The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1825-11-02

had been given alternately by one and
another.;, husbands aud prudent wives
know what such amount TO, and Of how
much value they are 10 young house
keepers. Unfortunately, Henry return
ed in the evening, fatgued and weary,
10 both body and mind, with the labors
ofthe day, and took his seat at the table,
His favorite dish was not there. He en-
CURED for it in a style that, perhaps, sa-
youred little ofreproach; It was s1in-
tentional.--Mary was in The presence of
her self constituted pIeceptors she was
ashamed TO appear too submissive be-
fore them, and besides her feelings we're
wounded by her husbands manner; she
replied as she thought spiriiedIy; but it
was really harsh. Henry cast . single
glance. across the table, pushed back his
plate, and rising left The room. Ii was
the first error. They were both sensi-
bic fit in moment; but who SHOULD
make the first concession, where both
we're plainly wrong
As Henry walked down the street en-
gagged in unpleasant meditalions. and en-
yeloping himself in the gloom, bright
light from the upper windows Of the vii
lage inn, attracted his notice he STEP
ped over; party of gay young men
we're about sitting down to supper ).
they urged him TO join the club; the
temptation under the circumstances of
the case was all powerful. Supper
over he delayed little longer, and
little longer, taking bis leave; liquor
was introduced, and he drank; music
came next, and cards followed; though
he did not join in the last, he looked on
the games without adherence; the
dread he bad been brought up in Of evil
had been broken.
Returning late at night, his spirits
heated with wine, and The recollection
OF his wife's behaviour before him; he
found her retired, and passed the night
IN another room. The morning brought
a cool meeting; the formal Interchange
OF few words, and "a parting without
explanation or complaint. The seed of
dlscontent was soWn; it bore the fruit
that might be expected. His home was
no longer the centre of attraction to
Henry. His tavern Companions were
gay, good humored, and attractive. and
ne left the fire-side of bis own mansion
which no longer wooed him as zeaIonslv
and powerfully as the aie-house club. OF
which ne was soon the very centre ana
lie. The second error was committed
Though unseen by their friends !,
dark cloud now brooded oyer tttp ft,r.
tunes of our young couple. Itgatbered
blackness until perceptible 10 every
eye; and when it burst. carried ruin
and desolation'with it. Driven to the
dangerous company Of dissipated, fash
lonable men, Henry contracted all heir
habits; he became a drunkard and
gambler. The domestic circle was de-
serted, and its obligations forgotten.
Mary met her husbands harshness and
taithie@ness with reproaches and bitter
ness; they both began in error, and
continued SO. These occasioned loud
and long, and violent collisions; a fear
tul example was thus set before their
children, who grew up disobedient, vio-
lent, and passionate. And though for
many long years the impending bolt of
ruin was stayed just above their heads,
at last il sped.
Henry died lingering and awful
death. His estate was found to be insol-
vent; his children grew up to ruin; and
Diary, The once beautiful, enchanting
Mary Conway, ended her life in poverty
and obscurity. Thus fatal in lis direct
and natural consequences was an error;
single error, the offspring rather of
accident than intention. leave the
moral for others to trace out and apply.