Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-11-11
Select Gales.
The Wife.
BY JOHN G. WHITTIER,

She was a beautiful girl when first saw her.
She was standing up at the side of her lover at
the marriage alter. She was slightly pale-yet
ever and anon, as the ceremony proceeded, al
faint tnge of crimson crossed her beautiful cheek
like the reflections of sunset cloud upon
the clear waters of quiet lake. Her lover, as
he clasped her hand within his own, gazed on
her few moments, with unminged admiration,
and warm and eloquent blood Swallowed at in
tervals his manly forehead, and melted in beauty
on his lips,
And they gave themselves to one another in
the presence of Heaven, and every heart blessed
them, as they went their way rejoicing in their
love.
Years passed on, and again saw those lovers.
They were seated together where the light of
sunset stole through halfclosed crimson curtains,
lending a richer tint to the delicate carpeting
and the exquisite establishment of the rich and
gorgeous apartment Time had slightly changed
them in outward appearance. The girlish buoy
ancy of the one had indeed given place to the
grace of perfect womanhood, and her lips were
somewhat paler, and faint line of care was
slightly perceptible upon her brow Her husbands
brow, too, was marked somewhat more deeply
than his age might warrant, anxiety, and ambi-
ton, and pride had grown over it, and left their
traces upon it silver hue was mingled with
the dark in his hair, which had become thin
around his temples, almost to badness. He was
reeling on his splendid ottoman with his face half
hidden in his hand, as if he feared that the deep
and troubled thoughts which oppressed him were
visible upon his features.
" Edward, you are i'll tonight" said his wife
in low sweet, half inquiring voice, as she laid
her hands upon his own.
Indifference from those we love is terrible to
the sensitive BOSOM 1t is as if the sun of heav-
en- refused its wonted cheerfuness, and gared
upon us with cold, dim, and forbidden glance
1t is dreadful to feel that the only being of our
love refuses to ask our sympathy-that he broods
over the feelings which he scorns or fears to re-
veal-dreadful to watch the convulsve features
and gloomy brow, the indefnable shadows of hid
den emotion, the involuntary sigh of sorrow in
which we are forbidden to participate, and whose
character we cannot know. The wife assayed
once more.
edward, she said slowly mildly and affection
ately ''the time has been when you were willing
to conhde your secret joys and sorrows to one
who had never, | trust, betrayed your confidence!
Why then, my dear Edward, this cruel reserve
You are troubled, and yet refuse to tell me the
cause"
Something of returning tenderness softened
for an instant the cold severity of the husbands
features, but it passed away and bitter smile
was his only reply.
Time passed on, and the twain were separated
from each other. The husband sat gloomy and
alone in the damp cell of dungeon. He had
followed ambition as a God, and had failed in
high career He had mingled with men whom
his heart loathed, he had sought out the fierce
and wronged spirits of the land and had breath
ed into to them the madness of revenge. He
had drawn his sword against his country; he had
famed rebellion to flame, and it had been
quenched in human blood. He had fallen, mis-
erably fallen and was doomed to die the death
of traitor
The door of the dungeon opened and a light
form entered, and threw herself into his arms.
The soitened light of sunset fell upon the pale
brow and wasted cheek of his once beautiful
wife
edward; my dear Edward" she said 81 have
come to save you have reached you after a
thousand difficulties, and, thank God, my pur-
pose is nearly executed"
Misfortune had sofened the proud heart OF
: manhood, and as the husband pressed his pale
wife to his bosom, tear trembled on his eve
flash.
nave not deserved this Kindness" he muir
mered III the choked tones of agony.
EDWARD, SAID his wife, in an earnest. but
talnt and low voice, which indicated extreme and
fearful debility, 1--WE have not moment to lose
D by an exchange OF garments you will be enabled
J., to pass out unnoticed Haste or we NAV be too
i. late Fear nothing for me- / am woman and
they will not injure me for efforts in behalf of
r husband dearer than life ITSELF"
But Margaret" said the husband, "you lool
" sadly i'll. You cannot breathe the air Of Thu
y dreadful CELL"
$ ooh, speak not of me my dearest Edward,
8 said the devoted woman, ri can endure anything