The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1879-08-29
In concluding he added .

| In concluding he added:
81 truly believe, ifshe takes up her old bur-
dcns at once, that before the year has passed
the grave or an insane asylum will receive
her"
The strong man shuddercd.
"As heaven is my witness, sir, have only
| permitted, not eXacted, this sacrifice. She
voluntarily took her place by my side, and
has uncomplainingly kept step with me-"
mo, she has not kept step, to follow your
own figure Unable to keep up with your
| long, rapid strides, she has fallen faint and
| foOtsore, by the way / tell you, she must
have rest for both mind and body, or will
not answer for the result. And it would be
better found away from home"
"Yes, begin to comprehend and it can be
found away. | will take care, doctor, that
you do not get Il chance to administer anoth-
CT such dose to me-"
Mr. Streeter went back to the room where
his wife was sitting propped up by pillows,
and gush of unutterabe tenderness swclled
| in his heart rs he glanced at her pale face and
| almost transparent hands. He sat down be-
| side ler, and said, softly:
"You don't know how glad am that you
are better"
a"Thank you. Yes, am almost well now
shall soon be able to be in the kitchen.
am sure | must be sadly needed there by this
time"
mo, you are not needed there. BY the
way, would you like to have me put the farm
to rent this summer, and you take the boy and
go back to the old granite hills ?"
ooh, could you? May go ?" and the voice
quivered with excitement; then wistfully: =
But the expense, Newton. 1t would put us
back so much"
Yes, there it is; the old doctor was right"
he thought And then aloud, 'Do you know
what went to the city for the day you were
ill.,"
ITO deposit some money for more land, |
| think you said" she replied, YEARLY.
"Ges, but don't need the land ! have far
more land than can cultivate now. And you
shall have that moncy-or at least all you
want of it-and 20 home and stay all the
summer and try to get some OF your blood
back. shall write to-day that you are com
ing"
Mrs Streeter could hardly believe it was
not one of her tcvcrish dreams.
But all came about in good time, and she
arrived safely ut home, where she was petted
and caressed to her hearts content.
You are all trying to spoilme," she would
eXpostulate, 81 shall never be fit for farmers
wife any more"
And thus among loving friends, riding,
walking, and when home, reading, music and
writing long letters to her husband, the sum
mer wore swiftly away.
And now he had written that he was com
ing, and she was counting the days that must
elapsc ere she could look upon his face and be
clasped to his heart. She was eager to go
now. Her holiday was over Health had
returned and not an instant did she shrink
from the old life.
And whpp tho huohonl oop,o op1 oo,u an
wonder one summer had wrought, he again
confessed that the good doctor was right.
few days were given to old friends, and
then they turned their faces toward their
Western home.
1t was evening when they arrived, and the
wife looked with bewilderment on the change.
A handsome front had been added to the old
dwelling; and before she had time to question
she was ushercd into parlor newly furnished
and already lighted. An elegant piano stood
in a recess evidently constructed for its recep-
ton.
She turned to her husband to assure her
self that he too had not changed into some
thing or somebody else. But the merry twin.
klc in his eye told her he was enjoying her
surprise, and slowly she began to realizo the
whole situation. Yes, now she understood
his strange reluctance to mention what he
was doing, and his willingness to have her re-
main, even after she had expressed her anxiety
to return.
Come, have more to show you" and he
showed her into Il large commodious room
furnished for her own sleeping apartment,
even to her baby's crib.
"This is for you. And now lay aside your
dusty garments and prepare for tea. 1t must
have been ready an hour ago. ] will go and
see"
When he returned he found his little wife
sitting in her rocker, and weeping silently
"Have | wounded where wished to heal 7"
he asked reproachfully.
"Forgiye me" she said, smiling; 81 am II
goose, but tired-winged one, you know
And am so happy to be at home in such a
home, that | have no words in which to tell
my happiness"
He stopped to kiss the offered lips. And
what different life it was-busy, not bur-
dcned. Time for the wants of the mind us
well as the body. Good help in the kitchen
all the time, and choice reading for any leisure
hour.
The farm was an unfailing source ofincome,
fully dcfraying expenses with balance in
favor.
"Bcen improving, Sec" said Doctor Meek
CT, as he refined in his light carriage to the
neat fence.
"Yes, doctor. Come in; want to show
you all the improvements. Here, Mary, the
doctor wants to see you"
And AS she came to greet him, rosy with
health and happiness, he nodded his head at
her husband.
Yes, that will do;" and then CHANGING at
the open piano, 81 am going to stay just long
enough to hear one tune played. Will you
| favor Inc ?" and with the old gallantry, fitted
so awkWardly to his brusque manner, he led
her to the instrument, and Stood hat i'm hand,
while she played.
An Exquisite Story.