The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-04-16
THE BRIDE.
A SIX ETCH.

Among the crowd who were hastily
promenading The streets on Christmas Eve,
was Charles West; and if his step degen~
Grated into a stride and then a run, he
might be pardoned. Charles West was
a new made bridegroom. The transition
from The dirty, cold street to a warm par.
lor, was in itself pleasurabIe; added to that
10 be welcomed home by a E~bright-eved
girl-all smiles and bushes (for The hon
? ey moon was barely passed was absolute
ly too paTadisal for the earth. Emma had
wheeled the sofa in front of the fire, and as
Charles seated himself beside her. he was
certainly a very happy fellow. Alas, he
had as yet only drank the bubbles of the
cup. Emma looked lovely-for the glow
Of the coal fire had given a bloom 10 her
usually pale cheek, which lighted the lus-
tire of her dark eyes. But there came a
shade of thought over Emma's dark brow;
and her husband instantly remarked it. |!
is strange how soon husbands see clouds
on their liege lady's brows. 1t was the
first that Charles ever saw there, and it ex.
cited the tenderest inquiries. Was she un-
well! Did she wish for anythiug2 EN-.
ma hesitated, blushed, and looked down.
Charles pressed to know what had cast
such a shadow over her spirits.
II tear you will think me very silly,
but Mary French has been sitting with
me this afternoon
"Not for that, certainly" said Charles,
smiling.
"Ob, I did not mean that, but you know
we began to keep house nearly at the
same time, only they sen, by Brent to
New York for carpeting. Mary would
have md walk down to Brenl's Store this
evening with her, and he has bought Two,
and they are such loves"
Charles bit his lip.
"Mary," she continued, "said you were
doing a first rate business, and she was
sure you would never let that odious
wilton lay on the parlor, if you once saw
that SPLENDID Brussels; so rich and 80
eheap-oniy seveny>fve dollars"
Now the " odious wilton" had been Sc
lected by Charles mother, and presented
TO them, and the color deepened on his
cheek, as his animated bride continued
Suppose we take walk down 10 B's
and look at i--there are only two, and it
seems q pity not 10 secure it."
Emma" said Charles, gravely, "you
are mistaken if you suppose my business
will justify extravaganza. 1t will be use.
less 10 look at the carpet, as we have one
tina. will answer very we'll, and is perfect.
ly new"
Emma's vlvacity fled, and she sat awk.
wardly picking her nails. Charles fell,
embqrrassed-he drew out his watch and
put it back-whistIed, and finding II peri.
odical on Emma'S table, began to read a.
loud some beautiful verses. His voice
was well-toned, and he soon entered into
the spirit Of the writer and forgot his en-
barrassments, when on looking on Emma's
eyes, he was surprised, instead of the glow
OF sympathetic feeling he expected 10 meet,
TO see her head bent on her hand-evident
displeasure on her brow, and a lear slows
~ trickling down her cheeks. Charles
was a sensible young mani wish there
were more of them and he reflected n
minute before he said,
emma, my love, get your bonnet and
cloak on, and walk with me, now if YOU
Emma looked as If she would like to
pout a little longer. but Charles said come,
with such Q strenuous gravity on his coun-
.enance, that Emma thought proper 10 ac-
:ede, and nothing doubling but that it was
10 purchase the carpet, took his arm with
! smile Of triumph. They crossed sever