The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-07-17
THE COMMENTED MIND.
BY MARY W. JANvRIN.
Concluded !

Albert is downright total abstinence" was
the reply in tone of triumph.
And you cannot be too thankful for that;
but was only supposing the case. Imagine
how wife must feel if her husband comes
home under the influence Of liquor; besides,
the man who has a taste for wine never
pauses till he learns TO love stronger
beverage How, then. can Mrs. Henderson.
looking into her future, be so happy as you
seem 10 imagine her?
''She doesn't look as if she worried muchp
was the reply.
perhaps not. Hers is not one of the
sensitive natures and besides she is gay and
fashion-loving, and would let the world go
easy with her, so long as her tastes and
habits were INDUCED; but if ever day
should come when through the extrayagant
expenditures of herself and her husband
their fortunes should be brought low, then
be sure that she would look back upon her
present life as just the course she should
not have pursued"
This excellent reasoning would have con-
WINGED any woman who did not wiIlfully
blind herself TO the truth. But Lou
Denning only shrugged her shoulders, and
said:
"What doleful picture you have con-
jured, auntl | see that you are bent on
proving the truth Of that old saving of the
skeleton in the house. After all, am not
convinced but, il had some of Ems wealth,
or Ellen Landon's splendid house, or Kate
Ashley'S camePs hair shaw, l should enjoy
life great deal better"
Would 1t not be the wisest course, since
you have not these things, to cease repining
and be thankful for the blessings you do
enjoy? Tie contented mind brings its own
feast along with il, you know it is said"
well, [ don't know as it is any use our
discussing the subject, said Mrs. Denning,
who, like many another, when likely 10 be
convinced, prudentiy retired from the field.
Il am much obliged u You for your ad-
yice-and Pm thankful, I'm sue, for every
thing | have; but We see things in such
different light that we never shall assimi-
late in our way OF thinking. What some
would sit down cOntented with would only
incite others to be more ambitious; and l
never can be tame or humdrum, OF, like
Uriah Heep, very humble"
A little flush swept over the good old
lady's lace; but rejecting that her niece aid
not intend the disrespect which her words
implied, and inly praying that she might be
brought to see tie Jolly OF the disposition she
was cherlShng size closed her lips and
knitted in silence.
A year gided by, and during that period
the miserable spirit of discomfort had be
come the cherished guest of Mrs. Dennlug's
heart, guest aud master too. Her home
numbering the same members-her kiud
husband. affecti0nate children and placid
featured Aunt Beck, was home no longer
save III name. Not that neglect became ap-
parent in disorderly apartments, untidy APP
parel or Observed food, for Mis-. Denning
possessed naturally habits of neatness and a
sense OF native refinement which could not
endure careless or slOYenly surroundings :;
but there are other requirements beside
mere physical comforts embodied in the
good OLD Saxon word home" and woman
may be house-mother in the most practical
sense of the term, and yet fail to render
home blessed refuge to her family.
Ii was discomfort, brooding there, and
finging the shadow of its Scmber wing over
all that darkened the moral atmosphere and
transformed the sunlight into gloom. 1t
was discomfort that added lines to the faded
fTetful face of Lou Denning and made her
peevish, faut-fuding wife and mother.
If a new article OF clothing was added to
her own or the children's wardrobe, it was
coDtrasted with the more costly apparel of
her wealthier friends; the house was voted
small, iuconvenient, and the neat furniture
compared with the elegant upholstery of
her friends mansions; the plain chinaware
was deprecated, and sigh given for Mrs.
LandOu's silver service; all her comforts
were moderated and those of others
magn!hed.
1t cannot be su posed hut this state of
affairs produced their effect on every men,
Der OF the household The children, by
nature roguish and eXuberant in gayety
and spirits. as all healthy children are,
were depressed into silence by look into
their mothers unhappy face; good old
Aunt Beck grew quieter and grayer than
ever and sighed often over her work, having
given over ali debates upon the subject her
niece often brought up from force Of habit (;
and Albert Denning, no longer the sunny
tempered husband of former years, had
gradually changed into mVrose, taciturn
man.
With most exquisite sorrow had Aunt
Beck observed this change in LOUIS hus-
band. 1t was delica'e task Tor her to
speak upon his domestic affairs, and for a
long time she refTained; but when she saw
him nightly absenting himself from home,
and elsewhere spending the hours he had
formerly passed al his own fireSide after
his business duties were over, u vague
alarm took possession OF her heart and one
day she yentured TO breach the subject to
him.
Albert Denning answered with an i'm
petuOns burst of .eeling.
Aunt for Gods sake. what can a man,
situated as am, do, but keep away as
much as possible from home Ike this? l
have tried, hard as ever man tried, to make
Lou happy woman; but l have found that
impossible, and am about discouraged. She
Is disconnected with everything l do for
her, and is constantly contrasting her lot
with that OF the wives of men who either
Inherited more money than l OF have &C
quired more in business speculations.
verify believe she regrets that she married
ME. She does not ask ME to stay home
eyeningsl a man won't meet fretful
speeches and unhappy looks when he can
find pleasanter company"
ALBERT l cannot tell you how often I've
demonstrated with Lou on the subject, but
you must remember that If your wife is mis-
guided you have TWO young children to look
up 10 you for guidance, and for their sake,
at least, you should not absent yourself
from home and spend your evenings at re-
sorts where you would not wish your friends
"Oh. don't be alarmed, good Aunt Beck"
said Albert with a laugh that covered a
sob. " The children shall never know a
want while can earn dollar; but they are
sale In your care. You may tell Lou that
she has lorg been coyetIng Mrs. Hendel-
sons luxurles-and may crafty her before
abe knows i. by presenting her with pat
tern of Emily's husband!"
These words were hurled out defantly,
recklessly, and lie looked with a strange,
meaning smile into the old lady's ewes.
ALBERT, what do you mean? l have APP
peaied to your affection as father, l now
appeal to your duty to God. WIN you tell
me that you are one Of Philip Henderson S
boon cOmpanions?" Aunt Beck's words
were stern as the decree OF judge tG a
criminal. " cannot believe it" she added,
In voice trembling with tears.
When Albert next spoke his tone was
altered 1t was no longer defiant, but pit
fully desparing, and breathing of a strong
mans agony.
Aunt, forgive me, and don't judge me
too haIshly. But you don't know how a
man must suffer before he is driven to des-
peration. l have been with Henderson and
party Of his friends very often of late
but here, on the honor of man who never
yet broke his word, / give you my promise
that will never touch the wine-cup again.
Sometimes l have thought it might be bet
ter for Lou and me TO separate, rather than
live as we do; but for my children's sake |
will try and bear it little longer"
HAS it come to this ?" murmured Aunt
Beck. sadly, when alone again. "Oh, Il
Lou could only see what her folly is doing
But she must know It'll l will talk plainly
and faithfully to her this very night, mol
will / keep back one word that Albert has
said TO me-"
But the plans Of Providence had beer
working to their fulfllment, and good Aun
Beck was saved her self-imposed task
Tk.N. II. l,,l