Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-03

ing heat because he declared il " cold enough
10 freeze polar bear"
In short, with apparently an energetic at
tempt to correct all short comings and put
the housekeeping upon perfect basis, Lima
in one month nearly doubled her brothers
expenses, and drove him 10 the verge Of dis
traction, keeping accurate account Of every
complaint.
But Essie, well and strong again, was COM
ing home. On the day Of her expected ar
rival Lima, with a solemn face, invited her
brother into the sitting-room for few mo-
ments Of private conversation.
Herbert, she said, very gravely, 81 have
a proposition TO make TO you. You are my
only brother and | need not tell you love
you very dearly. a 1t has really grieved me
to the heart to see how much there is to
find fault with in your beautiful home"
Herbert twisted himself uneasily in his
chair, but Lima continued:
"You know that mother is very dependent
upon me, Louie having the house and child
ren 10 care for, but think she would sacri-
ficce her own comfort for yours. So II YOU
wish, Herbert, will come here permanently,
10 keep things in order for YOU"
Here Lima was obliged TO pause and
strangle a laugh at lIerbert's expression Of
utter horror and 'dismay.
You are very kind, The faltered, the in
stinots Of gentleman battling with the
strong desire 10 tell Lima she would certainly
drive him into \ lunatic asylum by six
months more Of her model housekeeping.
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 camel's
back. Herbert spoke hotly "You are en-
tirely mistaken, Lima ! have not made an
unfortunate marriage II ever man was
blessed in wife, | am that man.
" You amaze me, Herbert" Lima cried in
well-feigned astonishment
o" do not see why you should be surprised
Essie is gentle, loving, orderly, a model
mother, and perfect home-angel-God bless
her
Herbert, is that true ?"
Certainly it is true"
81 cannot believe it," was the slow reponse.
Cannot believe it. Why2
because and Lima dwelt impressivey
upon every word" during the nine years Of
your married life, though visiting here fire.
quently, | have never heard YOU speak one
word Of encouragement or praise to Essie. |
never saw one look of appreciation or appre-
citation Of any effort she made for your COM
fort upon your face. Continual fault-fnd-
ing, constant blame, have changed her from
a happy, winsome girl TO pale, care-worn
woman. Even her last illness was but the
unspoken despair of a heart crushed under a
load of daily censure 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 somewhere"
The sadly earnest tone, the face Of thought
tul gravity, sent every word home to Her
bert Worthingtons heart. lie spoke no
word of self-defence as Lima slowly left the
room. In the profound silence that followed,
conscience reviewed the past, and he knew
that his sister had spoken only the truth.
The habit of fault-finding, meeting no re-
sistance in Essie's gentleness, had gained in
force, till all its monstrosity stood revealed in
the experience Of the past month.
In the days when Essie lay dangerously
i'll there had heen no self-reproach like this
in her husbands sorrow. lie had given his
wife fair home, an ample income, frequent |
social pleasure, many costly gifts, and loved |
her faithfully, while poisoning her whole life |
God help me-" he whispered, "to con-
quer this fault. Essie shall hear no more
fault-fnding, and if see her dropping will |
send her to mother and have Lima back"
Never had wife and mother warmer well |
come than greeted Essie. The children were
in their loudest demonstrations of
delight. But Lima had to rush into the hall
to hide her merry eyes when Herbert, kiss
ing Essie, said
We must let mother have Lima now,
dear She has been very kind and worked |
hard for my comfort; but there is no home
fairy like my Essie."
The quick, glad look in his wifes soft |
eyes told Herbert one step had been taken in
the right direction. As the DAYS glided by, |
and Esse found appreciation meeting every |
effort TO add TO home comfort, a word Of |
praise for every little triumph of cookery or
needlework her pale face grew bright with |
happiness. Gradually the careworn express
sion was obliterated by one of sweet content, |
and Herbert found his own heart lghtened |
by the cheerful voice. the sunny smile, the |
bright eyes of Essie he had wooed years
before.
And Lima, making visit six months later,
told her mother on her return
Herbert learned his lesson by heart,
mother lie appreciates Essie now at her
value, and lets her knoc h"-Hedrh & Home |