The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-05-08
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Neao Yorker.
THE OXEN M e r G ii L.
or FEW HINTS TO THE LADIES.


INC thank you' he answered in half peev-
sh tone, and rising abruptly took his hat and lett
the room.
To the eve of the careless observer, that home
was the abode of plenty. contentment and hap
niness. Mr. nj. had been married about two
wars His wife-oue of thousand--one little
smiling cherub who was beginning to exhibit
those winning playful ways, that parents OF all
others find so very attractive. And if their es-
tnblishment was not splendid, according to the
IDEAS of modern nabobs, there was something
throughout which bespoke the refinement and
elegance of the owner. They knew how to APP
ply and enjoy nationally the wealth wherewih
Providence had blessed them. The time they
had spent together had rather strengthened than
diminished their attachment, formed as it was, on
mutual worth, and highly cultivated endow-
mens.
But TO return ; Mrs. NJ followed the retreating
form of her husband with an anxious and tear
full eve, and then leaning her head upon her
hand rave vent TO her agonized feelings in q
food oftears She did not hope for her'busband's
return before the hour for dinner and having foy
saveral dnvs marked his altered demeanor, she
had in vain striyen to fathom the cause, and had
hoped ere this to have some explanation but 1t
was plain that he stunned her society, and for
the first time shut her out from his confidence.
Yet he was certainly not at ease, ana evidently
anxious to evaGe any conversation on the sub
,ect. She had preserved her eqnanimy, nay,
even appeared gay in his presence; but now that
she was alone her long suppressed anxiety broke
forth in an agony it took her long to subdue.
Yet she had some measure reganed her tram
guilty. when Mr.. NJ. suddenly entered. His
heart smote him for his conduct to his wife-yet
he dreaded to tell her that he was bankrupt!
He knew her worth and confiding tenderness,
Int he wished her dream of happiness to last as
long as possible and he IN vain essayed to tell her
unshrnkngy that an unfortunate speculation had
reduced them from affiuence TO poverty. Yet
the traces of anxiety and suffering which ilnger-
ed on the countenance of Mrs. M. determined
him. and seating himself beside her made can
did and full disclosure ofhis altered fortunes.
.And is this ALL SAID Mrs. M. in gay tone, is
it the loss of few thousands--the probable sac
rifce of few superfluities, that you have feared
TO tell me?'
But consider, Helen,' said MIR. M. you as yet
knowing nothing of poverty from actual comforts
of life we feel that there is more OF bitterness than
poetry i'm his actual presence
sWe will see,' she said gaily, and seating her
selfby the piano poured forth such glad strain
of harmony that Mr.. M. himself yielded to its in
fuence, and confessed that they might even yet
be very happy.
linquish even this
Then NV voice will be left--see how / can
sing And she did sing sweetly that she con-
WINGED even her sceptic husband that something
there was that poverty could not rob them Of.
He felt relieved of half his msforunes, now that
his wife knew his circumstances, and bore his al
tered fortunes 50 calmly He eat his dinner with
composure, and returedlto his store set himself at
thorough investigation of affairs. He found
them not so bad as he first feared; and though
his business must be suspended, and his style Of
living contracted, yet he hoped to pay all debts,
and trusted to the future TO retrieve the pres
ent.
Such were his communications to Mrs. M.
'And yet,' he sad when think of the advan-
tages YOU must relinquish--the prvat,ons you
may yet have to encounter, confess my spirit
sometimes misgives me at the prospect
eve will see,' said Mrs. NJ. First here is
large house orthree of us; have often thought
in passing neat, snug house, how comfortable
it looked
sWell'
'Then here is a quantity of useless furniture
which can seldom trust servant to keep IN Or
der. Some are careless and some do not know
how. Them the house and furniture disposed
Of, we shall not want the servants, another per-
plexity gone, we shall not he expected TO give
parties and dinners-another material ltemn the
vexa,ions of life. Again, in snug little house,
nope hut ourreal friends will ever take the trou
bic TO find lis out--inore time saved. SO you
perceive, on every hand we must be gamers
But though Mrs. MS affections for her hus-
band, and her own excellent understanding
prompted her to treat her present posture OF at
fairs SO lightly, and though she held herself rea
dy to make any sacrifices with cheerfulness
which circumstances might require, yet she knew
and felt keenly that draught which adversely
compels us to swallow is indeed bitter. She
knew enough of society to he aware that in the
circle which prosperity draws around US there
are always some who look with envious eyes on
our condition and would exut at our fallen for
tunes; but, whatever she felt she saw that her
husband felt more, and resolved that no repnng
on her part should add one atom to his perplex-
tiles.
CHAPTER II.
Ring, ding! went the bell, at an early hour at
the house ofMss Deborah Greenwood and the
servant ushered in Miss Marshall.
Have you heard the news?' said she after a
few preliminaries.
What newsp
sob, only that Mr. M. has faed-postvely