The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-07-22


try wants, its petty humiliations-then will
be the real trial.
"But," said /, "now that you have got o.
Yer the severest task, that of breaking 1t to
her, the sooner you let the world into the Sc
cret the better The disclosure may be NOR
tifying but then it is a single misery, and
soon over, whereas you otherwise suffer it,
in anticipation, every hour i'll the day. 1t is
not poverty, so much as pretencc, that har-
rasses ruined man-the struggle between
aproud mind and an empty pursc-the keep
ing up 4 hollow show that must soon come
to an end. Have the courage to appear poor,
and you disarm poverty of its sharpcst sting"
On this point l found Leslie perfectly pre-
pared. He had no false pride himself, and
as to his wife, she was only anxious to CON
form to their altered fortunes.
Some days afterwards he called upon
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 cut
furniture. The new establishment required
few articles. and those Of the simplest kini.
All the splendid furniture Of HIS late resi-
dence had been sold, excepting his wifc's
harp. That, he said, was too closely associ-
ated with the idea of herself; it belonged to
the little story of their loves 4; for some of
the sweetest moments Of their couFtship
were those when he had leaned over Tint in
strument and listening to the melting tones
of her voice. | could not but smile at thl,
instance of romantic sallnntry i'll 4 dsntng
husband.
He was now going ont to the cottarr,
where his wife had been AL day, S'iperin-
tending its arrangement. My feelings had
become strongly Interested in the progress
of his family story, and as it was evening, ]
offered to accompany HIM.
He was wearied with the fatigueS IF the
day, and as we walked out, fell into il of
gloomy musng.
6 Poor Mary - at length broke with hca-
Wy sigh, from his lips.
"And what of her. asked |, l,.- anM
thing happened to her.
"What," said he dartng an impatient
glance, SIS it nothing to be reduced to thi,
paltry situation--to be Gagged in miserable
cottage-to be obliged to toll, almost, il tbs.
menal concerns of her wretchcd habit :
ton"
% Has She then rcpined at the changc.'
"Repined she has been nothing but sweet
ness and good humor. Indeed, she srCns
in better spirits than have ever known hCr;
She has been to me all love, and tenderness,
and comfort -
"Admirable girl!' exclaimed I, "you call
yourself poor, my friend bat you never
were so rch-you never knew the bound-
less treasures of excellence you possessed in
that woman"
"Oh, but my friend, if this FIRST meeting
at the cottage, were over, think could
then be comfortable. But this is her first
day OF real experience; she has been intro
duced into humble dwelling-shc has been
employed all day arranging its equipments
she has for the first time known the il
tigues of domestic employment-she has for
the first time looked around her on homo
destitute OF every thing elegant, and almost
convenient; and NAV now be sitting down,
exhausted AND spiiitless, breeding over a
prospect of future poverty"
There was degree Of probability in this
picture that could not gainsay, SO VIC walk
ed on in silence
After turning from the main road, up a
narrow lane, SO thickv shaded by forest trees,
as to give it complete air of scclusi0n, we
came in sight OF the cottage. 1t was humhlc
enough i'll its appearance for the most pas
toral poet; and yet it had a pleasing rural
look.-A wild vine had overruu one end with
Il profusion of foliage a few trees thrcN
their branches gracefully over i, and oh
served several pots Of flowers tastctully d,-
posed about the door, and or the grass plot
i'll front. A small wicket gate opened upcl
a footpath that wound through some hr,,h-
berry to the door. Just as We approached
we heard the sound Of music--I.caic grlsp-
ed my arm; we paused and listened. ltwa'
Mary's voice, in 4 style OF the HOS; touch
ing simplicity, singing little air ot w.ici
her husband was peculiarly fond.
| felt Leslie's hand tremblc on M arm
His step made noise on the gravel WALL. i
bright beautiful face glanced out Of the win
dow, and vanished-a light footstep wa
heard-and Mary came tripping forth t,
meetus. She was in pretty rural dress o
white; fresh bloom was on her cheek he
whole countenance beamcd with smiles
had never seen her look SO lovely.
my dear Georgc,p cried She, g am g
glad you are come; I've been watching unc
watching for you, and running down the lane
and looking out for you. Eve set out Il tab!
under beautiful tree behind the cottage
and I'vc been gathering some OF the most dc
licious strawberries, for / know you arc font
Of them-and we have such excellent cream
and every thing is SO sweet and still her
OH" said She, putting her arm within his
and looking up brightly in his face, "Oh, "
shall be so snug!"
Poor Leslie was overcomc.--IIc caugll
her to his bosom-hc folded his arms al oun
her-he kissed her again and again--h
could not speak, but the tears gushed int
his eyes. And he has often assured nc, ths