Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-12-18

embraced by my friend, who led into
the little but neat parlor. His wife was
sitting at her needle; book, from which
Ledly had been reading to her, lay OH the
work stand. Porter" said he, " this
is the mountain nymph who has drawn
me into the married state" With tn csc
words, he turned to his wife, who re-
ceiyed me with a mild but heavenly
smile. | rejoice" said she, to well
come to our comfortable little home, a
friend so dear to my Ledly."
There was something in her manner
new to me. could not perfectly un-
derstand it, for it seemed above my idea
of female politeness. The sensations it
produced were delightful.
| was soon called to partake of a plain
but excellent repast, provided by the
hand of my friends wife, for he said she
would not consent to keep servant
while their means were SO small, and
her health so good.
After tea, an interesting and animated
conversation, in which the fair compa-
Mon ofLedly bore with peculiar modesty
and felicity a very considerable share,
served to make the hours pass most
sweetly. The frivolities which satiate
without satisfying, in the brilliant circles
of the city, formed no part of the enter
tainment; but subjec of higher order,
in which the intellect is called into &C
ton, the heart engaged; in short, the
most sublime morality and exalted SEN
timent, appeared, from the facility with
which she treated them, ordinary topics
with this excellent woman. So that
when looked on the surrounding OBJ
jects; when | surveyed the economical
decorations of the room, furnished by
the tasteful pencil, and'the diligent hand
of the mistress of the cottage; when |
saw the effect produced on the mind and
habits of my hitherto volatile, but now
refined and happy friend, | was constrain
cd to say, that whatever may be the trials
and difficulties ofthe married life, in such
companion is found more than an equi-
valent--an help meet indeed
The evening was closed by devotional
exercises, according to their constant
custom, custom that she could not be
content to decline. The solemn read
ing of the word of God; the fervent
prayer springing from the heart; the
sweet strains that were poured forth by
the most touching voice, accompanied
by the deep melody of the piano-lorte-
all conspired to raise the mind and ele-
vate the affections to that Being from
whom they felt that they received their
blessings-and | retired to rest soothed
by the reflection that l had passed one
evening in rational manner.
| remained with them several days,
in which had further opportunity of
seeing a person who had deeply drunk
of the cup of pleasure, calmly enjoying,
in this scquesteced spot, without the adj
vantage of society, or even the satisfac-
ton of fertile soil, a happiness to which
l felt conscious was stranger.
But alas short is the duration of sub
lunary felicity !! Not long after this visit
received letter from Ledly informing
of his removal to the west--since which
a long silence has intervened.--At
length business called me also, and / ar
ranged my affairs SO as to pay him a
visit, congratulating myself with the
pleasing expectation spending a week
or two in the same delightful manner as
| had done before.
Being arrived at his house, sprang
eagerly forward to meet the wonted en-
brace ofmy friend--and anticipating the
same sparkling welcome from his COM
panion. But O! my heart bleeds on
the bare recurrence of that mournful
meeting to my memory. Before me in
silent sadness sat my friend-his little
child had ciambered upon his knee, and
was fondly endeavoring to amuse her
distracted father, and as the big tear
rolled down his cheek would Kiss it
away. He started at my approach; al
faint smile animated his countenance
a moment, and then gave way to gush
of sorrow, while poor Ledly wrung my
hand in mournful welcome. / could not
long remain in suspense, although had
not heard the mournful tidings. The
anguish with which his heart was evil
IDENTITY troubled" the customary suit
of solemn black" at once informed me
that he had no longer fond partner to
soothe his heart with her gentle sympa-
thies, or participate in his enjoyments.
Early in life, while every sensibility was
F" feelingly alive to each fine Impulse"
while his bosom was warmed BY the
most tender youthful passion, he was left
mourning, lonely widower!
I0 Daint the dictrecc &c n honrt ,rh op