Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1819-08-03

empty puFse-the keeping up hollow
s ow lliat must soon come to an end
lave the courage then to appear poor, and
yua Gisarm poverty OF its sharpest sting. y
On this point found Leslie perfectly
prepared lie had no false pride himself,
and as to his wife, she was only anxious
to conform TO their altered fortunes.
Some days afterwards he called upor
me in the evening. He had disposed OF
his dwelling house, and taken small cot
tage in the country few miles from town.
He had been busted all day in sending out
furniture. The new establishment requir-
ed few articles, and those of the simplest
kind. All the splendid furniture of his
late residence had been sold, except his
wife's harp. This, he said, was too close
Jy associated with the idea of herself; it
belonged TO the little story of their loves /;
for some of tue sweetest moments of their
Courlship were those when he had leaned
over that instrument, and listened TO the
melting tones Of her voice. could not
but smile at this instance Of romantic gal
lantry in doating husband.
He was now going out to the cottage
where his wife had been all day, superiu-
tending its arrangement. My feelings had
become strongly interested in the progress
of this family story, and as 1t was fine
evening, | offered to accompany him.
He was wearied with the iatigues of
the day, and as he walked out fell into
fit of gloomy musing.
"Poor Mary!" at length broke, with
heavy sigh from bis lips.
"And what of her. asked !, " has any
thing happened to her."
J" What" said he, darting an impatient
glance, " is it nothing to be reduced to
this paItry situation-to be Gagged in a
miserable cottage-to be obliged to toll
almost in the mental concerns of her
wretched habitation ?"
Has she then repined at the change ?"
Repined! she has been nothing but
sweetness and good humour. Indeed she
seems in better spirits than / have ever
known her; she has been to me all love
and tenderness, and comfort
"Admirable girlr' exclaimed 7, "You
call yourself poor, my friend; you never
were so rich-you never knew the bound
less treasures of excellence you possessed
in that woman"
sob, but my friend, if this first meet
ing at the cottage were over. think
could then be comfortable. But this is
her first day Of real experience. She has
been introduced into an humble dwelling
she has been employed all day in arranging
its miserable equipments-she has for the
first time known the fatigues of domestic
empioyment-she has Tor the first time
looked around her on home destitute OF
every thing elegant, and almost conven-
lent; and may now be sitting down, ex-
hausted and spiritless, brooding over a
prospect of future poverty"
There was degree of probability in
this picture that could not gainssy, SO
we walked on in silence.
After turning from the main road up a
narrow lane, so thickly shaded by forest
trees, as TO give ii complete air Of Sc
ciusion, we came in sight Of the cottage.
IT was humble enough in its appearance
for the most pastoral poet; and yet it had
pleasing rural look. A wild vine had
overrun one end with a prolusion of foil
age; a few trees threw their branches
gracefully over it; and observed several
pots of flowers tastefully disposed about
the door, and on the grass plot in front.
A small wicket gate opened upon foot
path that wound through some shrubhery
to the door. Just as We approached, We
heard the sound of music. Leslie grasp
ed'my arm; we paused and listened. i'll
was Mary's voice, in style Of the most
touching simplicity, singing little air Of
which her husband was peculiarly fond.
/ felt Leslie's hand tremble on my arm.
He stepped forward to hear more distinct
ly. His step made noise on the gravel
walk. A bright beautiful face glanced out
at the window, and vanished light
footstep was heard-and Mary came trip
ping forth TO meet us. She was in pref.
ty rural dress of white; few wild flow-
ers we're twisted in her fiue hair; fresh
bloom was on her cheek her whole coun.
tenance beamed with smiles-I had never
seen her look so lovely.
MY dear George" cried she, am
so glad you are come I've been watching
aud watching for you; and running down
the lane. and looking out for you. I've
set out table under beautiful free be-
hind the cottage; and Pve been gathering
some Of the most delicious strawberries,
for know you are fond of them-and we
have such excellent Greenland every
thing is so sweet aud still here-Oh!" said
she, putting her arm within his, and look
ing up brightly in his face, Oh, We shall
be so snug"