After that, the
returns kept him away until the wee sma'
hours. Now, the election had been over
a week; il was next morning, and he was
not at home. She had been very good.
natured and patient over it all; and
stayed at home uncommonly close, attend.
ing to her six children. When Brown
did not stay out too late, he found her on
his return industriousIy sewing. She
listened to his excuses without a word
and never scolded. This made him quail
and feel badly. Why she did not fly at
him he did not understand.
Tonight, as he stood upon his door
step, fumbling in his pocket for latch.
key, with startled sort OF feeling, think
ing what excuse he could make, wonder.
ing if the Id one -"0bliged to meet a
man on his business would do, the
clock struck one. He thought hardly OF
it, and he muttered hard words under his
breath. Was his wife awake! Would she
notice that he had been drinking! Quiet.
ly as he came in, Mrs. Brown heard him,
for he was on her mind. He stopped a
moment at his chamber door, opened il in
his stocking feet, started and dropped his
shoes, as she, sitting up in bed, met him
with:
SIS that you, Brownl | thought ,ou
would never come; my head aches SO
Hand me that bottle"
lie did as he was hidden, muttering ex.
cuses the while for being so late he was
detained and so forth. She did not reply
to him. lie felt this was ominous, SC
fastened his proceedings. When the
light YVES out, she turned away and
sighed:
"The invitations to Amanda's wedding
have come"
He made no reply.
II shall be obliged to make her pres
ent, Of course. Her mother made me q
present when / was married"
He did not speak.
"You have not been in the house long
enough these last two months for me tc
speak to you about this she said sharp.
ly, and waited for an answer.
presents cost money"
"0f course they do so do elections"
lie turned uneasily.
"We must make her q present, and q
handsome one two ] owe her one"