The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-06-24

Mos rGoMERv,
Why so melancholy, my dear Susan - said
Mr. Atwood, as he drew chair, and seated HIM
,sf by his wife. "Surely it is not an AFFECTION TO
nave a daughter well married especially when
the house of her husband is scarcely half mile
from that of her parents -
"Yet you will acknowledge, George" replied
Mrs Atwood, &" that le, a daughters prospects be
ever 50 hattering, there is much to touch II moth
er's heart when she resigns her child TO another.
II is, in degree, sevrng one of natures strongest
lies, and it could not be done without pans,eycn
were we TO foresee that her happiness aud comfort
would not be diminished. But ON this point there
is always fearful doubt. The event only can
provc whether or not man will make good hus-
band; and even should he do so, in the common
ncccptation of the term, there Is still doubt
whether he and his wife are so matched as to make
each other happy"
"Well, my dear" said Mr. Atwood, "for my
own mart, feel no msgvlngs relative to lielen's
happiness, and am very sorry you ARE inclined to
anticipate trouble. In Nlr Howard, have perfect
confidence. Ills character Is unblemshed, and his
principles are such as every one must respect ana
approve | do not suppose he Is perfect; neither
is Helen; hut think they truly love each other,
aud this will enable them to overlook and excuse
each other defects"
.sI doubt not the rccli.ude or frnness Of his
prnciples," said Mrs Atwood; but must confess
have some fears that his temper may not be suited
TO Uelen's Some triiling circumstances have led
me to apprehend, that he may be sell wllled and
obstinate"
Firm, you mean, my dear, said Mr. Atwood
"and hope he will be so. 1t will do much to
improve Helen; for you know that want of firm
ness is one of the defects Of her character"
"And besides," said Mrs Atwood, I" have
ever tho ught him somewhat too grare for n man
Of five and.twenty. Volatility, should as much
dislike, as you would; but Mr. Howard would
please me better, had he little more buoyancy
and cheerfulness. | fear he will be stern"
Here too," said Mr. Atwood, have thought
that kind providence selected the very man for
our daughter. His sedaencss will temper her WV
nctty: and her, sometimes, too tiouglhless gaye-
ty."
81 am sorry you see so many faults in Helen"
replied Mrs Atwood.
% And is marriage like death, said Mr. Atwood,
that you forgot them ALL as soon she is sepa-
rated from you Have you not always seen these
defects and abored 10 correct them J know
her good qualities too. She is atleconate, kind
gentle and forgiving; and always willing to confess
a fault, though somewhat too apt TO repeat it. ]
know, too, that she has fund of deep feeling hid
under somewhat careless exterior, and that her
temper was cast in natures finest mould. All this
know. and much more; and doubt not tha, Mr.
Howard will soc these ,hinus IA CLEARLY. and an.
nrec,,e than "a highly. as do. So cheer nm. nv
deor Susan and instead or snendino ,bis .,,pnn,na
,;,ne from your child. in sonbre ISrebodinos, Inc
grateful 10 kind providence lor giving her sucb a
hnsh,nd and ,rust hc, conGdinglv IN his c,re -
Ivh;le tho mo,ber's hear, vos Tins onx;ou0 ron
oorn;nn tho rn,ure h,nninc.s If her donab,er A.,
81. Ill.
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