Year: 1868

sitting down to breakfast.


" | would really like to CO. replied, "and
think It would do me great deal Of good
But what would become Of all the work and
who would prepare your dinner2"


"Oh, let the work and dinner take care Of
themselves; you viii have plenty of time to
clear away the breakfast and set back the
chairs while I'm Harvesting Jupe aud your
dress and hair are well enough now. So, dear,
you'll 60 with me, won't you?"


Most certainly, if that's the case I'm
sure it will be much pleasanter to 20 with
you than it would be to stay here alone


We had been married two years yet / was
just as well pleased with an invitation to 20
out riding or walking with my husband, now,
as | was when he was only a lover And
frequently accepted these invitations. much to
the annoyance Of my less favored neighbors
BY the time my husband was at the door with
the carriage ! was ready to join him. The
dishes were washed, the rooms swept, the fur
niture busted, and the chairs set back
My toilet had been made with care before
breakfast, so all | had to do was to put on my
hat, cloak and gloves, and | was ready to take
my seat in the carriage by the side Of one
who ever seemed pleased with my society. 1t
was a beautiful spring morning, and | gazed
with unieigned pleasure upon the early yio-
lets and golden buttercups that bespanged the
fields, the fresh, green foliage and soft, tufted
grass. The birds too added to the gories
Of the morning. by filling the air with their
soft thrilling notes. From my earliest child
hood | had loved the flowers and the birds
with love that amounted almost to adora-
tion, aud this morning my soul seemed to 60
out to them in sweet communings as we rode
quietly over the smooth, winding road


See here, Mrs. Courtney" said my hus-
band, rousing me from the pleasant reveric
into which had fallen, g did not invite you
out to ride for the sake of having you get
perfectly intoxicated with the rich beauties of
this lovely morning. | want you to talk
some, instead Of giving your whole attention
to every bird and flower that flits past us for
getting that | am near you"


But, my dear Louis do not forget that
you are by my side, and that it is to you that
owe this peasure-this luxury-the blessed
privilege Of seeing so much more Of mother
Natures work than | should if were obliged
to stay at home month after month, as many
do"


After this there was no more silence be-
tween Us although did not cease to take
in all the glores Of the morning, which was
inspiration itself, with its azure sky, and soft
ileecy, floating clouds, and the brightest Of
golden sunshine. At length we drew up 10
pretty farm house, where he had some busi-
ness matters to arrange and as it would take
some time Lewis thought had better 20 in
al 10 e IL ..
wife. | was somewhat surprised, as | went
up the pretty gravel walk. to see no flowers
in the yard, for the house and grounds were
in hourishing condition. The grass was
growing uxuriantly over the yard; the gar
den a little east of the walk-iooked promising
as far as vegetables were concerned


My husband went into the house with me-
and introduced me to Mrs Johuson and then
inquired for the master of the house. He
was directed to the barn, where he went pres
emily, leaving me TO be entertained by my
hostess She was fine looking woman, Just
in the prime Of life. She was strong and res
olute, and looked well able to assist farmer
in gathering in the dollars and cents there
would be nothing wasted where she had the
managing Of the domestic affairs.


Mr.. Courtney invited me out to ride this
morning said |, for the sake Of saying some
thing so thought would improve the op-
portunity."


La, sakes should as soon think of 60
ing on a visit to the moon as to have my hus-
band ask me to 60 riding with him anywhere,
though he's on the 60 every day; it's won
der Mr.. Courtney caught him at home this
morning, and he wouldn't if he had come a
half hour later. Why he has not asked me
to 90 with him half dozen times in dozen
years, | do think


/ " Is it possible, Mrs Johnson Why, |
should feel very sad i'll thought my husband
would ever be so negIectiul Of my happiness"
/ "Oh as for that, don't know as Mr..
johnson thinks he neglects me; he knows |
always have so many cares on my mind that
1t would be almost impossible to leave In
fact, perhaps he's not so much to blame, now
when think of it, The first year after |
was married he used to ask me to 90 with him
very often--well, until after our Sammy was
born; for some time after that my health was
very poor, and having the care Of him did
not care for going as had previously. Hus-
band used to tell me it would do me good to
get away from baby awhile and get the fresh
air. But | was so afraid something would
happen to the little treasure during my alb
sence, that it was seldom he could prevail up
on me TO 60 Then when Sammy was old
enough TO leave, and needed less care a little
baby girl stepped in among us, and then it
was the same story over again until | sup
pose he got tired of being refused, and thus
he ceased to disturb me with invitations


8" But your children are so nearly grown
up should think you might enjoy some of
the privileges and pleasures Of your haleyon
days again.


Oh, ! don't know We always have so
much to do here he always keeps good
many farm hands at work, and if left my
work all to hired girls we should be without
food in a very short time, they are so waste
full


Do not leave all your work to the girls;
but TO leave the work to them occasionally
will do all good They will see that you
place confidence in their services, and will
certainly try to do as well as they can during
your absence and you will gain rest and
strength, and be the better able TO perform
your duties"


At this time my husband came to the door
with Mr. johnson, and arose to take leave,
| was somewhat acquainted with our host, so
| said to him, Next time you ride over to
our house, please invite your wife to ride over
with you"


Welln said he, "if it would do any good
| would like to invite her often but she has
no time to 60 anywhere, turning to hor-
do you, wife ?"


but you can invite her" said |, before
she had time to reply; "wont you, now
There'll be no harm done, and think she'll
come"


He promised to do as requested, and we
took our leave, On our way back | asked
Lewis if he suppose the time would ever come
when he would cease to invite me to 60 with
him ?


"Not while you accept the invitations"
was the reply. "But | can imagine how it