Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-12-03
FSom he National Era.
THE WIFE's MISTAKE.
A Sequel to "The Better Way."

II kh0u he does" was the reply.
What can be- done - asked Mary, sadly.
Every little, fear. Something, however,
we must attempt. | will speak 10 Dunn
| will be more in his company than hither-
to. And-you must demonstrate with Cath.
crime. fear she does not make herself or
her home agreeable TO her husband"
- knoc she does moi" sighed Mary.
The entrance of Madame D'Arblay and
Sylvia, attended by a servant with lights,
arrested the conversation. The ladies gath
cred around their workable with their sew
ing, and Leslie. opening a book, read aloud.
while they piled their needles. A far diff.
iereut scene was enacting at Capt. Dunn's.
When the departure Of their guests had
left the Dunn's alone
II I'm grieved and astonished, Cathe-
fine" said Captain Dunn, e that you should
have treated your uncle so unexpectedly
and cruelty"
81 am grieved, but not asfOaished, Cap.
tain Dunn. that you have so far forgotten
what was due to yourself aud me, as to have
invited that woman here. A man whose
features are always obscured by the fumes
Of wine cannot astonish me by any act Of
absurdity or w~ickedness."
"What do you mean by that madam ~
81 mean, sir, that you are never sober,
and therefore cannot be considered a re.
spectacle human being"
"Catherine |"
Don't you understand me yet! You are
more stupid than l supposed, even. In
common parlance, man, you are always
drnnk-and generally, by consequence, a
fool"
"This is not to be endured I" exclaimed
Captain Dunn, rising hastily, and pacing
the floor with rapid strides then pausing
before his wife, he said, severely
"You presume, Catherine, upon your sex
and your feebleness; but have a care
where weakness and w~omanhood do not
imply d~elicacy and gen,Ieness, they lose
their claim upon our forbearance."
do you threaten me, SIR :" whispered
Catherine, in a low, smooth, co%ntemptuous
tone Of irony. "But Of course, why need l
be surprised A man who can conniye at
the marriage Of his cast-off mistress with an
honored relative, and then insult his wife
by inviting the abandoned creature to his
house, is capable Of any act of meanness."
6aaNItNntSa y " BbAg11I - ha1 saAc@ $50
monsirous charges contained in this speech.
delirious with anger, Captain Dunn raised
his hand, and a blow rang sharply upon the
cheek Of Catherine aud seizing his hat.
he rushed madly from the room and the
house-(between ourselves, dear reader,
"Lem Dunn couldn't stand il any longer
so he boxed Kate's ears and cleared out
A few minutes after, Mrs Dunn's maid
found her in strong Mysteries, and in that
condition she was conveyed 10 bed.
"What in Heavens name is all this
dreadful business, Captain ?" inquired I'M
Gle Harry, as he entered a private parlor ia
the-HoteI, occupied temporarily by
Captain Dunn.
IL have disgraced myself-that is the
amount of it," replied Captain Dunn, Bit
terly.
Been drinkingr
"No, no at iesst, not much"
"Been forgivingr
"Worse, far worse"
"Not st-st-st.stealing 7"
II have acted the part Of a poltroon."
"Not receiving an insult, or a blow, with
out knocking the dealer Of il down-nOt
thai?
"Worsc, far worse than that l have
struck my wife"
"Hallelujah glad on't-bettcr late than
never. Hope you gave her a good sound
~drubbing while you were att. She's want
ed il long time. the huzzy she'll treat you
all the better, now she's got il, specially If
she has any fear of the discipline being re-
peated. Never you mind-Pm her uncle,
and her natural guardian; and Iapproye Of
i'll uphold you in it," qnoth Uncle Harry,
his thoughts reverting TO Rates treatment
Of himself the day previous. "Mind 1 give
you leave, and I'm her uncle"
'Pray, do not talk so upon this subject,
sir. Believe me, | am sunk very low in my
own opinion. l have long dreaded this.
would 10 Heaven. my patience had held out
a few days longer, until my ship sailed
Then this rupture might have been delayed,
or might never have occurred. Great God
that I should have raised my hand against a
weak defenceless woman !"
swell, what ofitf Idon't see why weak.
defenceless women are not TO be punished
when they deserve II, as well as weak, de-
fenceless children" exclaimed the old mon
ster. "Would you feel any great com.
FUNCTION for having chastised a weak, de
fenceless child, if he deserved it p
"Your opinions are extremely revolving,
Mr. Gleason; but / sent for you 10 request
your good offices with Kate. She refuses
TO see me, aud returns unopened all ny
notes. | wish you to see her, implore her
forgiveness for me ard bring me her answer
Win you do thisf
"No, | shan't for that would neutralizt
the good effect of the ~drubbing."
"Then | must see Mrs Leslie immediate.
w.. Will you excuse me 7"
"Yes, and accompany yon.'
The Two gentlemen then left the house
aud took their way 10 Leslie's together.
The earnest efforts Of the Leslies failed
however, to bring about a reconciliation be
tween the parties. Catherine remained 10
her " room, outraged and Indignant ane
Captain Dunn at his hotel. busily preparing
for his voyage.
The last day of Captain Dunn's stay ar
rived. His ship vas to sail the next morn