Australian Tales - Setis

“It is not all your fault, Bill, my dear! I feel I am very much to blame
for not striving to make your home more happy, — for you always loved
your home. I have often given way to a bad temper, and have said sharp
things to you, when I, ought to have said soothing things, or have been
silent altogether, and wore a smiling face. I have often, too, taunted you
with running us into difficulties, when I ought to have tried to help you
out of them, or to have borne our trials with patience.
“I own how foolish and unkind I was, Bill, in refusing to entertain the
Boozems on Christmas-day, after you had invited them; for I know you
are fond of a chat with old Joe, now and then. You have a right to invite
who you please to our house, of course; and I showed great disrespect to
you when I objected to your doing so. I am sure I grieved you, for which
I am very, very sorry.
“I have done wrong, dear,” added Polly, throwing her arms round her
husband's neck, “but pray forgive me, and I will promise never to grieve
you in a similar way again. It cheers my heart more than I can express to
hear you say you mean to make a fresh start, and I intend to start afresh
with you. I will begin the new year in a new way of life, and, with God's
help, I hope henceforward to see our home the abode of love, peace, and
joy.”