Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-01-11
Working For God.
BY EMMA GARRISON yONEs.

Mrs. Wickliffe had been silent for
some minutes, which circumstance
caused her husband to look up iuquir-
ingly.
Now don't infer at once that the little
lady in question was given to an over
use of her "unruly members" on the
contrary, she was one of those women
who always seem to know when to
speak, what to say. and how to say it.
But iii her evening intercourse with
her husband, when the tolls and cares
of the day were we'll over, and the little
ones were snug in their beds, and she
had her great basket of mending at her
feet, Mrs. Wickliffe was generally dis
posed to he chatty, AMI her husband
delighted to hear her pleasant voice.
Finding her unusually silent, lie
looked up.
"Well, Lizzie, what is to"
She looked up firm her darning, and
he saw that her soft, brown eyes were
wet with tears.
"Why, little woman" he cried.
"what is it? Has anything gone
wrong?".
Nothing has gone wrong, Charlie;
L was ohIy thinking.
''rhat's all, hey? Well, a penny for
your thoughts, my dear"
why, Charlie, I've been thinking
how happy We are" her voice trem-
bling. You are such good husband to
me-and-and--"
sob, nonsense, little wife!"
There S no nonsense about it, Char
ley. We are happy, dear; but I'm
afraid you're not doing your duty"
"Ah, there's the point. Now, my
dear, and Mr.. Wicklitle swept his pa
pers aside. and squared himself to face
the music. "W here does the shoe
pinch? Wherein have 1 failed? Is
your money running short? Are
you IN need of a new bunting dress,
t'Charlie!"
Her voice; and the look in her sweet
eyes, sobered hi instantly. Mr..
Wickliffe was very fond of his pretty
wife, and he paid great Difference to
her opinions. The experience of ten
years Of married life had light him
that her woman's hand, fair and frail as
it was, you'd never lead him astrav.
Her advice was always sound and SEN
sible, and he had fallen into the habit
of relying on it for guidance quite rs
much as he did on his own judgment.
SWELL, Lizzie" he said, quietly, 'let
me hear what you have to say. Iwon't
tease any more"
THANK you, dear" she answered,
with her winning smile. "Ill begin
by telling you what set me to thinking.
I've been to see poor Mrs. Clayton to-
day, snd oh, Charlie, | do pity her So.
Her husband is going from bad TO
worse; he spends half his time and
every cent of his earnings in restau.-
rants and bar rooms; and, Charlie. his
two sons are following his example,
They both drink, and sport, aud gam.
bic. and their poor mother is heart
broken. Such a miserable home I
never saw; and while she talked to me
of her troubles the tears streamed down
her cheeks. Charlie, m 80 sorry for
her."
$50 am /. my dear; but really cant
see here my lack Of duty comes in"
Can't ycu, Charlie ?" she went on.
Then let me open your eyes. Oaly to
think how hrppy We are, dear; You ar.
such goo man. and our boys are so
Promising. God has blessed us won
drously; be leads US in green pastures.
and 10y the side of still waters. Nov. 7
Charlie, don't you think il is our duty I
to do something ioT Goj?"
We'll. my dear, YES; but what can
We do? We 80 to church, and"
Charlie. Charlie she cried. that's
not 1t. God las commanded us 10 do
HIS ~ork, to spread His blessed truth.
to ieaai back the stray Iams,s that wan.
der from His fold. He does SO much