The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1840-08-08

w hen MIR. toward came in at the usual
dinner hour, he found his wife in the cham.
bar. with pale cheek, and eyes from which
the tears were not yet dried. His instant
conclusion was that she had thought his
words and his manner in the morning.
could or hitary, and that she had felt the
chill upon her young heart that while
he mad been absorbed in his business, she
had been weeping alone in her chamber. -
To his tender inquiry, she related the
cruel disappointment she had met and, the
modification TO which she had been subec-
ted.
And what do you think was the cause
of this, Emily 2"
The cause? How can imagine any
cause for such treatment %
g / did not wish you TO go this morning
Emily and | had my reGsons for it,"
:" And what 1cas the reason dear hus-
band p she asked with an expression of a.
larm upon her countenance learfu, sus.
picion arousing her mind.
Mr.. Howard was silent for some mo-
ments, for he dreaded 10 make known 10 his
wife what he knew she would learn TOO ear
ly, But, fearing to lose the opportunity he
at length took her hands in his, and looking
steadily in her pale face, said -
" My dear Emily, it is time for me TO
speak out plainly TO you. A sudden and un-
expected change has taken place in my af-
fairs, which will, ] dosbt not, result in the
total wreck Of my little property. Such
change cannot,of course, take place, without
becoming generally known among men of
business. Mrs. Jervis, doubtless learned
the fact last evening from her husband aud
this will account 10 you for her conduct this
morning"
Howard paused to see what effect this
communication would have upon his wife.
She seemed started and confused for few
moments, and then looksk him in the face
with an affectionate and encouraging smile,
and said
I" But my father my father, Henry he
is rich, and will hasten to your aid, when
he learns your situation. | shall have
much wealth coming 10 me, and it will all
be yours"
1T pains me. Emily, to dash even that
hope from your mind. Your fathers af.
fairs are in as bad conditions as my own.
We will go down together"
II was not that the real character of EN-
lily was to appear. Her husband expected
her TO sink at once into state of distress
ing dependency; and had even fortified his
mind to bear up under the double trials
which such an event would occssion.-
Suck an effect was not, at least, insantane-
ously apparent. gIeat change did indeed
pass upon her, almost in all instant. The
expression of her cpuntenance, the tone of
her voice, her manner, all seemed changed.
With calm, earnest attention did she lis
ten to detail ol the circumstances which
had consplred to embarrass her husband. -
From ihoughtless, ,giddy votary of fashion
she seemed at once changed into a rational,
sympathizing woman. After Mr.. Howard
had given her to understand fully the true
position OF his affairs. she looked him ten.
derry in the face, and said
" Dear Henry am your wife. still
here is no change" lsPing her hand upon
her breast-'yes, there is change, for
you are now dear to me than ever
Through prosperity or adversely, through
evil report or good report, am your wife,
to share with you all that is good and 10
bear with you all that is evil"
How Ike wild and strangely beautiful
music did the voice of his wife thrill upon
the heart of Henry Howard How did
her face shine with new and surprising
loveliness, caught from the form of lively
affections within Could he do less than
fold her TO his heart as treasure, worth
more than all he was about TO loose.
Light was the heat that beat in his bo-
som, when he returned to his store in the
aflernoon, and as evoning came on, he felt
impatient to get home again, to look upon
the face Of her whose countenance had
changed the beauty of its expression, in
correspondence with the elevation of char
arter which so instantaneously occurred.- =
The smile that met his return was mot
glad smile. 1t was something more quiet,
su5dued, aneclonate minglng an ex.
preston of tender concern for the enc
whose burdens she now seemed anxious
TO share. There was great change too
in her appearance. Most Of her orna-
ments, such as rings, and chains, and 9th
er articles Of jewelry, with which she had
been fond OF decking her person were re-
moved; and IN simple while dress she
met her husband. Never had she appear
ed in his ewes so lovely. Never before |
did such charm invest her every move |
mPnt