Litchfield enquirer., 1844-06-06

AASAy 0NSPs'
Litchtield, May 1874. M.
From Godey's Magazine for May.
. ~f ae WILL! @
BY T. 8. ARTHUR. E
"You look sober, Laura. What has thrown
veil over your happy face? said Mrs. Cleaveland
to her niece, one morning, on finding her alone and
with very thoughtful countenance.
'sDo really look sober p and Laura smiled as
she spoke,
ready dispelled the transient cloud. am glad that
a storm was not portended."
81 felt sober. aunt" Laura said, after few mo-
ments-her face again becoming serious.
ESQ supposed, from your looks"
"And feel sober STILL"
"Why?'
ST am really discouraged, aunt"
ssAbout what -
The maiden's cheek deepened its hue, but she
did not reply.
Of foolish lovers, hope" IT, A- t
sOh, not" was the quick and emphatic an
swer.
ssThen what has troubled the quiet waters of
your spirit? About what are you discouraged"
al will tell you," the maiden replied. 1t was
only about week after my engagement with Har-
ry that called upon Alice Stacy and found her
q
few months. asked what troubled her, and she
said, feel as miserable as I can be- But what
makes you miserable, Alice? inquired. Be-
cause, William and have quarreled-that's the
reason she said, with some levity, tossing her
head and COMPRISING her lips with kind Of def
ance. was shocked-so much so, that could
not speak. THE fact isl she resumed, before /
could reply, all men are arbitrary and unreasona-
BILE. They think women inferior to them, and
their wives as higher order of slaves. But am
not one to be put under any mans feet. William
has tried that trick with and failed Of course,
to be fOiled by woman is no very pleasant thing
for one of your lords of creation. tempest in
teapot was the consequence. But did not yield
the point in dispute; and what is more, have no
idea of doing So He will have to find out, sooner
or later, that am his equal in every way; and the
quicker he can be made conscious Of this, the bet
ter for us both. Don't you think SOP made no
answer was too much surprised and shocked.
All men, she continued, have to be taught this
There never was husband who did not, at first,
attempt to lord it over his wife. And there never
was woman, whose condition as wife was at all
above that of passive slave, who did not find it
necessary to oppose herself at first with uninch-
ing perseverance, s.ml
"To all this and great deal more, could say
nothing. It choked me up. Since then, have
met her frequently at home and elsewhere, but she
has never looked happy. Several times she has
said to me, in company. when have taken seat
beside her, and remarked that she seemed dull,
Yes, am dull; but Mr.. Stacy there, you see, en-
Joys himself. Men always enjoy themselves in
company-apart from their wives, of course !
would sometimes oppose to this a sentiment palli-
alive of her husband; as that in company, man
very naturally wished to add his mite to the gene
raj joyousness, or something Of like nature. But
it only excited her, and drew forth remarks that
shocked my feelings. Up to this day they do not
appear to be on any better terms. Then, there is
Frances Flenn-married only three months, and as
fond of carping at her husband for his arbitrary,
domiDeering spirit ,as is Mrs. Stacy / could name
two or three others who have been married, some
shorter and some longer period, that do not
seem to be united by any closer bonds.
1T is the condition of these young friends, aunt
that causes me to look serious. am to be married
in few weeks. Can it be possible that my union
with Henry Armour will be no happier, no more
perfect than theirs! This cannot believe. And
vet. the relation that Alice and Frances hold to
their husbands troubles me whenever think OF IT.
Henry, as far as have been able to understand
him, has strong points in his character. From
right coarse of acton,-or, from course OF action
that he thinks right,-no consideration, am sure
would turn him. /, too, have mental characterls.
tics somewhat similar. There is, likewise, about
me leaven of stubbornness. tremble when the
thought of opposition between US, upon any sub.
iect, crosses my mind. would rather desc
feel about it-than ever have misunderstanding
with my husband" %. ss
Laura ceased, and her aunt, who was, she how
perceived, much agitated, arose and left the room
without speaking. The reason of this to Laura
was altogether unaccountable. Her aunt Cleaye.
land, always 80 mild, so calm, to be thus strongly
disturbed! What could it meant What could
there be in her maidenly fears to excite the feelings
of one so good, and wise and gentle! An hour
afterwards and while she yet sat, sober and per.
picked in mind, in the same place where Mrs
cleveland had left her, a domestic came In and
said that her aunt wished to see her in her OWE
room. Laura attended her Immediately. She found
her calm and elf-possessed, but paler than usual
I" Sit down beside me, DEAR" Mrs cleveland
said, smiling family, as her niece came in
UWhat you said this morning, Laura" she be-
gan. after few moments, !" recalled my own early
wears so wildly, that could not keep down emo
| tions had deemed long since powerless. The
cause of those emotions it Is now, clearly see, my
duty to reveal-that 10, to yop. For years have
carefully avoided permitting my mind to 90 back
to the past in vain musings over scenes that bring
no pleasant thoughts, no glad feelings. ! have
rather, looked into the future with steady hope
calm reliance. But, for your sake, will draw
aside the veil. May the relation am now about 2,
to give you have the effect desire. Then shall
not suffer in vain. How wildly, at this moment
do remember the joyful feelings that Pervadet
| my bosom when, like you, maiden, looked for
ward to my wedding day. Mr.. cleveland was
| man, in many respects, like Henry Armour
| Proud. irm, yet gentle and amiable when not op.
nosed "a man with whom might have been 81.