Lexington union. (Lexington, Miss.) 1838-18??, 1839-06-22


happiness. In the eighth year, they had
gradually thrown off so much of the selfish
ness of love, as to become sensible of The
claims of the rest Of the world, and no
longer lived solely for each other, as i'll
they were the only sentient beings, and
the rest of mankind but pictures or statutes
upon the stage of life. In nine, they were
amlable, sensible people, abroad as we'll as
at home. IL ten, they seemed very much
like mankind in general, and like excel
lent people who had been married ten
years, and could take care Of themselves.
They had certainly grown ten years
older; so had their love, and, alas! so had
their virtues also.
Next, they began to see the faults and
foibles that had heretofore been covered
| with the mantle of love. They spoke not
of them, but viewed each others errors
with kindness and indulgence. Soon,
however, came a gentle admoniiion; but
If it wounded the feelings, the offender was
sure TO make full and sweet atouement
Then these admonitions came oflener;
atonemnt was not easily made; vet still
harmony prevailed. Then followed occa-
sional irritation, and anger and differences
of opinion; but they still loved each other,
and such things will occur in the happiest
unions. AT length their mutual feelings
dictated avoidance Of too frequent contact.
lyon are sentimental, and sometimes
irritable" said the count, one day, 10 his
wife. $50 am 1. 1t is useless to have
these idle differences. We will not inter
lere with each other, but each take our
own way. We can be sincerely attached,
without letting our attachment torment us
to death.
The countess acguiesced in her bus
bands sensible view of the matter, and
henceforth they led almost separate exis-
tence. Rarely meeting, excep, at meals,
no one asked !" Whence CONTEST or with,
er goest thou2" In this complacent man
ner, they lived in peace and harmony.
One evening, in the twentieth year Of
their marriage, they attended the theatre,
and were charmed with the delightful pic
tuie of domestic life and connubial happi-
ness which the play represented. They
returned full of the feelings which had
been excited in their susceptible hearts.
The love of their youth seemed revived,
and they sat conversing aficctonateIy BY
The fireside, before supper.
"Ah!" said the countess, 'itwould all be
charming il we could only remain youngm
"You, at least, have no reason to regret
the loss Of YOUTH" said her husband,
tenderly.
'Few women remain so youthful and
lovely. Indeed, l can see no difference
between you now, and the dav of our
marriage. Some little faults of temper,
perhaps, are discoverable; but that we
must all expect; for were it not for these,
our happiness would be too great for this
earth. Indeed, were ] TO live my life
over again, you would be my choice"
"You are kind and gallant" answered
the countess, with sigh; sbut think wha,
| was twenty years ago, and what | am
now?"
"Now lovely wife--then a lovely
maiden! would not exchange the one for
the o,her," said her husband, kissing her
affectiona,ely.
eve want but one thing, my love, to
perfect our happiness" said the countess.
"Ah! understand you; an only child
TO perpetuate your virtues and graces.
Heaven may yet bless US"
"We should be indeed happy; but then
an only child causes more anxiety and
care, than pleasure; lest, by some accident,
we should lose it. Two chidren--o
"You are right; and not two, but three;
for with two, if we lose one, there is the
same anxiety and fear, lest we should be |
robbed Of the other. trust that heaven
will yet hear our prayers, and bestow
upon US three children"
"My beloved friend" said the countess,
smiling, "three are almost too many. We
should be placed in a new embarrassment;
for example, if they were all sous,
"Good! I'VE have fvc-and- twenty forms a |
year; enough for Us and for them. !
would place the eldest in the army; Of the
second would make diplomatist; neither
requires much expense and we have RAM.
friends and influence"
"But you forget the youngesi9"
"The youngest! by no means! He
shall be 10 the church; cannon-per-
haps prebend."
"What!a prest?-my son priesti No,
indeed! Besides he has no prospect Of
advancement"
mo prospect Of advancemenl?-and
why noti EIe might become an abbot,
a bishop, or even cardinal"
"Never! would never be the mother
ola monk, and see my soL with the shaven
crown and dark habit Of the clcister!
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