The Newark journal., 1905-12-22

"Oh. nothing" replied her niece. hast
lily, as she wiped her eyes. It's only,
we'll I've got good notion to tell you
all about it. | never meant to tell a
living soul. but I'm not happy, though
suppose ! ought to be-"
why. what's the trouble. little grip"
Gertrude bent lower over her work.
well, auntie, I've always said hated
jealous wife and know Jim loves me
better than anyone else But he doesn't
seem to care about staying at home any
more, and lots of times he goes over to
the Deane's to spend the evening. cant
go, for | can't leave the children alone in
the house. But sometimes / sit here, and
l hear Mrs. Deane playing the piano, and
Jim singing and it just hurts me ter
ribly. There" she said with little
catch in her voice, Il didn't mean to tell
anyone, for it doesn't seem loyal to jim.
He's real good to me, and gets me every
thing he can afford. but guess I'm get
ting old and faded" She wiped her eyes
and took UP the blue sock again.
i don't see why you should feel badly
about his going out in the evenings. re-
piled her aunt, calmly, "as long as it's
only jim"
Gertrude dropped the ball cf darning
cotton in her surprise
why. what do you mean ?" she asked.
astonished.
My dear child" replied her aunt,
kindly, during the week | have been
here, | don't know how many times
have heard you use the expression:
Only Jim You didn't always trouble to
make yourself pretty for supper, be-
cause there was only Jim. You didn't
take particular pains about setting the
table attraetively. because it was only
for Jim. | noticed that while the guest
room was really artistic yours was
plain and unattractive because it was
only for jim. My dear girl" she con-
tinued, Jim is the dearest one on earth
to you and the most important. / can re-
member when he used to come and call
on you before you were married. how
you used to fix yourself up for him, and
look SO pretty and sweet when he came
to call. Now you are just as good look
ing as you ever were, only you just want
to cultivate a little of the care you used
to take of your personal appearance. |
know it makes difference when you are
doing your own work. but Jim would be
delighted if you would always take
pains to look fresh and dainty when he
came home
Don't wear wrappers to do your work
in; they are for invaIids shirtWaiat
and a washable skirt are much heater
and trimmer. Then about your music.
l can remember how you used to play for
Jim to sing and how he enjoyed it, Take
up your music again. even if it is only
for ten minutes day. and you'll soon be
able to play his accomplishments again.
Maybe it seems odd to you to hear an old
maid like me giving advice about hus-
bands. but have lived good bit long
er than you. my dear, and I've used my
powers of observation. A great deal of
this worlds happiness is based on
trif1es, or what appear to be trifies.
Now" she concluded. Il think I've
preached enough. but I think if you
take my advice you'll be happier"
Gertrude threaded a needle media.
lively.
Well" she said, after a moments
reflection, Il believe you are right
auntie. have felt as if as long as l
vas Jim's wife and he loved me-. It
didn't make any particular difference
So | wasn't always particular about
fixing myself up when he came home
from the store But I'll try your plan,
and III take up my music. | love Jim
dearly, and | didn't want to feel that
he was growing away from NE"
As her aunt left on the following
morning Gertrude babe her an affec-
tionate good-by
Pm so glad you came, auntie," she
said, for you don't know how I've
enjoyed your visit"
Yes, indeed, corroborated her hus-
band. "Gertie has looked ten years
younger since you've been here I sup
rose it IS rather dull for her here with
jC5t me and the children"
IS the stage drove away Gertrude
turn9d to her husband and slipped
he. and in his.
mt say only me- dear" she