The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-03-31
THE OLD, OLD STORY.
From the Christian at Work.

From the Christian at Work.
A sober, half discontinued face at the
window--a bright face in the street. The
window is thrown open, and smile goes
from the brig int face to the sober one, CIV
ing it II new and pleasanter aspect. Both
faces are young-that at the window young
est: almost child-like. Yet the window-face
is the face of wife, and the street-face
that Of a maiden, fancy free"
How strangely was deceived, Bella!"
said tbs lady in the street.
Deceived! How, Mary? What do you
mean? But, come in, you're just the one /
want to see."
II was sure saw you, not ten minutes
ago, riding out with Harry" said the young
friend, as they met and kissed at the door.
con. dear, no! haven't been out riding
with Harry for month.
Indeed? How's that? can remember
when you rode oat together almost every
afternoon"
eyes; but that was before our marriage"
replied the young wife, in a voice that made
her friend look into her face narrowly.
1.-The husband has less time for recrea-
ton than the lover. He must give more
thought to business" remarked the friend.
The little wife tossed her head and
shrugged her shoulders in doubtful way,
SAYING, as she did so:
II don't know about the business. But
lovers and husbands are different species of
the gems homo. The explanation lies
somewhere in this direction, presume. "
''Ah Bella, Bella! That speech does
not come with musical sound from your
lips" remarked the friend, smiling, yet Sc
rious.
'Truth is not always melodious," said
Bella
."How is it to sweethearts and wives?"
asked the friend; ''do they belong to the
same claSS?'
The question appeared to reach the young
wife's ears with a suggestive force. Her
voice was little changed as she answered:
81 ao'''t know; perhaps not!'
"Then after moment, she said: And
you thought it was Harry and I that you
saw riding out?"
Il Was certain Of it; but, it only goes to
show how one may be mistaken.
The friend had been scanning the young
wife for some moments, from head to foot,
in a way that now called out the question:
DO you see anything peculiar about me?"
Eyes" was answered.
"What?"
"a peculiar untidiness that I never saw
in the sweetheart"
Bella glanced down at her soiled, ruffled
dress.
"My neghge?" she said, with little short
laugh.
$50 I should think! Now, shall draw
your picture?"
"Yes; if you have an artists fancy"
"Here it is: Hair lustre]ess and untidy;
skin dull, for want of action and feeling;
q wrapper better conditioned for the wash
tub and ironing table, than as garment
for the fair person OF young wife; no col
lar nor ornament Of any kind; and coun-
tenance--well, I can't give that as saw it
little while ago, at the window: but am
sure it wasn't the face to charm lover.
Perhaps it might suit husband-but I
have my doubts"
"Why, Mary. You are in sportiye mood
mo; serious. How do you like the pic
ture? Let me compare it with the original.
Fairly reproduced,I believe I hardly think
that you were in this trim when Harry fell
in love. But it may all be we'll enough for
a husband. I have no experience in this
line, and can't speak by the card
Bella felt the reproof of her friend, us
was evident by the spots that began to burn
on her cheeks.
"You wouldn't have mo dress in party
style every day?" she said.
"Oh, no; but I'd have you neat and
sweet. as u young wife should always be;
that is, if she cares for the fond eyes of
her husband verify believe it was Harry
I saw riding out little while ago!"
Bella threw quick, startled look upon
her friend who, already, half regretted her
closing sentence.
why did you say that? What did you
mean?" she asked.
II only said it to plague you" answered
the friend.
"To plague me?"
There was an exp ression in Bella's face
that Mary had never seen there before
Her eyes had grown suddenly Of darker
shade. and we're eager and questioning.
Her lips lay closer together; there were
lines on her forehead.
ITO plague me?" she repeated. "Take
care, Mary!"
The friend wished now that she had not
made this suggestion; and yet, since max