The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-05-21

home HON i j, Home is a dull place after all
"Why-no-I can't say that it is" re
turned George. Il rather like it,"
Pm glad of that" retorted Emma
"for we shall both enjoy ourselves now
You shall have nice, comfortable wecl
oft"
George WINGED some at this, but h
kept his countenance, and determined
to stand it out.
On the next evening Emma prepared
to 90 away again.
Il shall be back in good season." sh'
said.
Where are you going?" her HUSBAND
asked.
"Oh-I can't tell exactly. l may g
to several places"
SO George Wilson was left alone again
and he tried to amuSe himself rs before
but he found it hard work. Ever ant
anon he would cast his eyes upon tina
empty chair, and the thought would
come. How pleasant it would be if sh,
were here" The clock finally strucl
nine. and he began to listen for the ste]
of his wife. Half IN hour more Slipped
by, and he became very nervous and un
easy.
Il declare" he muttered to himself
after he had listened for some time il
vain, this is too bad. She ought no
to stay out SO late!"
But he happened to remember that h
often remained away much later thar
that. S he concluded that he must max
the best of it.
At fifteen minutes OF ten Emma came
"A little late, amt II" she said, look
ing up at the clock. but I fell in will
some old friends, and we made a time O
it. How have you enjoyed YOURSELF"
First rate, returned George. bravely
II think home is a great place"
Especially when one can have it al
to himself" added the wife, with a side
long glance at her husband.
But he made no reply.
On the next evening Emma prepared
to 90 out as before; but this time sht
kissed her husband ere she went, an(
seemed to hesitate some.
"Where do you think of going?'
George asked, in IN undertone.
Il may drop in to see Uncle JOHN
replied Emma. However, you won
be uneasy. You'll know I'm safe"
"Oh-certainly."
When the husband was left to his owl
reflections, he began to ponder seriously
upon the subject thus presented for con,
sideration. He could not read-le coulC
not play-he could not enjoy himself ir
any way, while THAT CHAIR was empty
In short, he found that home had nc
real comfort without his wife. The ONE
THING needed to make this home cheer.
full was not present.
II declare" he said to himself, "
did not think it would be so lonesome,
And can it be that she feels rs I do, when
she is here all alone? 1t must be so,'
he pursued, thoughtfully. ut is Just as
she says. Before we were married, she
was very happy in her childhood's home,
Her parents loved her, and her brothers
and: sisters loved her, and they did all
they could to make her comfortable"
After this he walked up and down the
room several times, and then stopped
again and communed with himself:
~ can't stand this. l should die in Z
week. 1fEmma were onl, here, l think
1 could amuse myself very well. How
lonesome and dreary it is. And only
eight o'clock. / declare-I've a mind tc
walk down by Uncle Johns, and see il
she is there. 1t would be Il relief to sec
her face. I won't 60 in. She sham
know yet that l hold out so family"
George Wilson took another turn
across the room, glanced once more al
the clock, and then took his hat ant
went out. Helocked the door after him
and then bent his steps toward Uncle
Johns. 1t was a beautiful moonlight
night, and the air was keen and bracing
He was walking along, with his eyes
bent upon the sidewalk, when he heard
a light step approaching him. He looked
up, and-he could not be ~mistaken-saw
his wife. His first impulse was to avoiG
her, but she had recognized him.
".George," she said, in surprise, els
this yous"
at is" was the response.
And you do not pass your evenings
at home:?"
This is the first time 1 have been out,
Emma, upon my word, and even now ]
have not been absent from the house ter
minutes. | merely came out to take the
fresh air. But where are you going?'
I'm going home, George. Will you
60 with me?"
Certainly" returned the husband,
She took his arm, and they walked homo
in silence.
When Emma had taken other things,
she sat down in her rocking-chair, and
gazcd up ut the clock.
You came home early tonight" re,
marked George.
The young wife looked up into hel
husbands face, and, with an expressicr
half smiling and half fearful, she an.
swereG:
Il will confess the truth, George; ]
have given up the experiment. l man.
aged to stand it last evening; but I could
not bear it through tonight. When ]
thought of you here all alone, I wanted
to be with you. 1t didn't seem right
l haven't enjoyed myself at all. I have
no home but this"
"Say you So" cried George, MOVING
his seat to his wife's side, and taking
n of her hands. "Ther let ME make
my confession. l have stood it not /;
whit better. When I left the house thi.
evening, | could bear it no longer.
found that this wa no home for MT
while my sweet wife was absent.
thought I would walk down by Uncl,
Johns, and see your face, if possible.
had gaZed upon your empty chair til
my heart ached."
He kissed her as he spoke, and ther
added, while she reclined her head up
on his arm:
II have learned a very good lesson
Your presence here is like the bursting
forth of the sun after a storm; and i
you love me us | love you-which, o
course. l cannot doubt-my presence
may afford some sunlight for you. 4
all events. Jul next experiment sha bt
to that effect. | will try and see how
much home comfort we can find Will,
we are both here to enjoy it."
Emma was too happy to express he
joy in words; but she expressed it new
ertheless; and in a manner, too, not t.
be mistaken.
The next evening was spent at HON,
by both husband and wife, and it was
season of much enjoyment. In =; slor
time George began to realize how mucl
comfort was to be found in q quiet ant
peaceful home; and the longer he en-
joyei this comfort the moro plainly die
he see and understand the simple trutl
that it takes two to make 4 happy home
and that if the wife is one party, thu
husband must be the other.
PuSS as q Fisherman.
a gentleman who resides on Adams
street and has Il fountain in the front yar(