Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-09-06
SMITHS WIFE.

Now, this was not by any means an
assertion sui gencris. In TACT, accord
ing to his own statement, John Smith
was ''astonished" at his wife at least
once day on an average. Mrs. Smith
was used to il.
She was tall, slight woman. scarce
ly more than child in years, with
shining brown hair, large dark eyes,
and cheeks that had been as pink AS
sca-shells in the days Of her happy
maiden life. They were white and
wasted nova circumstance that might
perhaps be easily accounted for by the
little babe on her lap aud the 2-year-
Old elf who was tottering about the
room in aimless pursuit Of kittens. sun
beams. and other baby delights.
Things are 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 the soap-grease jar.
dish-towels taken for stove-cloths, and
my thrd-bcst pants sold to deal
cr in tlnware for funnel and two pie
platters! never heard anything SO
outrageous in my life"
'But, my dear" mcekly interposed
the much-enduring wife, 1--WE needed
the tnware, and you had not worn the
garments for year. They we're full
OF moths"
There it is again." said MIR. Smith.
''Ihe moths would never have got into
'em if you had taken proper precau-
tions. ! never heard of moth in my
mothers time. And now you are act
uaiIy asking permission to visit your
brother up the Hudson"
81 have not been away from homo
before since we were married. John"
piteously pleaded Mrs. Smith. IL feel
almost worn out, and 1 think the
change would do me good"
And what is to become of mel"
sonorously demanded the husband.
Mrs. John Smith thought of the
day ; masonic excursion last week, the
trout-iishing expedition into the Cats
Kills Il fortnight since, the races at
Jerome Park, and the drives to High
Bridge with Parker, Belts. and Frisbce
in an open barouche, all within the
month. But she said nothing except:
1T don t cost much to go, John.
And II only stay away week. DO
irt me 90! The doctor says the fresh
ar might hcip baby along with his
teotn, and little Johnny is dropping
tnlS hot weather"
"Wcn,' said Mr. Smith, as unpra-
c."H,ly rs possible, II suppose you'll
haN' /" 20. Five dollars at least it
cost me, and altogether our ex-
-. are ruInous this year. See how
Georgiana Trotter marriages for her
husband. | don't suppose it costs
them half to live that it does us. l
might have married Georgiana Trotter
once. | almost wish | had"
1t was on Mrs. Smiths lips to utter:
$50 do ~ But she looked at the lit
tie children and was silent
Yes" went on Mr. Smith; II sup
pose you must 90. Only. for PHYS
sake. don't get into the habit OF run
running ali the time. l needn't send
pose? | shall dine downtown, and
there'll be enough left on the cold
knuckle of yesterdays ham for your
Mrs. Smith abstained from remind
ing her husband that he had himself
breakfasted on the remains Of the ham.
She only sighed and was silent
"lt's his way she thought. He
means well enough. And I suppose
all men are SO. Only | wish he had
kissed me good-by"
Woman nature all over! She could
do without her dinner contented, eat
ing n crust of bread in stead, but her
heart ycarned hungrily for the omitted
caress. the ignored word OF tenderness.
Poor Mrs. John Smith! How the
strong minded Of her sex would have
ptied and despised her!
No light! no fire! 1t was dreary
enough on that chill August evening,
as MIR. Smith screwed the night-key
into the latch and groped his way in
the hall He sat down in the bay-win-
dow and stared about the vacant room.
There was his wife's work basket on
the table, her little rocking-chair stand
ing vacant beside it. while Johnny's
forgotten rattle lay on the floor close
by.
.It's deuced lonely" muttered Mr..
Smith, with something of a shiver. Il
hope Jenny won't stay long"
And as he lighted his cigar and
whitfield away guilty sense oil his own
shortcomings came upon him.
ut must have been rather stupid
life for her here, poor little thingr
thought he. IL might have come
home early.to keep her company
great many times when ! didn't. She
had to sew great deal for the chill
drcn. wish had bought her sew
ing machine when she asked for it.
Allison used to bring up fruits and
flowers for his wife every evening
wonder never thought Of il for Jenny.
And, now come to reflect upon the
matter, Jenny has grown thin and pale
of late"
lie moved his chair uneasily and
emitted thread Of blue, spicy smoke
from his lips very much as II he we're
not enjoying it particularly.
81 suppose they are at Bilberry farm
by this time," said he to himself. IL
suppose the younkers are in bed and
Jenny is sitting out on the piazza, list
ening to the whippoOrwills I've almost
"A mind to go out there tomorrow even
ing, aud take some peaches and ba-
nanas and things. II would be a pleas
ant surprise for Jenny, and-hello!
W ats that! A ring at the bellP'
Finging his cigar into the unused
crate, John Smith shuiiled along to
the door in his slippers.
"Oh-a telegram! Now, l wonder
who should telegraph to me!'
AVAIL ~ saia tha shivarinu and rain.