The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-07-10
SELECTED TALES.
From Mrs. Gilman's " Tales, Ballads &c."
THE WIFE.


THE WIFE.
had been married about four years, when
received a letter from INV friend, Eliza Somers,
saving she would accept my invitation TO pass
few weeks with me at Washington. Five years
previous, we parted with mutual vows of un-
changing friendship. She was my beloved
companion in boarding school, when was in
a land of strangers, and had sympathlzed with
me in all my childish troubles. Although we
had been so long separated, our affection and
sympathy remained unchanged, and our letters
were records Of cherished friendship and esteem.
She had lust returned from Europe, where
residence of some years had added TO her ac-
complishments and intelligence, while | re-
manned at home cultivating domestic virtues.
As the time drew nigh for her to arrive,
heard such accounts of her SURPRISING beauty
and grace, that almost regretted having invi-
ted her. had an underlined fear that she might
be too attractive in the eyes of him who en-
crossed all my affection and all my solicitude ::
but il was too late to retract, and felt fever
ish anxiety when thought OF her coming.
was not naturally prone TO jealousy, but il
was the weakness of my husbands mind, that
he could never see interesting young girl,
without seeking TO iexcite in her an admiration
of himself | was ashamed 10 let him know
that / suffered from these lrtations, and often
wept in secret, after an evening spent in the So
ciety of Young girls, by whom he seemed fas-
cinated for the time. | was frequently morti-
| fed to see him waste his time and talents in
such triaing, but feared to make any sugges-
tions lest he should think wished TO check
harmless indulgence.
The eyentfu day at length arrived it was a
beautiful sunny morning, when the carriage
stopped at the door, and my dear Eliza with the
10, ot ynnfhful IN m
arms.-We wept with unsubdued emotion, but
ours were tears of joy. forgot my incipient
jealousy, and looked on this gifted being as one
who was to fill up my sum of earthly happiness.
She was dressed in drab colored riding habit,
with black velvet hat and feathers. Her hair
clustered in beautiful ringlets about her face,
and her transparent complexion was tinged with
the bloom OF health. With the most perfect
beauty, she seemed to have entire uncon-
sciousness of her attractions.
Nature had been bountiful TO this beautiful
creature in mind as well as in person, and
soon saw our gravest statesmen listen TO her
graceful conversation with delighted attention
In the enchantment of her society, was happy
beyond all my former experience. She made
no effort to captivate my Henry's imagination,
or TO fatter his vanity, but looked OH him a
being set apart and consecrated to her friend
and the thought did not enter her mind that
there could be any rivalry between us. / also
felt a confidence in her integrity, and in those
religious influences Of her mind.
My husband, like her, was gifted with every
imaginable grace of mind and person, but not
I like her. blessed with such strict integrity OIL
singleuess of heart. 1t was, as | have remark
ed the W eak point Of his character, TO be very
susceptible to the influence of female beauty
Although his responsibility as a married man
f,tha, taI him fyor ina
his admiration openly, yet many a fair girl has
felt the pressure Of his hand, and many an in
nocent eye glistened at the tale OF haltery he
poured into her ear under the insidious guise
of friendship. His voice was so soft and melt
ing, his manners SO refined and delicate, as TO
inspire immediate confidence.
He could not long resist the temptation o
trying to excite in the mind Of my friend, al
admiration of HIMSELF but while he sough; 10
csptivste her, he becomes unconsciously fas-
cinated by her charms. Eliza was gr1tited by
/ his attentions, because he was the husband o
her friend, because his talents and his high
place in society made j, an honor to her. But
although she listened to his conversation with
gratifed attention, and talked with him with
animation and truth, she never fattered him
Thus was the seal placed on her youthful
friendship, and although might wonder how
she could be lnseDslble Of his admiration whom
all the world admired, | had consolation in the
belief that she would not willingly become my
rival.
The affection between Henry and my self was
not impaired by these Inconsistencies. lie
loved and respected inc more than all the world
beside, and he was most devoted parent. ii
is true that he often made me unhappy, and he
was sometimes on the verge Of danger, but
could not fail to perceive that his impression
was evanescent, and that it did not interfere
with his real affection for me. He labored 10
his profession he sought honor and, distinction
for my sake, and it seemed his greatest pleas
ure to meet my appreciation. Ii possible that
had represented TO him the folly as well IA
danger of his conduct, he would have been in
huenced by my counsel; but the fear Of being
considered that degraded being, Jealous u!te
kept me SILENT and trusted to the redeemng
power of his own principles. Some tims after
the arrival of Eliza, we attended fancy ball
and Henry with animated looks, asked her IL
dance. They both danced exquisItely, and
with great spirit and animation. The exercise
gave glow TO her countenauce, and my hus
band looked at her as If he was surprised and
bewldered by her beauty. | was sorry / had
not confded TO my friend, the history Of my
husbands excitablIity, because she was too
generous to have intenered with my happiness
and her own excellent principles would have
led her TO check the first indication Of an un-
due prepossesson. He was evidently dazzled
by the beauty sod eclat attending her; but
, this was not the moment to allow me to make
the humilisting confession that feared her as
, my rissL
After the dance was ended, lie brought her
to me and said
My dear Laura, ] shall thank you forever
for the pleasure | have enjoyed thus evening
DO entrsst your friend to waltz with the, 10,
she has refused my solicitation"
While he was speaking, 1 was 50 sgts,ed
that could not reply. and only gave him a
grave and cold bow. But he needed not my
abstraction. My hands aud feet we're cold as
..-t.tu - ,,x i'm dyx aud fno,,.nt.s. lie