The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-03-31
WOOing His Wife.

- =
dreamed of visit to Chautauqua, when
he found himself at that Mecca of de-
vout eXcursionists the brawny man was
tempted to doubt his own identity The
holiday surroundings were wholly I'M
like anything to which he was accus-
tomedin his prosy New England home !;
the rich, crowded programme offered
was in striking contrast to the dull
monotony of farm life. When this son
of toll first entered the auditorium, and
saw the rustic amphitheater crowded
with thousands of people listening
breathlessly to the full, sweet tone of
the grand organ, his cramped, selfish
heart was strangely touched and ex-
banded. For an instant the wish crept
in that he had asked Jane if she would
not like to come, too. But there was
not much time for his own thoughts,
for, as the music ceased, a white-haired
gentleman arose and announced the
name of an orator who is well-known
from Maine to California.
Well, now, it beats all to think Pm
going to hear the man I've wanted to
hear more'n twenty years." Farmer
Tucker whispered to himself. The
lecturer commenced his brief address
with one of his inimitable descriptions.
The story was of man who applied
for divorce, and was advised by his
eminent lawyer to try the effect of
making love to his wife, as he had done
before marrying her, instead of resorting
to the measure he had proposed. 1t in
cluded also an account of late visit,
when the happy husband withdrew his
application, and, fairly dancing with
glee, assured the lawyer that his ex-
pertinent had worked like charm; that
"Sally had become as amiable and
affectionate wife as a man could ask
to have" His representation of the
scene drew forth long applause, but
Samuel fuckers interest was of too
serious a nature to permit him joining
in the laughter. AS if unconscious for
a moment of the multitude about him,
he said, in an undertone: I'd be will
ing to take my oath that wouldn't work
with Jane. All have to say is, that
mans wife is different from mine; I'd
as soon think of feeding serrup to a
mummy as to begin sparkling again with
her."
AT length he quoted his conscience
with the determination to prove that
his estimate of his wife was correct.
When l 90 home," he said to himself,
I'll just show the woman some little
attentions, and I'll see they won't
have any more effect on her than they
would on the old bay mare. James
bound to be sullen and obstinate, and l
suppose | may as well make up my
mind to it,
On reaching home the resolution was
not easily carried out. When Mr.. Tucker
planned some gallantry toward his wife
the very thought made him feel so I'M
natural and foolish that postponement
resulted, but the Sabbath offered an OPP
portunity that he improved.
The farm was nearly mile from
church, yet Samuel Tucker had for
years been in the habit of driving home
alone, leaving his wife TO attend the
Sunday-school, and then walk home, as
best she could, through mud or dust
Great was Mrs. fuckers astonish-
ment, therefore, on the Sabbath after
his return, to find him waiting for
her at the close of the Bible-service.
The faintest suspicion that he had driven
back to church for her did not cross the
good woman's mind; she supposed he
had business with some of the brethren,
and hesitated whether to walk on as
usual or to suggest waiting for him,
when the farmer called OUT It's Just
as cheap to ride as to walk" Silently the
woman took her seat in the buggy and
silently they drove home, much to the
husbands satisfaction, for it seemed to
him a proof of the woman's dull, in
appreciative nature. She didn't act
pleased, but was only dazed like, as /
knew she would be-" he muttered, as
he went about his midday " chores"
AT the same time Mr., Tucker was
conscious of having performed a most
praisworthy act, and felt so comfort
able that he resolved to repeat the ex-
pertinent. So on the following Sab
bath Jane found her husband again in
waiting. and, as she mounted the high
buggy, yentured to utter half-audible
" thank YOU" and to ask Samuel if he
had been waiting long. To which Mr..
Tucker replied that he had just reached
the church, and didn't know but what
he might find she had started on foot
This reply seemed to Jane a positive
assurance that her husband had really
returned for the sole purpose OF taking
her home; and her chilled heart glowet
with warmth unknown for years. She
4 l. II