Year: 1860

Amy sobbed more violently for little
while, and then, the paroxism abating, she
became silent


In the first place them began the old
lady, would like to know if it is in this
way that you receive your tired husband,
every evening, when he returns from busi-
ness ?


Ia what way, aunt Phpbe?' 2 I don't
know what you mean.


in fault finding way | mean.


But, aunt, | cannot let him act in such
a disorderly way


Stop, my child! = said aunt Phoebe
You are wrong. The love of your hus-
band is more to you than these trif2s. ii
his heart is all right; if ne is manly, hon
orable aud kind do not these qualities far
outweigh the small defects Of which you
complain! You did not meet hlm tonight
when he came home to you, with tender
words, but IN reproof 1t would have been
but little thing for you to have hung up
hls hat when he thoughtleSsly placed it on
the chair; or to have raised his coat to a
higher position on the rack, if left too low
for your fancy. You would both have felt
happier for this forbearance and attention
on your part, and surely your own peace of
mind and the happiness Of your husband
are things to be first considered. What is
the varnlsh on char-round to the smile
OF your husband? Or the freshness Of a
tassel cord to his tender and loving thought
Of you? Why, child, you are throwing
away precious gems for glitter and tnsel
Wasting love aud gathering up bitterness
OF heart for the time to come. How much
better would il have been, when be drew
off his boots in the sitting room, and com
planned Of their tightuess and Of his weari-
ness, for you to have said to him, in kind
consideration, will take your boots, John,
and get your slippers That would have
been wiiely and lovingly done; and he
would have rewarded you with grati6ed
smile. But how does it stand now? He
is angry and you are unhappy. Are few
little home properties to be valued more
than love and peaceY


Aunt Phoebe paused. Amy looked at
her for some moments in half startled,
halI-bewildered way, as if new and accu-
sing truth was breaking in upon her mind
Then she laid her face down against her
and wept for some time silently.


Am | not right, my child " said aunt
Phoebe.


YES, you are right, and I have been
wrong. Thoughtless, foolish woman how
weak and unwise [ have been. Thanks,
dear aunt Phoebe, for your plainly uttered
reproof'


When Amy returned to the sitting
room, she had her husbands dressing gown
On her arm, and his slippers in her hand.


Give me your coat, John, she said, with
pleasant smile, here is your dressing
gown


'Oh, you needn't have taken that
trouble, returned her husband in surprise.


Its no trouble, DEAR answered his wife,
putting her hand on the collar of his coat,
and then helping him to remove it.


There, she added, as she drew off the
last sleeve, is your dressing gown, and here
are your slippers ] will take your coat
and boots over to the chamber


All this was SO unexpected to John, that
the whole thing was done before he had
time to object or demonstrate.


There was no more fault-fnding on that
evening; 20 more sharp or complaining
words; but considerate kindness and gentle
attentions from one to the other. 1t was
long time since the hours had passed
away so pleasantly. A shadow had fallen
on the brightness Of their home spirit
Of accusation had come in +; alienation had
begun; their freighted bark had passed
from calm water to a troubled sea they
were in danger of shipwreck; but Aunt
Phoebe came at the right moment, and by
fifty spoken words, restored order, harmony
and peace.