Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1837-06-21
THE BRIDE.-A SKETCH.

pordoned. Charles West was new made
r. 'egroom. The transition from the dir
ty, cold street 10 warm parlor, was in itself
pleasurable; added TO that, to be welcomed
home by bright eyed gir!-all smiles and
bushes, ((or the honey moon was barely
passed) was absolutely too paradisal for the
earth. Emma had wheeled the sofa in
front of the fire, and as Charles seated him.
self beside her, he was certainly a very,
happy fellow. Alas! he had as yet only
drank the bubbles Of the cup. Emma
looked lovely, for the glow of the coal fire
had given bloom to her usually pale
check, which lighted the lus're of her dark
eyes. But there came shade of thought
over Emma's brow, and her husband H.
stantly remarked it. [: is strange how
soon husbands see clouds on their liege
lady's brows. 1t was the frs; Charles ever
slw fhere, and it excited the tcndrrest in
quires. Was she unwc!-did she wish
for any thing? Emma hesitated, blushed
and looked down. Charles pressed to
know what had cast such a shadow over
her spris. Il fear you will think me very
silly, but Mary French has been sitting
with me this afternoon" mot for that
certainly" said Charles, smiling. "Oh |
did not mean that, but you know we be-
gan 10 keep house ncarly y a. the same time.
only they sent by Brent to New York for
carpeting. Mary would have me walk
down TO Bren's store this evening with her,
and he has bought two, and they are such
loves" Charles bit his lip. "Mary," she
continued, ''said you were doing first
rate business, and she was sure you would
never let that odous wilton lay on the par.
lor if YOU once saw that splendid Brussels;
so rich and so cheap-onIy seventy-five
dollars"
Now the odious "wiltor," mad been Sc
lecred by Charles mother and presented
to them, and the color deepened on his
check, as his animated bride continued,
" suppose we walk down to Brenl's and
look at it-there are only two. and 1t seems
pity not to secure it." ''Emma, SAID
Charles gravely, "you arc mistaken if you
suppose my business will justify ex'rava-
| gance. 1t will be useless 10 look at ihe
carpet, as we have one which will answer
very well, and is perfectly new." Enma's
vivaci:v fled, and she sat awkardIy pick
ins her nails. Charles felt embarrassed
he drew out his watch and put it back =
whistled, and finding q periodical on En-
mas table, began to read aloud some beau.
tful verses. His voice was well toned, and
he soon entered in,o the spirit Of the writer
and forgot his embarrassment when looking
into Emma's eyes how he was surprised
instead of the glow Of sympathetic feeling
he expected to meet, to see her head bent
on her hand, ,-cvdent displeasure on her
brow, and a tear slowly tricklng down her
checks. Charles was sensible young
mani wish there was more Of them
and he reflected a minu'c before he said,
"Emma, my love, get your bonnet and
| cloak on, and walk with me, If you please,
| Emma looked as if she would like 10 pout
little longer, but Charles said "come,"
| with such serious gravety on his coun.
| ,enance, that Emma thought proper to &C
cede. and nothing doubling bd that it was
10 purchase the carpet. took his arm with
a smile Of triumph. They crossed sever.
al squares in the direction OF Brent's, until
they at last stood before the door Of a
miserable tenement in a back street,
"Whcre in the world are you taking me"
INQUIRED Emma. shrinking back. Charles
quietly led her forward, and lifting the latch,
thew stood in little room, around the CRATE
of which, three small children were hover
ing closer and closer, as the cold wind
crcp. through the crevlces in the decayed
walls. An enlacia.cd being, whose shrunk
features, sparkling eye, and flushed cheeks
spoke of deadly consumption, lay on a
wretched low bed. the slight covering OF
which barely suficcd to keep her from
freezing, while spectral babe, whose black
eyes looked unnaturrlly large from its ex-
treme thinness, was vainly cndeavoring
TO draw sustenance from its dying mother.
"How are YOU, Mrs. Wright" quietly
inquired Charles. The woman feebly rails
ed herself on ner arm. us that you MT.
Wes,? Oh how glad | am that you are
come-vour mother" "Has not been at
home for month, and the lady who
promised her to look after you in her abb
sence, only informed me to-day OF your ILL.,
ness" Mhave been very ill., she family
replied, sinking back on her straw bed.
Emma drew near, she arranged the pillow
and bed cloths over the feeble sufferer, but
her heart was too full spcak-CharIes OBJ
served it and felt satisfied: "ls that beau.
tful girl your bridc7 heared you were
marriedr' "Yes, and in my mothers abb
sence she will see you do not suffer"
Bless you Mr.. Charles West-bless you
for a good son Of good mother, may your
young wife deserve you-and that IS wish
ing good deal for her. You are very
v,. - cbo cold Look tpr a