Year: 1859

OF evening, as well as IN daytime and IN the
night?'


'Well-isn't it p asked George.


'How can it be if you are not here? ? What
makes home for children, if it be not the
abode of the parents? What home can a
husband have where there is no wife ? And
what real home comforts can a wife enjoy
where there is no husband? You do not
consider how lonesome am all alone here
during these long evenings. They are the
very seasons when am at leisure to enjoy
your companionsbip, and when you would
be at leisure to enjoy mine, if it is worth en-
joying. They are the seasons when the hap
piest hours of home life might be passed.
Come-will you not spend few of your
evenings with me?'


You see enough of me as. it, said the
husband, lightly.


ALLOW me to be the best judge of that,
George. You would be very lonesome here.
all alone


Not fit was my place Of business, as it
is ofyours,' returned the young man. 'You
are used to staying here. All wives belong
to home


Just remember my husband, that, pre-
vious to our marriage, I had pleasant socie-
ty all the time. Of course I remained at
home much of my time; but l had father
and mother there, and I had brothers and
sisters there-and our evenings were happi-
ly spent. Finally gave all up for you. [
left the old home, and sought home with
my husband. And now, have I not right
to expects some of your companiousbip? How
would you like it to have me away every
evening while you we're obliged to remain
here alone?'


sWhy-I should like it we'll enough


'Ah-but you would not be willing to
try it.


Yes, would said George, at ven
ture.


will you remain here every evening next
week, and let me spend my time among my
female fricuds?'


Certainly | WILL he replied; 'and l as
sure you I shall not be so lonesome as you
imagine


With this the husband went out, and was
soon among his friends He was steady,
industrious man, and loved his wife truly;
but like thousands of others, he had contract
ed habit of spending his evenings abroad,
and thought it no harm. His only practical
idea of home seemed to be, that it was place
which his wife took care of, and where he
could eat, drink and sleep, as long as he could
pay forit. In short, he treated it as sort of
private boarding house, of which his wife was
landlady; and if he paid all the bills he con-
sidered his duty done. His wife had fire.
quently asked him to stay at home with her,
but she had never ventured upon any argu-
ment before, and he had no conception Of
how much she missed him. She always SEEM
ed happy when he came home, and he suppo-
ed she could always be so.


Monday evening came, and George Will
son remained true to his promise His wife
put on her bonnet and shawl, and he said he
would remain and keep house.


what will you do while | am gone?
Emma asked.


OH shall read and sing, and enjoy N.Y.
self generally


Very WE'LL said Emma. i shall be back
early


The wife went out, and the husband was
left alone FIe had an interesting book, and
he began to read it. He read till eight
o'clock, and then he began to yawn, and
look frequently at the clock. The book did
not interest him as usual. Ever and anon
he would come to a passage which ne
knew would please his wife, and instructive
ly he turned as though he would read it
aloud but there was no wife to hear it. At
half.past eight he rose from his chair, and
he began to pace the floor, and whistle
Then he went and got his flute, and played
several of his favoSite airs. After this he
got chess-board, and played game with
an imaginary partner. Then he walked the
floor, and whistled again. Finally. the clock
struck niue, and his wife returned.


well, George said she, Il am back in
good time How have you enjoyed your
self!


.Capitally,' returned the husband. Il had
no idea it was so late hope you have en-
joyed yourself


oh, splendidlyp said his wife. Il had no
idea how much enjoyment there was away
from home Home is dull place, after all
isn't it?


Why-no-I can't say that it is, return
ed George, carelessly. In fact he added,
Il rather like it,


Pm glad of that retorted Emma, for we
shall both enjoy ourselves now. You shall
have nice comfortable week of it,


George WINGED at this, but he kept his
countenance, and determined to stand it out.


On the next evening Emma prepared to
60 away again.


Il shall be back il good time she said.


Where are you going?' her husband
asked.


ooh, can't tell exactly. 1 may go to
several places


So George Wilson was left alone again.
and he tried to.amuse himself as before; but
he found it a difficult task. Ever and anon
he would cast his eyes upon that empty chair,
and the thought would come. CHOW pleas
ant il would be if size were here W The