Litchfield enquirer., 1837-06-08
THE BRIDE.-A SKETCH.

Among the crowds who were hastily promenading the streets on Christmas eve, was Charles West and if his step degen- erated into stride, and then run, he might be pardoned, for Charles West was a new bridegroom. The transition iron, the dirty, cold streets, to warm parlor, was itself pleasurable: and added to that, to be welcomed home by a bright eyed gisl-all smiles and bushes, (for the honey moon was barely passed) was absolutely something too paradisal for earth. Emma had wheeled the sofa in front of the fire, and as Charles seated himself beside her, he was certainly very happy fellow.-- Alas he had as yet only drank the bub- bles on the cup. Emma looked lovely, for the glow of the warm coal fire had giv- en bloom to her usually pale cheek, which heightened the lustre of her dark eyes. But there came shade of thought over En,- mas brow, and her husband instantly re- marked it. It is strange how soon hus- bands see clouds on their liege lady's brow. It was the first Charles ever saw tkere. and i, excited his tenderest inquries.- Was she well? did she wish for any thing Emma hesitated, she blushed and looked down. Charles pressed to know what had cast such shadow 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. 'Ob! ! 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 carpeting.- Mary would have me walk down to Brent's store this evening, with her, and he has brought two, and they are such loves.'- Charles bit his lips. Nary she con.in- ued, said you were doing first rate bu- siness, and she was sure you would never let that odious wilton lay on the parlor, il you once saw that splendid brussels sc rich and so chsap-only seveniy-6ve dol lars.'
 Now the odious wilton,' had been se- lected by Charles's mother and presented to them, and the color deepened on his cheek, as his animated bride continued. Suppose we walk down to Brent's and look at it-lhcre are only two, and it seems a pity not to secure it. Emma, said Charles grayely, you are mistaken, if you suppose my business will justify extrava- gance. It will be useless to look at the carpet, as we have one which will answer very well, and is perfectly new Emma $ vvacity fled, and she sat awkwardly pick ing her nails. Charles felt embarrassed he drew out his watch and put it back whistled, and finally spying periodical on Emma's table, began to read aloud some beautiful verses. His voice was well tOn- ed, and he soon entered into the spirit of the writer, and forgot his embarrassment ; when looking into Emma's eyes, how he was surprised, instead of the glow of sym pathetic feeling he expected to meet. to see her head bent On her hand--evident dispIeasure on her brow-and tear stole trickling down her cheek. Charles was 8 sensible young man-I wish there were more of them--and he reflected minute before he said, Emma. my lovc, get your bonnet and cloak and walk with me, if you please.' Emma looked as if she would like to pout little longer, but Charles said come,' with such serious gravity on his countenance, that Emma thought proper to accedr, and nothing doubting but tina, it was to purchase the carpet, took his arm wilh smile of triumph. They crossed several streets. not in inc direction oi Brcm's, until they at last siood before the door of miserable tenement in back street. Wher., in the world are you ta- king me 2 inquired Emma, shrinking back. Charles quietly led her forward. aud lifting a latch, they stood in little room. around the gralea aof which, three small children were lowering, closer and closer, as the cold wind swept through the creviees inn the decayed walls An emacialed being, whose shrunk features, sparkling eye, and flushed