Year: 1875

h'zzle smiled cheertullY, and acknowl
edge that it would be very pleasant, and
then turned her attention to her. little
ones, who were already climbing upon
grandpapa's knee


The abundant country tea was prepar
ed, and soon after it was over a kind
goodnight was said, Fand the young
mother and children returned to their
own pleasant home.


Fatigued with the pleasures of the af-
terno0n, the babies soon slept and as
Jennie had said, everything bid fair for
the quiet evening chat The husbands s
supper was ready; the household cares
for the day were ended, and, seated at
her little workable, Lizzie busily piled
her needle, casting ever and anon an ex-
pectant glance along the shady walk
which led to the cottage, and indulging,
in the meantime, in very delightful
retrospective view of the events of the
past four years. No clouds had as vet
obscured the sunshine. The moonlight
looked as pleasant now as it did long,
long ago, even in the honeymoon itself.
William was still the kindest and best of
husbands, and the most loving and indul-
gent of fathers; and when this was said, it
mattered little to speak of troubles, for
with good husband, much sorrow may
be cheerfullY borne. But thus far there
had been no sorrow. Worldly riches
had increased so that the little
place in which they lived was now their
own, free from all debts. The busines
was still thriving and would become
more so, as the:Villiage Increased in size
and William still continued his old habits
of industry. Every one pronounced him
a rising man, and what everybody said
must be true. Even his old friend Jim,
had ceased to urge the temperance cause
so stronly upon him, and had nearly ar
rived at the conclusion that William
James was one of the very few who might
with safety indulge in "three glasses a
day"


Regularly were the three glasses taken
at the village saloon, that stood near to
the blacksmith shop, aud as regularly
was sum equivalent to their cost hand
ed to Lizzie upon his return from work
daily. At first, 1t was done in joke, but
at length became a thing of course-a
fixed habit which would have been diff
fcult to break ap. No questions were ever
asked as to the disposition of the money.
"Here.are your three glasses" he would
say, and a quiet thank you" was the
the wife's reply.


Lizzie's pleasant reflections were in
terrupted by the sound of footsteps.
She listened; it was certainly William.
Yes, it was his step; and yet it fell on the
wife's ear with a different sound from
usual, and with an uncertain, almost hes
itating feeling that she rose to open the
door.


SIS it you, civilian 2'' she asked, be-
fore she turned the key.


"Who else should it be Open the
door quickly, and not keep me standing
on the steps all night"


Never before had William spoken in so
abrupt and hasty manner, and Lizzie
looked at him in astonis hment as she
hastily did as be desired.


"What Is the woman looking at2 he
exclaimed in the same harsh voice. zone
would think she never saw a man be
fore. Cannot you give me some support"


"Your supper is ready William" the
wife replied, mildly. She said no more,
for her cart was very full, and she could
with difficulty restrain her tears. A
moments reflection, however. restored
her composure. Something very unusu-
al must have occurred to irritate her hus-
| band to such an uncommon degree. It
was her duty to endeavor to sOothe him
to divert his mind and bring him into
better state. With this view, after
placing his supper before him, she chat
ted cheerfully concerning the little Incl
dents Of the afternoon, of the pleasant
tea at fathers, her disappointment that
he could not join her there, and how lit
tie Willie had wished that father had a
piece of grandma's nice cake, and baby
Lizzie had seemed to miss him when
they returned home, and would be car
ried from room to room, as if searching
for something.


"To all this and much more he list
ened in silence, and made no kindly re-
sponse. Lizzie was sad, but not discour-
aged; and when he left the table, and
threw himself upon the old-fashioned
lounge, which was his favorite place of
evening rest, she seated herself upon a
low stool at shis eide, and looked aifec-
tionately in his face as she whispered:


"Wbat is the matter, dear VIII? This
is the anniversary of our marriage, and
you have not spoken one kind word to
your poor, little wife.


This appeal in some degree restored
him to himself, and, indeed, the nice cup
Of tea had done him good


"NeTer heed me tonight Lizzie" he said,
I am tired and out of sorts. To tell you
the truth, was persuaded to take an
extra glass or two where 1 have been
this afternoon, and it was little too
uch for me. Ny good supper has nearly
set me right, however, and good nights
rask will mako all walI What IL the