Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-11-01

Instead Of cooling me the air Of the fields and
meadows added to my fever, and at la It, per-
ceiving before me cool, shady pond, I plunged
headlOng in.
Wild were my sensations Lights by myraids
passed before my eyeS+yistons OF beauty came
and went In second, and then all was still. l
knew nothing: When recovered my senses
was alone beside the pond and all was darkness.
felt cold and miserable. would have given
towards Islington with chill forboding at my
heart, was quite humbled now; but how
should be received? My reflections were none
OF tne most pleasant. l must confess it, 1
wished Jack johnson anywhere but where he
would like to have been.
But wishes were useless. Unjust go home.
hurried back as quickly as possible. The shops
were still open, but no one noticed me now. I
returned quicker than L came, and yet not one
passenger complained of my rudeness.
reached my home. The door as usual was ON
the latch, and entered the passage All was
still save In the parlor, where heard the sobblng
of my wife.
was about to rush in and console her, when
my attention was drawn to Mrs Graham
Its very sudden and very sad, my dear; such
fine young man, too, but we must resign our
selves Your poor dear father died very sudden
ly. Certainly his death was suspicious, but he
might have fallen in by accident"
OF whom could they be speaking?
go, mother! mother! it was l that killed him.
ming, when he wanted to bring home Jack John
son. l shouldn't then be miserable and dis
consulate widow"
A widow! Who, then, was 1! felt cold chill
"Charley was certainly an amiable young
man, said Mrs. Graham; 'but his weakness 81
character did not forbOde any great success in
life. He would never have risen above law
yer's clerk"
ooh! my poor Charles To think that week
ago he sat there where you sit! 1 shall never
get over it, mother"
"My dear, it is your duty to care for yourself.
When the first grief is over you will think better
OF 1t, and should some other young man equally
amtable, but more suited, present himself, am
sure that you will not allow the memory Of the
departed"
1eould stand it no longer. 1 sprang forward
and awoke with a start.
What is the natter" said Mary, gently.
s.only very unpleasant Dream" said, drily,
and sat still few minutes
My dream, absurd, incoherent and ludicrous
as 1t was, had opened my eyes. l was deter
mined to assert my dignity as a man, and
once for all to assume my right position in my
house.
my DEAR" said placidly, "while have
been asleep have you settled about Sundays
dinner"
mo. dear-wg?"
to dine with me-"
My wife looked surprised; my mother-in-law
started.
81 thought" began Mary.
"The matter was quite settled-that he was to
be put off" said Mrs. Graham.
MY dear Mary" replied, still quietly and
to dine with me, and l certainly shall not put
him of. If, however, it gives your mother so
much trouble, why can adjourn the affair till
Sunday week; by that time you can find fresh
apartments"
"Fresh apartments!" gasped Mrs. Graham.
s'Leave mamma?" said Mary.
Eyes, my love, rather than put her to incon-
yenience. Besides, l am determined to have
a drawing-roOm. The floor upstairs was my de-
light and cannot live in parlor any longer. l
had intended to delay the matter until spring;
HIT mamma is really unable tn acpOmmO-
date us, we might contrive to go tomorrow, and
then, you know, Jack johnson can dine with us
on Sunday"
Mrs. Graham looked at me. There was a calm
determination about my look which appalled,
her.
But. Charley. love-"
my side, loud enough to be heard, 81 am in earn
est. Do not let us have any quarrel over it"
81 won't quarrel a bit, said the coaxing little
fairy, "only if Jack johnson does come to din
mot to inconvenience anybody" said malic-
1ously.
And mamma makes everything nice and
comfortable"
But"
And next Monday gives the drawing-room
'.Mary,-bcgan Mrs Graham.
Mamma" said Mary. firmly. cit must be as
my husband wishes. l am sure to please me he
will remain until we take house of his own.
But he must have the drawing room floor, which
Shall be his castle, and he shall have whomso-
ever he pleaSeS to dinner"
Mrs. Graham looked at her keenly, a tear stood
In her eye turned away. Twas fast melting.
'My children. 1t shall be as You please. You
shall have the draw1ng-roOm to yourselves, and
Jack johnson shall dine every day, so you don't
take away my darling girl You forgive me, Mr..
Elton"
held out my hand and all was settled We
went next week into our own apartments, and
from that hour were as happy as the day was
long. We remained there, too, until an 1ncreaS-
ing family rendered whole house necessary.
We moved, but not far, and then it was that In
my wifes days of trial. during the sickness of
our children, when professional avocatlons forced
ling good qualities of my mother-in-law.
A kinder and better friend to us we never
found, but in no moment of weakness did ever
again think Of living in the same house with
my wifeS mother.