The suburban citizen., 1901-03-30

pace IN the STUN -tOOu. Nelluei
Of us spoke, for we was thinkin
that jest twenty-siX years ago we was
married; that another anniversary was
hurryin' on to join those already count
ed; that life's clock was strikin' anoth-
er hour for us.
We've had our share of the ups and
downs" of this world, but our love has
been of the sort to stand wear and
tear" so l don't mind sayin' that we've
had to do with considerable of the lat
ter.
believe in submission when it amt
carried too far by either party.
Overrulin is injurious, and those
who are INDUCED in it never know
when they have become tyrannical or
headstrong so of course the yieldin'
soul don't git credit for givin' in.
Lisher's manliness was what 1 first
admired in him. Folks called him
'set and stubborn, but generous and
awful klnd-hearted." He was tall and
the strongest of them all, when it
come to wrestlin' and sich like. So it
has always been real comfort to
depend on him for support, and he
hain't never failed to care for my
smallest need.
Any woman of sense will learn by
experience that continual objectin'
weakens her influence in the home.
Usher often says that he thinks the
world of my advice, but it's because
Of my agreein with him so much. 1t
wouldn't be worth nuthin' if 1 didn't.
When | have to differ with him l Jest
come right out with my idees and ac-
cept as my pay for the privilege such
titles as "know-nothin" and poor
weak womanw
But l am divergin', and this Sun
day night our hearts was tender and
warmed by the sweet memories of
that far away weddin' As clearly as
though days, not years, had come be-
tween, we recalled every sayin' and
doin' of that occasion. the greatest day
In our lives. Suddenly Usher inter
rupted me with;
"Marthy, I've been thinkln' that I'd
change the house a little-build on
that lean-to' you've wanted so long,
and a new kitchen"
"Oh, Usher" was all l could say.
You'd like it, wouldn't you"
Like it? Why, can't tell you how
happy l am. It's so good of your
Nonsense, you deserve it, for you've
been a faithful wife to me, Marthy."
When shall you begin" 1 asked.
Right away. I never wait when
,nce l decide upon a thing"
So that's how we came to build, and
from that time 1 never knew a mo-
nent's rest.
The furniture was packed in the
front room, but the dust from the
:earin' away of the old kitchen found
4 place to lodge everywhere; even the
bureau drawers in the upstairs spare
chamber did not protect my best linen.
Indeed, nothin' escaped a coatin' of
powdered lime.
The confusion, tumult and general
disorder irritated Usher. 1t was hard
to keep him good-natured. The build.
ers would start the work and then
leave 1t for days to hold on to an.
other job" Rain delayed the masons,
and really it seemed at last as though
we would be thankful for anythin,
almost wishin' we'd left well enough
alone.
To add to our misery, Lisher's sister
Mandy wrote us that she would visit
us on her return from a missionary
meetin' where she was to represent
their town society as a delegate. The
reduced railroad fare made this trip
possible to her so we could not write
and ask her to wait a bit. l don't
mean to give you the idea that they
hain't always room and to spare" in
our home for his folks, but there comes
times when it's handler than others to
accommodate them.
was frettn' over this very thing
and my mind was on the point of
'fyin'," when who should call me but
Usher, in the new buildin'.
"Marthy"
"Yesw
"Come here quick and decide where
you want that pantry put. | think this
is the best place for it," he continued,
as l appeared.
"There?
"Why not?' frowning.
"Its too near the chimney, and Ia
have to squeeze between the table and
the stove to get to it. Why can't it
be put over in that corner?"
"Theys goin' to be a window there"
"And l don't want one there"
"I'm buildin' this house." he added,
notly.
Pm living in it and doin' the work.
If had supposed that you would have
arranged it in this way, l would have
kept the old one l want the window
in tile south for plants"
It's going TO be where I decide"
were the last words l heard as 1 left
the place and returned to my work.
Later, l heard his step in the dinin'-
room and turned my back to the door,
pretendin' to be busy but it was real.
ly TO hide my tear-stained eyes.
That's all the thanks l get for try
in to please YOU and sppndin' NV hard