Lexington union. (Lexington, Miss.) 1838-18??, 1839-11-02
NS1(GrEtEsgegw.
L HI Il DEV OTED WIFE
By J. c. WHIT.
One of the lest Poets of America.

%" W SHc was stauulHB up ny me SIDE
ct her lover at the marriage altar. She
was slightly pa'e-yet ever and anon, az
the ceremony preceded, faint tinge o
crimson crossed her beautiful check, like
the reflections Of sunset cloud upon the
clear waters Of lake. Her lover, as he
clasped her hand within his own, gazed Oh
her for moment with unmingled admira
ton, and the warm eloquent blood shad
owed at intervals his manly forehead, and
"meled into beauty on his lips"
And they gave themselves to one an
other in The presence Of heaven, and every
heart blessed them as they went their way
rejoicing in their love.
Years passed on, aud =! again saw these
lovers. They were seated together where
the light Of summers sunset stole through
! the hall-cl, sed and crimson curtain, lend
ing a richer tint to the carpeting, and the
exquisite ciIishmcn's of the rich and
gorgeous department.. Time had slightly
changed them in outward appearance
The girlish buoyancy of The one had in
deed given place to the grace Of perfect
womanhood, and her lip was somewhat pa
Ter, aud iaiut lin. of care WAC perecrti.
lie on her brow. lier husbands brow.
too, was marked somewhat more deeply
than his age Nigh! warrant; anxiety am
bItion and pride had grown over, aud Iei;
their traces upon it;a silver hue was min
gled with the dark Of his hair, which had
become thin around his temples, almost TO
badness. he was reclining on SPLEEN
did ottoman, with his face half hidden By
his hand, as if he feared that The deep nd
troubled thoughts which oppressed him
were visible upon lis features.
edward, you are i'll to night" said
his wife in | W, sweet, half inqnir;rg
voice, as she laid her hants open his own.
Indifference from those we love is ter
rible to lie sensitive bosom. II is as II
the sun of heaven refused its vented
cheerfuness, and glared upon us with Il
cold, dim and forebdding glance. 1t is
dreadful to feel that the only being of our
love refuse 10 ask orr sympathy--that
he broods over tie feelings which hescorns
o. fears to reyeal--dreadinl TO watch the
conclusive features and gloomy brow--lhe
Involuntary sigh Of SORROWS in which we
are forbidden to participate, whose char
acter we cannot know.
The wife once more essayed. "Ed
ward" said she slowly, mildly and siiec-
tionatclv, "ihe time has been when You
were willing to coniide your secret joys
and sorrows, to one who has nevcr,l trust,
BETRAYED your confidence. Why Their, my
dear Edward, ls this cruel reserve? You
are troubled and refuse to tell me the
cause"
Something Of returning tenderness sof-
tened an instant the cold severity of the
husbands features, but ii passed away
and bitter smile was his only reply.
Time passed on, and the twain were
separated from each other. The husband
sat gloomy aud alone in the damp cell Of
dungeon. He had mingled with men
whom his heart Ioa,hed he had sought the
fierce and wronged spirits OF his land, and
had breathed into them the madness of
revergc. lie bad drawn his sword against
his country; he had famed rebellion to "a
flame, andi had been quenched iD human
blood He had fallen and was doomed
to die the death Of traitor.
The door Of the dungeon opened, and a
Light form entered and through herself into
his arms. The soltened light of sunset
fell upon the pale brow and wasted cheek
Of his once beautiful wife.
"Edward dear Edward" said she,
III have come 10 save you: have reached
you after a thousand difficulties, and |
thank God my purpose is nearly executed.
Misfortune had soiteued the proud heart
Of manhood, aud as the husband pressed
his pale wife to his bosom, a tear trembled
on his eyeash. 81 have not merited this
kindness," he murmured in the choked
tones Of agony.
Eaward,n said his wife,in an earnest,
but faint and low voice, which indicated
extreme aud and fearful debility, We have
not moment to lose. by an exchange
of garments you will be able to pass out
Haste or we may be too late.
Fear nothing for me. lam a woman,and
they will not njure me for any efforts II
behalf OF "a husband dearer than llfeiself. "
"Bu', Margaret" said the husband,
"you look sadly i'll. Yon cannot breathe
the air of this dreadful cell"
ooh. speak not Of me, my dearest
Edward said The devoted woman, 81 can
endure any thing for your sake. Haste,
Edward, haste, and all will be well" and
she aided with trembling hand, TO disguise
The proud form of her husbandin the fe-
male garb.
Farewell, my love, my preserver,"
whispered the husband in the ear OF the