The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-11-14

cases and but little business of importance e
transact, my professional engagements would
certainly have admitted my spending few
er intervals from home; yet often made q
trif1ing plea suffice to leave her, ! wonder
now that consideration for Alice had so little
hold on my mind. As months went by in the
same manner, varied only by transient visit
to or from our relatives, began to observe
that my wife was not so gay as formerly. Her
voice, that almost infallibe betrayer of the
state ofthe feelings, sounded lower, and had
taken a mournful tone. When silent there
was an expression ofdeep thoughtlulness IL
bout her usually placid brow. / felt uneasy,
and, one morning especially, manifested my
concern more tenderly than had done be-
fore. was surprised and startled TO see the
tears fill her eyes, and inquired their cause
with increased earnestuess.
your affection makes me weep she said,
when sufficiently composed to speak; lit re-
moves the suspicion have been entertaining
of its existence ......
"A strange suspicion, truly Iplnyfully re-
piled. so your doubts ofmy sincerity are
returnng|
No. she said, with her wonted sprightliuess
ofmanner, Il do not suspect your sincerity
for you never make professions now
lit is because l regard them us superflu-
Gus, then. You know love you, Alice p
How should know it when yon never tell
me so" she asked sportively.
do not my actions sufficiently prove it"
inquired.
With her views of love and its evidence, and
mine at this present time, she might have
Justly answered no, but she evaded any direct
response, and soon after changed the subject.
The few words she uttered however, ought
to have enlighted my mind relative to the
cause other depression; but, / did not reflect,
upon them, and pursued my previous course.
As write confessedly, and entirely for the
benefit Unmarried men, must here remark,
that whoever desires happiness in the
coujugnl relation, ought to study the peculiar
characteristics ofthose to whom they are IL
nitcd, and accommodate Their department ac-
cordingly. do not wish to be understood
as recommending the federation of fragrant
faults although believe even these may be
corrected by judicious kindness, where mutu-
nj affection exists. But there are some weak
nesses attached to human origin, which should
be treated with Indulgence and consideration.
Even virtues, if not properly modified, may
dsagreeably conflict so as to create uneasi-
ness. To make my meaning plain by illus
tration, will add, that j have seen man lib
eral even to degree of prodigality, united to
Il woman, whose early education had render
ed her cautious and economical in all her eX-l
penditure, even to excess. His love mani
Testing tsefcharacteristically frequently in
duced him to lavish on her the most costly
gifts. Devoid herself oftuste for such mag
nificence, instead ofreceiving his donations
i'll the spirit in which they were bestowed,
and thus evidencing her appreciations of his
affection, she would take them with a grave
and almost reproving manner, and inoppor-
timely animadvert on the folly ofsuch extrav-
agance. .....
Her husband certainly must have felt both
disappointed and indignant and realized
keener consciousness other parsimony and
ungractiousness, than his own profiIsion.-
Yet, that woman was not niggard, but ca
pable of generosity proporioned TO his own,
when real objects ofcharty were presented
to her notice. Had she understood her hus-
bands character better and possessed more
tact, she might eventually
have succeeded in tempering his prodigalty,
without wounding his feelings or provoking
n harsh Judgment for her own moderation.
This is hut one of many instances of per-
petual occurrence. Whatever initiates a.
ganst the happiness ofthe being, whose des- !
tiny is committed to our guardianship, is of |
moment, however trifling, in itself and our
estimation, the circumstances may appear
BY parity ofreasoning, whatever contributes
to preserve the sunshine ofthe spirit, becomes
important. Different dispositions require diff
erent treatment, in order to secure either i'm
Drovement or felicity; hence arises the neces-
'ity ofacquaintance with the moral consttu-
ion of our home associates. If was weak
ness in Alice to doubt her husbands love,
because its developments were unlike her
,reconceived idea of what they should be, it
ought 10 have been his greatest pleasure, as
t was his highest earthly interest, to convince
Ter of the wrong she did his heart; and thus
estore to her aching breast its confidence and
together. But seemed wrapt in
most uncomfortable heedessness. Proba-
'ly for awhile after the intimaton she had
,iven of her distrtlst, my manner towards
Ter was more tender, for she certainly grew
more cheerful; but her pensiveness soon re-
urned. proposed another visit to her faith
RS, imagining a change ofair might benefit
Ter. She passvely yielded, but expressed no
pleasure at the anticipation. Unexpected en-
,agenents frustrated the design, and | have
ince thought that she apprehendeG being
Questioned by her mother relative to her de-
ection, and therefore was not grieved by dis
appointment. After this, my solitude increas-
ID, for her health evidently declined, affect
ID by her spirits, and Ispent much of my /:
'wn time at home. We rode, walked and read
ogether, and Alice recovered her vvacity & ]
vas happy. The autumn and winter flew by,
he most delightful had ever known, per-
laps the most delightful she had ever known. {
Spring brought an accession of company to {
he neighborhood. / was rallied on my fond ,
ess for retirement and the society of my {
wife, and again Alice was left alone to her
olitary communings ..I.,..f.- I
persuaded her to visit, which she was al I
yays willing to do if was with her, but she '
ever cared to go without me. In reply to
equest from her to accompany her some 9
Lhare that I had nreviollslY urged her TO Wis l