The Newtown bee., 1879-07-02
A HUSBANDS DOSE.

''I wish you would tell James, when he comes in, to turn the cows into the lower lot. And if Turpin calls, tell him l have concluded to take those sheep-I want the merinos. And while 1 am getting ready, please take my memo- randum book and note down four har- ness straps, five pounds of nails, and a gimlet, half a jockey strap, and-and- yes, believe that is all. I forgot them when l made out the items this morn ing"
 Mrs. Streeter rose wearily, laid hef s.eeping babe carefully in its crib, and proceeded to record the articles named. She was young, not over twenty-five, but the complexion was sadly faded, and faint lines were already marking the white forehead, while the tired eyes told of care, and hinted strongly of an unsatisfed heart.
 And this thin-cheeked, pink eyed woman had been called beauty only seven years before! And when she gave her hand to Newton Streeter she could say what few girls can, I mar ried my first love-"
 Judge Streeter, the father, was SUD- posed to be wealthy. But soon after his sons marriage 8 financial crisis came, and the thousands dwindled into hun dreds.
 It was false pride, perhaps, but the young man shrank from position under those who had once looked up to him, and his thoughts turned wistfully to- ward the Western prairies.
 He expected objections from his young and accomplished wife But she saw with his eyes, and was not only willing, but eager to go and help him make home that should be all their own. The purchasing ot prairie team, some farming implements, and the ex- pense of building a small house, ex- hausted his capital; and the young couple commenced their married life as many others had done who had been blessed with their advantages. The small dwelling contained but three sleeping apartments, and this fact, added to their uncertain income, induced Mrs. Streeter to take upon herself the entire care of the household.
 Two children had come in the seven years to nestle in her bosom. But one, fairy child of three summers, had slid away from them, and was now sleeping beneath the flowers of the prairies; and the tired wife had sighed as she looked on the cold, folded hands
 '' She will never toll as I have done; but oh, wanted her so much," the lonely mother sobbed forth.
 MT. Streeter was considered wealthy
 
 his stock increased. Physically and mentally strong, and with gentle loving wife ever studying his tastes and wishes, why should he wear out fastp
 But of her. Naturally frail, she had been like a willow bending beneath burden voluntarily taken up. With the exception of an efficient girl for few weeks when little Mary died, she had performed all the labor required in the house since she became its mistress.
 Newton Streeter took the memoran- dunn, glanced hastily at the neatly-writ ten items, and then he stepped into the fight buggy and drove away.
 But no longer might she finger, for the sponge was waiting in the kitchen to be kneaded, and the baby's maps were like angels visits. And before the task was well over his bugle note sounded to arms, and the fretful child was taken up and caressed and soothed to quietness
 She was conscious of a strange dizzi- ness. When she arose from a stopping position her head was aching miserably, and her eyes seemed burning. What was coming over herp She must be i'll. Oh, no; she had no time for that And then her thoughts drifted away to the dear old home of childhood, and she asked herself, for the first time, if she had done Wise.y to leave 1t for this life of
 and carep
 It was dangerous question for wife and mother, and she clasped her child more closely to suppress in her heart the disloyal answer.
 When Mir. Streeter returned exultant over the dollars he had deposited in the bank, he found no supper prepared, and ais wife helpless upon the bed. with cheeks flushed with fever, and the wail- ing child distracting her with demands for care