Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1837-06-07
THE BRIDE /.

Among the crowds that were hastily
promenading the streets on Christmas
eve, was Charles West; and if his stem
degenerated into a stride, and then a
run, he might be pardoned. C. West
was new made bridegroom. The
transition from the dirty cold streets to
a warm parlor, was in itself pleasurea.
BILE I; and added to that to be welcomed
home by bright eyed girl--all smiles
and bushes, (ior the honeymoon was
barely passed) was absolutely some.
thing too paradisal for earth. Emma
had wheeled the sofa in front Of the
lire, and as Charles seated himself be-
side her, he was certainly happy fell
low. Alas he had as yet only drank
the bubbles in the cup. Emma looked
lovely, for the glow of the coal fire
had given bloom to her usually pale
cheek, which heightened the lustre of
her dark eyes. But there came a
shade of thought over Emma's brow,
and her husband Instantly remarked it.
1T is strange how soon husbands see
clouds on their liege lady's brows. It
was the first Charles ever saw there
and it excited his tenderest inquiries.
Was she unwell did she wish for n.
ny thing Emma hesitated, she blush.
ed and looked down. Charles press.
cd to know what had cast such a shad-
ow over her spirits. {" fear YOU will
think me very silly-but Mary French
has been sitting with me this afternoon"
/" Not for that certainly" said Charles
smiling. cob. did not mean that.
but you know we began to keep house
nearly the same time, only they sent
by Brent TO New York for carpe,ing.
Mary would have me walk down 10
Brent's store this evening with her, and
he has brought two--and they are
such loves" Charles bit his lip. "Ma.
ry," she continued, "said YOU were
doing first rate business, and she was
sure you would never let that odious
Wilton lay on the parlor, if you once
saw that splendid Brussels $50 rich,
and so cHEAP-only seventy. dol
lars"
Now the "odious Wilton" had been
selected by Charles mother and pre-
scented to them, and the color deepen.
cd on his cheek, as his animated bride
"Suppose we walk down to
Brents and look Mt it--there are only
two, and it seems a pity not to secure
it," Emma," said Charles gravely,
g you are mistaken, if you suppose my
business will justify extravaganza. 1t
will be useless TO look at the carpet,
as we have one which will answer We.
ry well, and is perfectly new" En-.
mas yivacity fled, and she sat awk-
wardly picking ner nails. Charles
felt embarrassed--he drew GU. his his
watch and put it back, -whistled, and
finally spying periodical on Emma's
table, began to read aloud some beauti.
full verses. His voice was well toned.
and lie soon entered into the spirit of
the writer, and forgot his embarrass.
ment; when, looking into Emma s
eyes, how was he surprised, instead of
the glow of sympathetic feeling he ex.
pected to meet, to see her head bent on
her hand ,--evident displeasure on her
brow, and tear slowly trickling down
her cheek. Charles was sensible
young mani wish there were more
Of them--and he reflected minute be.
fore he said, Emma, my love, get
your bonnet and cloak on, and walk
with me, if you please" Emma look.
ed as if she would like to pout little
longer, but Charles said come" with
such serious gravity on his counte.
nance, that Emma thought proper to
accede, and nothing doubling bur that
it was to purchase the carpet, took his
arm with a smile of triumph. They
crossed several streets in the direction
of Brent's, until they at last stood be.
fore the door ola miserable tenement
in back street. "Where in the world
are you taking me % inquired Emma
back. Charles quietly led
her forward, and lifting latch, thew
stood in a little room, around the CRATE
of which, three small children were no.
vering, closer and closer, as the cold
Wlnd swept through the crevlces in the
decaycd walls. An emaciated being
whose shrunk features, sparkling eve
and flushed cheek spoke Of deadly con.
lay on wretched low he'd
the slight covering of which barely suf.
feed 10 keep her from freezing, willie
a spectral babe, whose black ewes loo.
ked unnaturally large from its extreme
thinness, was vainly endeavorinp TO
draw sustenance from the dying moth.
er.
GLOW are you, Mrs. Wright 2" oui.
city inquired Charles. The woman
feebly raised herself on her arm. "Is
that you Mr.. West oh how glad j
am you are come--your mother 1''-
/" Has not been at home for a month
and the lady who promised her to look
after you in her absence, only informed
a