The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1891-12-12
THE WAY TO KEEP HIM.

bit extravagant, and yet don't believe
he loves me any more Oh2 dear,
why is it? l wasn't rich, and be must
have loved me then-why does he treat
me with such neglect? and with her
mind filled with such fretful queries,
she fell asleep upon the sofa.
Let me paint her picture as she lay
there. She was a blonde, with a small,
graceful figure and very pretty face.
The hair, which showed by its waves
Its natural tendency to curl, was brush
ed smoothly back and gathered into
rich knot at the back; it was such a
bother to curl it, she said her cheek
was pale, and the whole face wore
disconnected expression. Her dress
was a neat cbintz wrapper, bat she
wore no lace at the neck or sleeves.
What's the use of dressing just for
William?
Lizzie slept 5oundly for two hours
and then awoke suddenly. she satup,
glanced at the clock and sighed drearlly
at the prospect of long interval still
to be spent alone before bed time.
The library was just over the room
in which she sat and down the furnance
fue, through the registers, avoice came
to the young wife's ears; it was her
husbands.
Well, Moore, what's a man to do7 |
was disappointed and must have pleas
ure somewhere. Who would have
fancied that Lizzie Jarvis, SO pretty and
sprightly and loving, could change to
the fretful dowdy she is now2 Who
wants to stay at home to hear his wife
whining all the evening about her
troublesome servants and her head
ache, and all sorts OF bothers? She's
got the knack of that dawdllng whine
so pat that, pom my life, l don't be-
lieve she can speak pleasantly.
Lizzie sat as if stunned. Was this
true7 She looked in the glass. Ifnot
exactly dowdy, her costume was GER
tainIy not suitable for an evening even
if it were an evening at home, with
only William to admire. She rose and
softly went to her room with bitter,
sorowful thoughts and a firm resolu-
ton to win back her husbands heart
and then, his love regained, to keep it.
The next morning William came into
the breakfast room with his usual care
less manner, but bright smile came
on his lips when he saw Lizzie. A
pretty gingham, with neat collar and
sleeves Of snowy muslin, and wreath
CT soft, full curls had really metamor-
phosed her; while the blush her hus-
bands admiring glance called up to
her cheek did not detract from her
beauty. AT first William thought there
must be guest, but glancing around |
he found they were alone.
Come, William, your coffee will be
stone cold, said Lizzie, IN a CHEEKY,
pleasant y1;ce.
1t must cool until you sweeten my
breakfast with kiss, said her husband,
crossing the room to her side, and |
Lizzle's heart bounded as she reCog-
nizad the lovers tone and manner.
Not one fretful speech, not one com
plant fell upoo Williams ear through |
the meal. The newspaper, the usual
solace at that hour, lay untouched as
Lizzie chatted gaYlY on every pleasant |
subject she could think of, warming
by his gratifed interest and cordial
manner.
You will-be home to dinner2 she
said as he went out.
Can't to day, Lizzie; | have bust
ness out of town, but I'll be home early !
to tea. Have something substantial,
for l don't expect to dine. Good bye,
and the smiling look, warm kiss and |
lively whistle were a marked contrast |
to his lounging, careless gate the pre-
vious evening.
am in the right path, said Lizzie,
in low whisper. Oh what fool
have been for two years y frettiug
dowdY William, you shall never say
that again.
Lizzie loved her husband with real |
wifely devotion, and her lip would |
quiver as she thought Of his confidence
TO his friend Moore? but like a brave
little woman she stiaed back the bitter
feeling and lripped off to perfect her
plans. The grand piano, silent for
months, was opened, and the linen
covers taken from the furniture, Lizzie
thinking: He shan't find any parlors
more attractive than his own, | am
determined.
Tea time came and William came
with it. a little figure in a tasty bright
new dress, smooth curls, and oh such
a lovely blush and smile. stood ready
to welcome William as he came in ;
and tea time passed as the morni2g's
meal had done.
After tea, there was no movement as
usual, toward the hat rack. William
stood up beside the table, lingering,
chatting, till Lizzie also arose. She
led him TO the light warm parIors, in !
their pretty glow of tasteful arrange