Middletown transcript., 1876-02-19
"You will be home to dinner p said

said, as he went out.
Cant to-day, Lizzie. l have busi
ness out of town, but I'll be home ca, II
to tea Have something substantial
for don't expect to dine. Goodbye.
and the smiling look, warm kiss and
lively whistle were marked contras,
to bis careless lounging gait Of the
evening previous.
II am in the rlght path" said Liz
zie, in low whisper 'Oh! what a
fool have been for the last two years
A fretful dowdyv William. you
shall never say SO again"
Lizzie loved her husband with real
wifely devotion, and her lips would
quiver as she thought of his confidence
to his friend Moore; but, like brave
little woman, she stifed back the bitter
feelings, and tripped off to perfect her
plans. The grand piano, silent for
months, was opened. and the linen
cover taken from the furniture-Lizzie
thinking-''He shan't find any parlors
more attractive than bis own. I am
determined"
Tea time came, and William came
with it. A little figure in tasty.
bright silk dress. smooth curls, and oh!
such a lovely blush and smile, stood
ready to welcome William as be came
in, and tea time passed as the morning
meal had done.
After tea, there was no movement,
as usual, towards the hat-rack. William
stood up beside the table, lingering.
chatting till Lizzie arose She led him
to the light warm parlors, in their
pretty glow of tasteful arrangements
and. drew him down beside her on the
sofa. He felt as if he was courting her
again as he watched her fingers busy
with some needle work, and listened to
the cheerful voice which he had loved
SO we'll two years before
"What are you making, Lizzie 2"
"A pair Of slippers. Don't you re-
member how you admired the pair
worked for you. oh !! ever so long ago?'
II remember; black velvet with
flowers on them l used to put my
feet on the fender and dream of blue
eyes and bright curls, and wish time
would move faster to the day when l
could bring my bonnie wee wife home,
to make music in my house ?"
Lizzie's face saddened for a 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 allegiance then she raid:
II wonder if you like music as much
as you did then ?"
"Of course l do. 1 often go in at
Mrs Smiths for nothing else than to
hear the music"
Il can play and sing better than
Miss Smith" said Lizzie. half-pouting
But you always say you are out Of
practice when ask you"
II had the piano tuned this morn
ng. Now open it and you will see
low it sounds"
William obeyed joyfully, and tossing
side her sewing, Lizzie took the piano
tool. She had sweet voice. not
'owerful but most musical, and was a
cry 6ne performer on the piano
Ballads. Lizzie ?" K
"Oh. yes, I know you dislike opera
music in parlor"
One song after another. with noc-
urne or lively instrumental piece occa-
ionally between them, filled up another
our pleasantly.
The little mantel clock struck IL. s
eleven! thought it was about
inc. I ought to apologize. Lizzie, as ]
used to for staying so long; and l U
an truly say. las I did then. that the time +
assed SO pleasantly can scarcely be- n
eve it is so late" c
The piano was closed, Lizzie's work t
ut in the basket, and William was e
lady to 60 up stairs; but glancing t
ack, be saw his little wife near the a
replace, her hands elapsed, her head a
ent and large tears falling from her a
yes. He was beside her in an instant. t.
"Lizzie. darling, are you ill.," What ii
the marter?' 81
"Oh. William, I have been such y
i'd wife. heard you tell Mr. Moore,
st evening. how I had disappointed p
ou; but l will try to make your home
easant, indeed l will, if you will only al
rgive and love me-" y
'Love you! Oh. Lizzie, you can
1t guess bow dearly love you!'' p
And as the little wife lay down that
ght. she thought: oil
Il have won him back again Better d
an that, have learned the way to
ep him!" re
The Tonrna ia a Fira "