The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-02-11
THE LUCKY MISCHANCE,
OR THE ADVENTUROUS MARRIAGE.
IContinued.l


what startled and perplsxed Jack who was persuaded
that his whole fortune would be scarcely sufficient to
pay for them. tie mentioned to her his uneasiness
the subject; but egOOd humOredly cOnsOled him by
an that she should involve him in debt
'She wished him., she said to enjoy tina comforts of
life not with extravaganza, bur with and decsncy
and she doubted not that Providence would always sup
ply him with the MEANS. Jack satisfied and sub
mitted without murnur.
Except, however, in the indulgence of her taste for
convenience and elegance in the furniture and embel-
shmens Of their cottage and little garden attached to
IT, she was in every respect as frugal proper
gard for comfort would admit. Jack thought
that in some instances particularly in her disinclina
ton 10 see company or cultivate acqu aintances in the
neighborhOOd she carried her attention economy too
far; for ne could attribute the fondness which
she manifested for seclusion from the world other
cause than her desire TO avoid the expense OF giving
and receiving invitations 10 social parties. He was
proud of her beauty, and would have felt triumph
her receiving that homage of admiration which he
confident would be paid TO her charms whenever they
shoald be This homage, however, she seemed
DESTROYS to avoid, he that she should obtain
for she went abroad occasions of the
necessary business recreation, without having her
face much possible concealed in the close
shadowing, large trimmed bonnet that she wore when
ne hrst met her. tie frequently demonstrated against
the OF this ungensrOus bonnet but she defended her
hyOre head dress with such good hnmoured 6rnness,
that he always yielded the point without discomfort.
In this manner Jack and his amiabe wife lived in
their neat and rural habltaton for many months, be-
coming every dav, If possible, and attached
10 each other Yet he remained in total ignorance of
her history and connexions. He without curl
Ositv the subject and took various ques-
ton her concerning it, But she could be prevailed on
10 add nothing the information she had gvan him on
the day OF their marriage, which that her apsmal
name was Ellen, that she about twenty wears of
age; and had yielded her affections to any other
Why, my dear she would saw are YOU DESTROYS
10 know more OF me would such knos ledge cause
Won To love me more than do Are we not now a,
her efy as ms hfe La
You know me as your afectonate wife, and know YOU
my kind and good hearted husband Is this not
knov ledge sufficient for our satisfaction p
Jack tenderly assured her that such knowledge was
enough for him; and that no addition she could make
TO II could increase his attachment to her, Our honest
tar in truth, little troubled with the suggestions
of suspicion, the workings of curiosity most men
and he altogether forebore remind her of sub
jet she wished avoid. He felt that il was mmateri-
al what she had formerly been since she was now the
wife of his bosom and the of his love; and that
any thing smiss in her previous character TO be
Informed of IL would not add TO his happiness, but
might possibly give him for uneasnees. He
therefsre, very judiciousy acted this maxim that
'Tis FOLLY iobe wise"
About eleven months after their marriage, Jacks
wife presented him with son, to whom his heart
flowed with all fathers affection. His sense of duty
now rendered him extremely anxious to embark in
some employment by which he might provide for the
family which vas likely to rise around him. Previous
to the birth of his child he had indeed several times
mentioned TO her the proprety of his taking a trip
sea IN order To recruit their finances which from the
comfortable style in which they had lived he could not
but suppose must be very nearly IL not altogether
hausted. He could not, II is rue complain that his
wife had made any unnecessary waste in his small
treasure, except in the instance already mentioned of
furnishing and decorating their cottage. The hiring Of
maid servant and little enand boy seemed indis-
pensable for their comfort, and was almost the only
other expense in which, in addition that incurred by
the demands for necessary clothing and daily food she
had indnged. Ga the WHOLE however, they had lived
comfortably since their marriage, that he was
asonlShed 10 find that there could be any of his small
capital remaining Sometimes he feared that his wife
might be involving him in debit but person
presented him bill or craved him for money on ac-
count Of any of her transactions. STILL however jul
diciousy she might have managed his little stock, come
10 an end he knew must, and that very long
space OF time, If he made effort to repensh it, Be-
ore the birth of their child she strennOusly opposed
every expression OF his desire 60 to sea.
How can YOU, my dear husband,' said she, think
oil leaving me IN my present condition. You know
am altogether stranger here. have no friend nor
protector but you and Heaven only knows how mnch
may stand in need of your protection to COM
fort me- DO nat leave me, at least till you see whether
shall live or die
This appeal which Jacks heart could not
withstand though poverty and debt should follow
his acquiescence He assured her that he would not
leave her until she should be restored health be the
consequence what il might.
This interesting crisis passed. The mother soon re-
covered her bloom and spirits and the child was as
healthy and thriving parents could wish. When it
about three months old Jacks of the neees-
sfy of making some exertions for livelihood, again
prevailed his reluctance leave his home.
His friend Ten had long since resumed hs employment
at sea, and his wife in the regular receipt Of his
wages although the rustic stvle of their living could
l. Ill