The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1881-08-04

unread by a mortal. Robert Ainsworfn
was very fond of his wife, but not of his
wifets cares, aad early after their union
he had limited as much to her; their
earliest friend. however, did not shrink
from the ennui of listening. In the
watches of darkness she lay awake de-
vising q starting point for the new de-
parture to which Mrs. Ainsworth had
pledged her word. Domestic reform is
so slow Of growth, one despairs of prog
ress, and Is fain to rest content with.
theorizing, but Mrs Miller at last be-
thought herself of plan which was re-
ferred next morning to the head of the
family as he finished consoling break.
fast.
"Where do you take vacation this
year, Mr.. AinsworthP'
81 am uncertain, as my partner, Mr..
Lisle, who usually spends fortnight
with me in some trouting region is laid
up with sprain. My classmale, Hill,
dreth. proposes q trip through the
White Mountains have not visited
them since our wedding journey, Lucy,
we wont say how many years ago."
al have arranged to meet my hus.
band at Conway. After leaving your
house, why can you not alter your plan,
taking your wife, also, and extending
the tour to CanadaP lam certain Lucy
will come back another woman. She
needs a good holiday. And mine will
be worth twice as much if she is of the
travelling party"
"a sensible idea, but my wife is Q
home-body, and would not risk her
out of her Paradise. A glance at the
face opposite him led to the exclama-
ton, .-
"why. Lucy! are you illp Do You
wish for such a vacationa have been
unlucky in my attempts of this kind,
you know" And the question seemed
settled beyond discussion. -'..-
Really, it is rather startling, but
Anna has walked me up so thoroughly
perhaps Twill accept proposal from
you'll" I'D
Mr.. Ainsworth looked mystified. but
said what was required at the moment,
and walked to his Office with a half an
noyed expression. 81 cannot see why
Mrs. Miller controls Lucy so complete
ly, she is not quite herself to forget how
much devolves on her in summertime.
OF course, of course am happy to have
her company; but what of home. mean
whileP' e.
Julia and Maria cried out loudly at
the bare suggestion OF ''Mamma's run
ming away" and Mrs. Ainsworth would
hardly have had courage to maintain
her resolution had not Mrs. Miller been
persistent. She called the girls into
her chamber and with them held q
council of war as to a grand shopping
expedition, solely for the benefit OF
mammals wardrobe, which was mat
ter of secondary Importance to her
daughters, simply because she allowed
it to become so. i cannot deny that
the sensible friend who was ready to
excuse anything in reason, found her
patience sorely taxed by the lamentable
weakness which often hid sturdy virtues
in thiswife and mother. She wondered,
pitied and gently reproved, when it was
clear that her advice was eagerly sought.
Julia and Maria caught the infection Of
Mrs. Miller's energy, and really enjoyed
the notion of choosing pretty and sub
stantial articles for the fresh outfit.
=" Mamma always says, This will do
for me- exclaimed the older girl as
they hung over a counter of laces and
embroidered linen sets, land suppose
mothers seem rather old, anv way,
though she is ever so sweet when her
hair is down like veil on her shoul.
ders. She must have this fichu with
pinkp'
Little by little matters were arranged
for the unexpected absence. Guests
were put off, poor cousin asked to
preside over the house; the younger
children sent to the country under
good supervision. the older ones duly
cheered on their way, and one morning
the Ainsworths, Mrs. Miller and Mr.
and Mrs. Hildreth, were steaming out
into the great glistening summer land
To one of the social party life seemed
to have begun again.
My story of this Vacation will not
lead to the familiar description OF
mountain scenery and adventure, de-
ightful though they were. Those rest
ful, heayen-b born days served, for the
time at least, to set the soul of Lucy
Ainsworth free from its confning cage.
Her eyes saw and her ears heard
things unspc akable as she charmed hel
husband by the grace of youth which
some magic (partly that of dress) re-
stored to her.
al don't know my wife, Mrs. Mil.
lerr' he would say, in pleased tone.
..She is far handsomer than her girls
will ever be, and SO lovable."
Mrs. Miller did not laugh at the sen.
blucnb Ot HI Olu IlstITlcu IONcTs Uul Gu.
couraged it most warmly. Robert
Ainsworth was learning his lesson,
also, as she perceived with gladness.
1t occurred to his IN nd that Lucy had
been too much ~ drudge" the crea-
ture his taste shrank from. and that
less of the nursery and more of the
stimulating world would keep her at
the natural level of her sphere. while
to the woman herself higher voices
were whispering. Out OF the past,
from the graves of father and mother,
they called her to the promise of her
girlhood, to the faith she had so nearly
let slip. Her idea Of responsibility
had been of the earth. her seed-sowing
for the present rather than for the
large future, and as she and her true
friend at length parted, perhaps for
ever. each to take up the duties that
the interval of pleasure had more clear
ly defined. they "thanked God and
took courage. ."-IHustrated CAristian
Weekly.