The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-05-08

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Oh, how sweet was the promise of nv we'd
ding day! Ofmy husband was very fond.
Handsome, educated, and with talents of a
high order, there was every thing about him
to make the heart of a young wife proud
Tenderly we loved each other. Like days in
Elysium passed the first few months of our
welded life. Our thoughts and-wishes were
one. After that, gradually change appear
ed to come over my husband. He deferred
less readily to my wishes. His own will was
contentious for victory longer and longer con-
tinued. This surprised and panied me. But
it did not occur to me that my tenaciousness
of opinion might seem as STANCE to him as
did his to me. 1t did not occur to me that
there would be propriety in my deferring to
him-at least, so far as to give up opposition.
l never for a moment reflected that proud,
frm-spirited man, might be driven off from
an opposing wife, rather than drawn closer,
and united in tenderer bonds. / only per-
ceived my rights as an equal assailed. And
from that point Of view, saw his conduct as
dogmatical and overbearing, whenever he res
olutely set himself against me, as was far too
frequently the case.
'One day,-we had then been married
about six months,-he said to me, a little Sc
riously, yet smiling as he spoke, Jane, did
not see you on the street this morning -
You did, l replied. And with Mrs. Cor
bin?' Yes My answer to this last ques-
ton was not given in very pleasant tone
The reason was this. Mrs. Corbin, recent
acquaintance, was no favorite with my hus-
band; and he had more than once mildly
suggested that she was not, in his view, fit
associate for me. This rather touched my
pride. 1t occurred to me that | ought to be
the best judge of my female associates, and
that for my husband to make any objections
was an assumption OH his part, that, as wife,
| was called upon to resist. | did not on pre-
vious occasions, shy anything very decided,
contenting myself with parrying his object
ions Iaughingly. This time, however, l was
in less forbearing mood. Il wish you would
not make that woman your friend, he said af-
ter had admitted that he was right in his
observation And why not, pray 2 asked,
looking at him quite steadily. For reasons
before given, jane he replied, mildly, but
firmly. There are reports in circulation
touching he= character that fear are--.'
'They are false!' | interrupted him. Il
know they are falser spoke with a sudden
excitement. My voice trcmbled, my cheek
burned, and l was conscious that my eye
shot forth no mild light. 'They are true-I
know they are true!' Mr.. Cleveland said,
sternly, but apparently unruflled. Il don't
believe it, relorted. Il know her far better.
She is an injured woman
''Jane,' my husband now said, his voice
slightly trembling-'you are my wife. As
such, your reputation is as dear TO me as the
apple of my eye. Suspicion has been cast
upon Mrs. Corbin, and that suspicion have
good reason for believing well founded. II
you associate with her-if you are seen upon
the street with her, your fair fame will re-
ceive taunt. This cannot permit
There was, to my mind, threat con-
tanned in the last sentence-a threat of au-
thoritative intervention. At this my pride
took fire.
Cannot permit said drawing myself up.
What do you mean, Mr.. Cleveland T.
The brow Of my husband Instantly flush
ed. He was silent for a moment or two
Then he said with, forced calmness, yet in a
resolute, meaning tone
Jane do not wish you to keep company
with Mrs. Corbin.'
Il WILL was my indignant reply.
His face grew deadly pale. For mo-
n:ent his whole frame trembled as if some
fearful struggle was going on within. Then
he quietly arose. and without looking at me
left the room. Oh how deeply did roget ut
tering those unhappy words the instant they
were spoken But repentance came toe
late. For about the space of ten minutes
pride struggled with affection and duty, A
the end of that time the latter triumphed, ant
| hastened after my husband TO ask forgive
ness for what had said. But he was not il
the parlors. He was not in the house!
asked servant if she had seen him, and re-
ceived for reply that he had gone out
sAnxiously passed the hours until night
fall. The sad twilight as it gathered dimly
around, threw deeper gloom over my heart
Nv husband usually came home before dark
Now he was away beyond his accustomed
hour. Instead of returning gladly to NEE
his young wife, he was staying away, because
that young wife had thrown of the attraction:
of love and presented to him features harsl
and repulsiYe. How anxiously l longed tC
hear the sound of his footsteps-to see hi!
face-to hear his voice. The moment o.
his entrance | resolved should be the mo
ment of my humble confession of wrong-e
my faithful promise never again TO set up my
will determinedly in opposition to his judg
ment. But minute after minute passed afte
nightfall--hours succeeded minutes-anC
these rolled on until the whole night wor,
/ away, and he came not back TO me. As thu
gray light of morning stole into my chamber
terrible fear took hold ofme that made my
heart grow still in my bosom-the fear tina
he would never return-that had driven hin
off from me. Alasi this fear was too
nigh the truth. The whole of that day pass
ed, and the next and the next, without an,
tidings. No one had seen him since he lief
me. An anxious excitement spread among
his friends. The only account | could give
of him was that he had parted from me ii
good health, and in sane mind.
sA week rolled by, and still no wore
came. was nearly distracted. What
suffered no tongue can tell, no heart con
ceive. have often wondered that | die
not become insane. But, from this sac
condition was saved. Through all my
reason, though often trembling, did no
once forsake melt was on the tentf
day from that upon which we had Jared
so heavily as to be driven widely assun