The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1876-06-02


lovers tone and manners
Not one tretful speech, not one COM
plant, fell upon Williams ear through the
meal. The newspaper, his usual solace
during that hour, lay untouched, as Lizzie
chatted gaily on every pleasant subject
she could think ofwarming by his gratiiied
interest and cordial manners
"You will be home to dinner ?" she said,
as he went out.
Cant to-day, Lizzie. l have business
out of town, but I'll be home early to tea.
Have something substantial, for l don't
expect to dine. Goodbye" and the
smiling look, warm kiss and lively
whistle were marked contrast to his
careless, lounging gait of the evening pre-
yious.
~ am in the right path" said Lizzie
in low whisper. "Oh what a fool i
have been for the last two years A 'fret-
iul dowdyn William, you shall never say
so again"
Lizzie loved her husband with real wifely
devotion, and her lips would culver rs she
thought of his confidence TO his friend
Moore; but like brave little woman, she
stifled back the bitter feeling, and tripped
off to perfect her plans.
The grand piano, silent Cor months, was
opened, and the linen cover taken from the
furniture. Lizzie thinking-"IIc shan't
find any parlors more attractive than his
own. am determined"
Tea time came, and William came with
it. little figure in tasty, bright silk
dress, smooth curls, and oh such lovely
blush and smile, stood ready to welcome
William as he came in, and tea time passed
as the morning meal had done.
Alter tea, there was no movement, as
usual, towards the hatrack. William stood
up beside the table lingering, chatting
till Lizzie arose. She led him to the light
warm parlors, in their pretty glow OF taste
full arrangements, and drew him down be-
side her on the sofa. He felt as if he was
counting her again as he watched her fin
gers busy with some needle work, and lis
tened to the cheerful voice which he had
loved so we'll two years before.
"What are you making, Lizzie3 p
"A pair of slippers. Don't you remem-
Der how you admired the pair | worked
for you, oh ever so long ago."
81 remember; black velvet with flowers
on them. l used to put my feet on the fen
der and dream Of blue eyes and bright
curls, and wish time would move faster to
the day when ] could bring my bonnie
wee wife home to make music in my
house !"
Lizze's face saddened for moment, as
she thought of the last two years and how
little music she had made for his loving
heart, gradually weaving it from its allie
glance; then she said
II wonder if you like music as much as
you did then ~
"Of course l do. often 90 in at Mrs.
Smiths for nothing else than to hear the
music"
81 can play and sing better than Miss
Smith," said Lizzie, half pouting.
"But you always say you are out of prac-
tice when ask you"
II had the piano tuned this morning.
Now open it and we shall see how it
sounds"
William obeyed joyfully, and tossing
aside her sewing, Lizzie took the piano
stool.
She had sweet voice, not powerful but
most musical, and was very fair perform
er on the piano.
Ballads, Lizzie2"
ooh, yes, know you dislike opera music
in a parlor."
oHc song allcr anOtHcI, Win Il nUCtuinc
or lively instrumental piece occasionally
between them, filled up another hour pleas
antly.
The little mantle clock struck eleven.
"Eleven thought it was about II inc.
l ought to apologize, Lizzie, as | used to
for staying so long; and l can truly say,
as did then, that the time has passed SO
pleasantly can scarcely believe it is so
late"
The piano was closed, Lizzie's work put
in the basket, and William was ready to
go up stairs; but glancing back, he saw
his little wife near the fireplace, her hands
clasped, her head bent and large tears fall
ing from her eyes. He was beside her in
an instant.
"Lizzie, DAZZLING, are you i'll What is
the matter =
ooh, William, have been such bad
wife. | heard you tell Mr.. Moore, last
evening, how had disappointed you; but
/ will try to make your home pleasant,
indeed will, il you will only forgive and
love me.
"Love you! Oh, Lizzie, you cannot
guess how dearly love you ~
And as the little wife lay down that
night, she thought
~ have won him back again! Better
than that, have learned the way to keep
him -