The semi-weekly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1879-1882, 1881-09-15

on every pleasant subject she could
think Of, warming by his grateful
interest and cordial manners.
"You viii be home to dinnerp' she
said, as he went out
"Can't; to-day, Lizziel | have bust
ness out Of town; but I'll be home
early to tea. Have something sub
stantial, for | don't expect to dine.
Good-by," and the smiling look, warm
kiss and lively whistle were marked
contrast to his lounging, careless gait
the previous evening.
Il am in the right PATH" said
Lizzie, 10 low whisper. 30! what
a fool have been for two yearsl "A
fretful dowdyp William, you shall
never say that again.
Lizzie loved her husband with
real wifely devotion, and her lips
would culver as she thought of his
confidence to his friend Moore, but
like brave little woman, she stifed
back the bitter feelings and tripped
off to perfect her plans The grand
piano, silent for months, was opened
and the linen covers taken from the
furiture, Lizzie thiukiDg1
"He shan't fod any parlor more
attractive than his | am determined"
Tea time came, and William came
with it. A little figure in tasty
bright silk dress, smooth curls, and
oh such a lovely blush and smile,
stood to welcome William as he came
10; and tea time passed as the morning
meal had done. After tea, there was
no movement as usual toward the
hat rack. William stood up beside
the table, lingering, chatting, till Liz
zie also rose. She led him to the
light, warm parlors in their pretty
glow Of tasteful arrangement, and drew
him down beside her on the sofa.
He felt as if he was counting again,
as he watched her fingers busy with
some little needlework and listened to
the cheerful voice he had loved dearly
two years before
"What are you making, Lizzie?'
"a pair Of slippers. Don't you re-
member how much you admired the
pair | worked for you, oh ever SO
long ago?"
II remember, black velvet with
flowers on them. I used to put my
feet on the tenders and dream of blue
eyes and bright curls, and wish time
would move faster, to the day when
I could bring my bonnie wee wife
home, to make music in my house"
Lizzie's face saddened for a mo-
ment, as she thought Of the last two
years, and how little music she had
made for his loving heart, gradually
weaving it from its allegiance. Then
she said
II wonder if you love music as much
as you did tbepY"
"Of course I do. l often drop in
at Mrs. Smiths for nothing else than
to hear the music"
81 can play and sing better than
Mrs. Smith," said Lizsie half pouting
"Bus you always say you are out
Of practice when I ask you"
81 had the piano tuned this morn
ing. Now open ii and we will see
thow it sounds"
William obeyed joyfully, and toss
ing aside her sewing, Lizzie took the
piano stool. She had sweet voice,
not powerful, but most musical, and
was fair performer on the piano.
Ballads, Llzziep
"Ohl yes; I know you dislike opera
music 10 parlor."
One song after another, with noe
turne or lively instrumental piece oc
casionally between them, filed up
another hour pleasantly.
The little mantle clock struck
eleven
"Elevenl I thought it was about
nine. 1 ought to apologies, Lizzie,
as used to do, for staying SO long;
aud can truly say as / did then,
that the time has passed SO pleasantly
I can scarcely believe it is SO late"
The piano was closed. Lizzie's
work put in the basket, and William
was ready to go up stairs; but CHANGING
back, he saw his .Ntle wife near the
fireplace, her hands clasped, her head
bent, and large tears falling from her
eyes. He was beside her in an in
slant.
Lizzie, darling, are you ill What
is the natter"
ooh, William, l have been such
bad wife! I hearl you tell Mr. Moore,
last evening, how I disappointed you;
but will try and make home pleas
ant, indeed will, if you will forgive