The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1885-11-05
SMITHS WIFE.

Mrs. Smith, 1 am astonishod at
you"
Now, this WAS not by any means an
assertion sui generis. In fact, accord
ing TO his own statement, John Smith
was "astonishod" ut his wife at least
once day on IN average. Mrs. Smith
was used to it.
She was tall, slight woman, scarce
ly more than a child in years, with
shining brown hair, large dark eyes,
and cheeks that had been as pink rs
sea-shells in the days of her happy
maiden life. They were white and
wasted nova circumstance that might
perhaps DO easily accounted for by tho
little babe on hor lap and the 2 year
OLD elf who was tottering about tho
room in aimless pursuit Of kittons, sum
beams. and other baby delights.
''Ihings arc all at skies and sevens,"
went on Mr.. Smith, tying his cravat
before the mirror and viciously twist
ing it into knot Goal wasted, but
ter thrown into tho soap-grcase jar,
dish-towcls taken for stoVe-cloths, and
my third-bcst pants sold to a deal
or in tinware for funnel and two pie
platters! never heard anything SO
outrageous in my life"
But, my dear" meekly interposed
the much-cnduring wife, eve needed
the tinwaro, and you had not worn the
garments for year. They woro full
of moths"
"Thcrc it is again." said Mr.. Smith.
The moths would never have got into
'em if you had taken proper precau-
tions. never heard of q moth in nv
mothcr's time. And now you are act
ually asking permission to visit your
brother up the Hudson"
~ have not been away from home
before since we were married, John"
piteously pleaded Mrs. Smith. II feel
almost worn out, and | think the
change would do mo good"
IS ''And what is to become of mer'
sonorously demanded the husband.
Mrs. John Smith thought of the
days masonic excursion last weok, the
trout-hshing expedition into tho Cats
Kills fortnight since, tho races at
aJeromc Park, and tho drives to High
Bridge with Parker, Belts. and Frisbce
III an open barouche, all within tho
month. But she said nothing except:
ut don't cost much to 90, John.
And I'll only stay away n week. Do
let me go! The doctor says tho fresh
air might Ecip baby along with his
teeth, and little johnny is dropping
this hot weather." %
'Wcll," said Mr.. Smith, rs unora-
ciousl rs possible, II suppose you'll
have to go. Five dollars at loast it
will cost me, and altogether our ex-
penses are ruinous this year. Sec how
Georgiana Trotter marriages for ter
husband. l don't suppose it costs
them half to live that it does us.
might have married Georgiana Trotter
once. almost wish | had"
1t was on Mrs. Smiths lips to utter:
$50 do l!' But she looked ut the lit
tlo children and was silent.
YES" went on Mr.. Smith; ~ sup
poso you must go. Only, for pity's
sake, don't get into the habit Of run
running all tho time. ] needn't send
up anything from tho butchers, | sup
poscP l shall dino downtown, and
thcro'll be enough left on the cold
knuckle of yesterdays ham for you'll"
Mrs. Smith abstained from remind-
ing her husband that he had himself
breakfasted on tho remains of tho ham.
She only sighed and was silent
"It's his way" she thought "He
means we'll enough. And [ suppose
all men are so. Only 1 wish ho had
kissed mo good-byr"
Woman nature all over! She could
do without her dinner contcntod, cat
ing crust Of bread in stead, but her
heart yearned hungrily for the omitted
caress, tho ignored word of tenderness
Poor Mrs. John Smith! How the
strong-minded of her sex would have
pitied and despised her!
No light! no fire! 1t was dreary
enough on that chill August evening.
as MIR. Smith screwed tho nioht-key
into tho latch and CROPPED his Way in
tho hall He sat down in the bav-w;n-
dow and stared about the vacant room,
There was his wifes work basket On
tho table, her little rocking chair stand
ing vacant beside it, while JohnnvSa
forgotten rattle lay on the floor clSso
by. ~ =. :,
'Tt's deuced lonely" muttert d p.fr.
Smith, with something of shieer "I
hope jenny won't stay long
And as he lighted his cigar and
whitfield away guilty senso OF his own
shortcomings came upon him.
"It must have boon rather stupid
life for her here, poor little thingp'
thought he ~ might have como
homo early to keep her company q
great manystlmeS whenl didn't She
bad to sew great deal for tho chill
dren. | wish l had bought her sow
ing machine whom sho asked for it.
Allison used TO bring up fruits and
flowers for his wife every evening. /
wonderI norcr thought of it tforJenny.
And, now como to roflect upon the
matter, Jenny has grown thin and pale
Of late"