The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-02-04

had reasonable excuse. Il wrote and informed
her Of the change in my plan, thought he, 'decency
demands il yet how can wrile' My dear Julia !!
my dear wife! No such lhing-she is not dear
to mel
She is my wife-shc is Mrs Weslbury-she is
mistress of my house, and must share my fortune
let that suffice her! 1t must have been for these that
she married me. A name! IL fortune! an elegant
establishment! Mean! ambilious hearlless! Thou,
Maria-bright, beautiful, and tender--thou wouldst
have married me for myself Alas am undone!
o. my father! Under The influence OF feelings like
these he wrote the laconic eplste which cost his
bride so many hitter tears.
TWAS at the close of about two weeks from
this, that Julia was sitting one evening IN her par
Tor, dividing the time betwxt her work and book
when the door bell rang, and minute after the
paror door opened and Mr. Wes,bury entered
With sparkling eyes and glowing cheeks, she sprang
forward her hand half extended to meet hs-but
his ceremonius bow, and cold "goOd evening Mrs
Weslbury" recalled her iecollecton and scarcely
able to reply to his ciyity, she sank back on her
chair. She thought she was prepared TO see him
cold and disant-lhought she expected it-but she
had deceived herself, Notwithstanding all her bet
ter nominations on her husbands indifference tow
ards her, there had been little under current of
hope, playing at the bottom other heart, and telling
her he might rerun more cordial than he WENT
His cold salutaons and colder eye, sent her to
her seal disappointed, sick at heart, ard nearly
lantng. In minute, however, she recovered
her selfpossesson, and made those inquiries con-
corning his health and journey that propriety die
tated. In spite of himself, she succeeded in some
degree in drawing him out. She was gentle mod
est, and uroblrusive-ard good sense and propr-
ely were conspicuous IN all she said. Beside, she
looked very pretty. Her figure, though rather be-
low the medium size, was very fine, her hand and
foot of unrivalled beauty. She was dressed with
great simplicity, but good taste was BETRAYED in
every Thing about her person. She wore her dress
too, with peculiar grace, equally remote from
precision and negligence. Her features were reg
ular, and her complexion delicate: but the great
est attraction of her face, was the facility and truth
with which it expressed every feeling Of the heart
When Mr. Weslbury first entered the palIor, an
observer might have pronounced her beautiful
the bright glow Of transient joy that then kndled
on her cheek, had faded away and left her pale
so pale, that Mr. Westbury inquired even with some
little appearance of interest, e" whether her health
was as good as usual - Her voice, which was al
ways soft and melOdious, was even softer and
sweeter than usual, as she answered /" that it was,
Mr. Westbury at length went so far as to make
some inquiries relative to he- occupations during
his absence, whether she had called on the new
bride Mrs Cunningham, and other questions of sim
liar consequence. For the time he forgot Maria
Ndon; was half unconscious that Julia was his wife,
and viewing her only as companion, he passed
an hour or two very comfortably.
One day when Mr. Weslbury came to dinner,
Julia handed him a card of compliments from Mr.
and Mrs Brooks, who were about giving splendid
party.
Il have returned no answer said Julia not know
ing, whether You would wish 10 accept the invita-
ton or not
For yourself, you can do as you ple,se, Mrs
Weslbury-but shall certainly attend it.
Il am quite indifferent about the party said Ju-
liza, us snch scenes afford me little pleasure; but
should be pleased to do rs YOU think proper-as
you think best, Her voice irenbed little as she
spoke; for she had not yet become sufficiently nc
coslomed to Mr. Westbury's brnsk manner to.
wards herself, TO bear it with perfect frlhness. i
should think it very suitable that yon pay Mr. and
Mrs Brooks this attention. Mr. Wesibury repli-
ed.
The evening to visit Mrs Brooks at length arrived
and Julia repaired TO her bed chamber to dress for
the occasion, 70 render herself pleasing in the
eyes Of her husband was the sole wish other heart,
but how to do this W is the question. She would
have given the world 10 know his tasle his favor
tie coIOrs, and other ,rcs of the like nature-bul
of these she was completely ignorant and must
therefore he guided by her own fancy. 'Simpici-
w. thought she-'simpclty is the suresl way;
for it never oends, if it does not capliyiie' Accor
dinghy she arraycd herselfln plain while satin
and over her shoulders was thrown a white blond
mantle, with m azure border, while grdle of the
same hue enclrclcd her waist. Her toilet co,n-
pe!ed Julia descended to the parlor her shawl ard
clash in her hand. Mr. Weslbury waiting for her.
and Just casting his eyes over her person. he said
- III you are ready, Mrs Wesibury.wc will 20 i'm
mediaeIy. as it is now late Most Of The guests
were already assembled when they arrived at the
mansion open for their reception, aud it was not
quite easy get TO the lady Of the house, to
make their compliments. This important duty,
however, was at length happily accomplished and
Mr. Wesrbury's next effort was TO obtain seat for
his wife. She would have preferred retaining his
arm at last for while as few persons present were
known to her, and she felt somewhat embarrassed
and confused; but she burst no, say so. from her
husbands manner, she saw that he wished to he
free from such attendance. In such matters the
heart Of a delicate ard sensitive woman seldom der
ceyc her. is it that her instincts are superior to
those Of men,
Julia had been seated but short time before
Mr and Mr. Cunningham approached her. and en-
tered into lively conversation. This was great
relief to julia who could have wept at her soli,a.
ry and neglected situation, alone in the midst of
crowd. Mrs Cunningham was in fine spirits, and
her husband appeared the happiest OF the happy.
Not that he appeared particularly to enjoy society.
but his blooming wife was by his side, aud his eyes
rested on her with looks othe enderesl love, while
he sound of her voice seemed constantly to awak-
IN thrill of pleasure in his heart. After convers-
ing with Julia awhile, Mr. Cunningham said-'Do-
you prefer sitting to walking, Mrs Wesibury' Pray
AXE m y arm, and move about with US n litt'c-h
ooks so dull for person to sit through n party
Julia gladly accepted the offer, and was soon
irawn away from herself in listening to the lively
,a'lc Other companion, who although only resi-
lent OF few weeks in the city seemed already ac-
luainted with all the gentlemen and half the ladies'
present. An hour had been passed in this manner,
md in parlakiny Of the various refreshments that
we're p'ovded-to which Julia did little honor,
hongh this was Of no consequence, as Mrs Cum
,lnsham umply made up all her deficiencies of this
the sound Of music in another room
'ltracted their attention. Julia was extremely fond
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