The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-05-28
our narts was faithfully, too faithfully,

our parts was 1alCnluliy, loo lalIniuiiJi
recorded. Each transient impulse was
unerringly transcribed. Each trlHing
word, each wandering frown, influenced
the thermometer, and we were both so
alarmed by its indications that we be-
came positively unhappy. We wished it
always to be bliss heat. and were not
prepared for the variations.
One evening-it was hardly month
after the wedding-wc were seated
quietly in the parlor, when the bell rang
and in walked Uncle John.
81 never felt so we'll in my life, chill
dren," he exclaimed in his heartiest
tones. Scout all gone'-and he slapped
his leg to prove the fact-''so 1 thought
1 would come to the city and see you"
And he kissed Angelica and pulled my
whiskers. Then he burst into merry
laugh, which was SO catching that my
wife and I laughed too, the first time in
two hours, for at dinner that wrctched
thermometer had fallen to sixty degrees
Gndifference). and we were in despair.
"Come, come, Kitten" said he to
Angelica, caressing her forehead; ''tell
me all about it. What is the mystery?
Has that felloW been vcxing you2 Come,
let YOUR old uncle be your father con-
fessor. Now, then, out with it."
Angelica's response was to cling to the
old gentleman and sink her head upon
his shoulder. I am sure the dear girl
was weeping.
"John, John, you wretch" he ex-
claimed. "What have you been doing
to here What makes my child so wor-
ried9" And the old fellow began to pet
her furionsly.
Nv courage gave way. At the sight
of her weeping all self-control was gone.
T made clean confession, and blamed
the thermometer for the change in our
home.
"Comc, children" said he in his
blandest way. "Here, John, you take
one knee, and Angelica, my love, rest
on the other. Now I have you both, and
I wish you to answer me truly. Do you
love each other?"
eyes, yes!" was our reply.
"Then what is the trouble"
"The trouble is just here. We wish
it always to be bliss heat, but that ther-
mometer, sir, marks every variation, and
it makes us both unhappy" And I took
out nv handkerchief and pressed it to
my eyes. .
"Ah," was his comment; 'just as
supposed. Come, now, 1 am going to
lecture you both. You demand miracle.
1t is impossible to maintain bliss heat
for all time. Life most have its transitions
and variations-you might find it pretty
monotonous otherwise. Do not heed the
fluctuations if love is the central purpose,
and that is strong and abiding. But
have patience and mutual consideration,
and be quick to forget and forgive.
Steer clear of all extremes and super
latives. Prefer the temperate zone, and
year by year your happiness will be
reared on a foundation that shall never
be moved. Let your own hearts be
loves thermometer; you will care less
for the other one, whose efhcacy-l
might as we'll tell you now-is purely i'm
aginary. 1t reflected only your own
moods, and your imaginations endowed
it with subtle powers. But enough.
I must be off before it is too late. Good
night, children. Another kiss, Angelica.
Goodnight, john"
x
The thermometer still hangs IN its
niche, but is has lost for us its charm,
although its lesson was salutary. We
have learned the truth and beauty of
Uncle Johns little sermon. We are not
disturbed at any transient gust, for we
know our hearts are true to each other.
We do not pine for bliss heat, and never
have allowed our affection to sink to zero.
We find blessedness enoughin each days
record, and, lookingat the bright side OF
every annoyance and sorrow, have secured
abundant compensation.-Frank Leslie's.