Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-01-08

and duty prescribed for her, but, with a
feeble step and aching heart, performs hel
various domestic cares
'Father is coming" sounds from the
yard, and in moment Mr.. Welton enters
his home. Time has left no trace upon his
handsome face-his step is as firm, his
form as erect, and his dress almost as fault.
less as when last we saw him. He hardly
notices the Servant of all work." who is
bending over heated stove, preparing
| food; but with "W-h-s-w-how hot this
room Isl" he snaps at baby, who is PLAYING
on the floor, and passes into the sitting
room and throws himself upon the lounge
for nap Mrs. Welton, tired and sick,
followed him with her weary eyes, hoping
he viii offer her some assistance in the din
ing-room, or that he will take tine children
away and amuse them until she herself has
prepared her frugal meal. But he has no
idea there is anything for him to door,
at least, he has no idea of doing anything
Tommy and Charlie follow him, and
make sundry attempts at climbing upon the
lounge beside him; but they are soon hired
to leave the room with huge stick OF can
dy or paper of sugar plums--which they
eagerly seize and repair to the kitchen with
to light over and raise a general cry-not
exces-;iax baby, who has learned what is
sweet, and puts in for share of everything
good. At last baby is upset upon her head,
and cry of distress brings Mrs. Welton
from the cellar, where she has been for eat
ables for the table, Tommy and Charlie
are scolded for their misconduct, and after
much kissing aud soothing, baby consents
to be again deposited ON the floor with the
sugar tOngs, and Mrs. Melton again re-
sumes her duties.
But, for goodness sake, take look into
that sitting-rooml Stretched upon that
lounge--his feet projecting over the foot
his head thrown back--his mouth open and
his eyes closed, lies the husband and faith
er Of that family, snoring most profoundly
free from all care, thought, or work-safe
in the land of dreams. O, what . picture
oh, what husband!
Dinner is at last upon the table, and Mr..
Welton being aroused from his romantic
position, repairs at once to the dining
room to satisfy the gnawings of hunger
''No butter for dinner ?' he said, ad-
dressing his wife in a half-peevish, half
doubtful tone, IL declare there is some
thing wanting every day and at every meal.
It is very hard times for man that is out
of business, as am, to get along. l think
we will have to use little more economy
try to do with little less, at least, until
l get into business"
Now this was the same story over and
over again--the same excuse. He was al
ways out of business, but hoped soon to he
engaged in something. The fact was he
was too lazy to stick to any business and
toe proud to do anything that was not gen
teel consequently he had lost many chances
of making good living-yes, fortune,
had he displayed the least activity Or ener
gy, by improving those talents for business
which by nature he possessed.
Mrs. Welton took her babe upon her lap
and tried to satisfy the cravings of hun
ger; but her food choked her and her tears
fell in drops upon the unconscious face of
her BABY, who little dreamed of her moth
er's grief
Mr.. Welton noticed her tears, and at
tributing them to be occasiOned by what
he said, condescending to make some slight
apology, deeming that all sufficient to set
her mind all right and those burning tears
Bnt his words only caused them to flow
more freely, until she could no longer con.
troll her bursting heart, and she burst into
violent sobs.
''Oh, my children! What will become
of them % she said 81 can not battle with
life much longerr'
MIR. WeltOn was evidently much surpris-
ed and did appear quite alarmed at such
an unexpected outburst of grief, and as
suming very soothing tone, asking her if
her head ached-assured her it would be
quite well IN few hours. And he did act
ually take her babe from her arms and beg
of her to lie down for a few hours to rest,
and he wOu d attend to everything around
the house.
Mrs. Welton did lie down on the bed to
rest; but she never arose--never left her
room until she was carried from it corpse.
A raging fever was always upon her, which
her weakened frame could not withstand;
and though she fingered for several weeks,
consumption's deathly grasp at last set her
spirit free, and Gods angels of mercy bore
her spirit to heaven.
1t was beautiful morning upon which
she died, bidding final farewell to earth
and its joys, cares and sorrows. Oh, that
struggle! The thought of death was nothing
compared with the thought of leaving her
dear children motherless.
But, poor woman! she at least ceased to
breathe in the arms of him who had six
years before won her heart, and promised
to love, cherish and protect her as long as
lie should last.
Had he fulfilled his promise! Had he
done his duty? Had he been all to her that
she had expected when shegave her whole
heart, life and happiness into his keeping
by becoming his wife? Let his conscience
answer; for God will one day bring him to
account for the slow murder of that wife
and mother as surely as he will the most
guilty assassin. The world thought him
very devoted husband and sympathized
with his deep sorrow; bat a year did not
elapse before another Mrs. Welton presid-
ed over his household.
How many heart history is recorded in
this simple sketch? How many beautiful,
talents and accomplished girls are won By
a handsome face, and, like Mrs. Welton,
lead weary life and die a premature death?
So again let me warn you, girls, to beware
of the lazy man!