Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1837-06-27
THE BRIDE-A SKETCH.

Among The crowds who were hastily prom
enadihg The streets on Christmas eve, was
CHARLES West, and il his step degenerated in
to stride and then a run, he might be par
doned. Charles West was new made BRIDE
groom. The transition from the dirty, cold
streets, &c the warm parIor, was in itself pleas
urable; and added 10 that, TO be welcomed
home by bright eyed girl-all smiles and all
bushes, flor the honey moon was b9rely pas
sed) was absolutely something too paradisal
for earth. Emma had wheeled the sofa in
self beside her, he was certainly q very happy
fellow. Alas he had as yet only drank the
bubbles on the cup. Emma looked lovely, for
the glow of the warm coal fire had given
bloom to her usually pale cheek which height
ened the lustre of her dark eyes. But there
came shade of thought over Emma's brow,
and her husband instantly remarked il. 1t is
strange how soon husbands see clouds on
their liege lady's brow. II was the first
Charles ever saw there and it excited his ten
derest sympathies. Was she unwell-did she
wish for any thing2 Emma hesitnted, she
bIushcd and looked down. Charles pressed 10
know what had cast such shadow over her
spirits. Il fear you will think me silly, but
Mary French has been sitting with me this
afternoon Not fer that, crtainly,' said
Charles, smiling 'Oh l did not mean for
that, but you know we began TO keep house
nearly at the same time, only they sent by
Brent 10 New York for carpeting. Mary
would have me to walk down TO Brent's store
this evening, and he has bought two-and they
are such loves.' Charles bit his lip. Mary
she continued, said you was 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 SO rich, and
so cheap-only $751;
Now the 'odious Wilton had been selected
by Charles mother, and preseted to them, and
the color deepened on his check, as his anima-
ted bride continued. Suppose we walk down
TO Brenrs and look at it-there are only Two,
and it seems a pity not TO secure it, Emma
said Charles gravely, you are mistaken if you
suppose my business will justify extravaganza.
II will be useless TO look at the carpet, as we
have one which will answer very well, and is
perfectly new. Emmas vivacity fed and she
sat awkwurdly picking her nails, Charles felt
embarrassed-he drew out his watch and put
it back ,-whistled, and finally spying peri
odlcal on Emma's table, began 10 read aloud
some beautiful verses. His voice was well
toned, and he soon entered INTO the spirit of
the writer and forgot his embarrassments /;
when ing into Emmas eyes, how he was
surprised instead Of the sympathetic feeling
he expected to meet 10 see her head bent on
her hand, evident disPlcasure on her brow, and
tear trcklng down her checks. Charles
was sensible young mani wish there were
! more Of them-and he reflected moment be-
| fore he said, "Emma, my love, get your bon.
/ nel and cloak on, and walk with me, if you
/ please.' Emma locked as if she would like
TO pout a little longer, but Charles said Come, ,
with such a serious gravity on his counenance
that Emma thought proper 10 accede, and
nothing doubling that it was 10 purchase the
carpet took his arm with smile of triumph
They crossed several streets in the direction
of Brenps until al last they stood before the
door OF a miserable tenement in back street.
where in the world are you carrying me =
inquired Emma, shrinking back. Charles
quietly led her forward, aud lifting latch,
| they stood in tie room, around the crate OF
which three small children were lowering clos
err, as the cold wind swept through the crcvi-
ces, in the decayed walls. An emaciated be-
ing, whose shrunk features, sparkling eyes,
and flushed cheek spoke of deadly cOnsump.
ton, lay on a wretched low bed, the light COW
ering ofwhch barely suiliced TO keep her from
freezing, while a spectral ba e, whose blank
eyes looked unnaturally large from its extreme
thinness, was vanly endeavoring TO draw sus-
lenancc from its dying mother.
How are you, Mrs. WrighP quietly in
quired Charles. The woman feebly raised
herself OH her arm. Is it you, Mr. West D
Oh how glad am you are come--your moth
err HAS not been at home for a month"; ant
the lady who promised her to look after you il