Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-02-11
NUMBER Is.

for exercise, when she heard sound which
male her turn paler than before. Il was a
sound of yoices-nol talking, but singing
~ key OF unmIstakeable elevation; and
though they we're somewhat distant. she
could plainly distinguish that Of her hus-
band above the rest. Soon there was a
bnngiing attempt to open the cottage door.
Mary opened il. and Harry staggered in
His lace was fnshed-his eyes unra,uraIlv
bright. He was in high spirits, and was
beginning to talk in an unusually fluent
but rather ineoherent strain. Bot MARY
without saying word, calmly took him by
the hand aud drew him into the parlor and
10 the little sofa that stood there. He was
passive, FOR her manner subdued him. He
laid himself down on The sofa as she desir-
ed bu, he would retain bis grasp Of her
hand. 10 very few minutes she was able
10 release herself. for he was fast asleep
She then retired to her own bed but her
sleep that night was not so sound an that
Of her husband.
Next morning Harry awoke early. II
was some time before he could understand
Why he was lying there. When he did re.
collect some Of the incidents Of the preced-
ing evening. he guessed how /, had been
with him. His situation was exaggerated
N his inPeriee, recollection, and be was
filled with horror and dismay "TIoc could
he appear before Nary lie neuer eould."
Everything was quiet in the house; she
must be still sleeping up stairs; but she
would be coming down soon to prepare his
breakfast, for he had to be at his work ear
ly. No. he could not meet her then at any
rate. lie rose without noise, and being
already dressed he stole out Of the house.
Alter washing his aching head in neigh.
boring stream, he went at once 10 his work.
and tried, by laboring hard with his spade.
TO drive away his torturing thoughts. Poor
fellow it was in vain. The agony Of his
mind during that long. long morning, who
may tell Tn, words seemed to ring 10
his ears which Mary once spoke: 'Ifever
should lose my respect for you as nay hgs-
band, happiness r both Of us Icould be at
an end Had that time now comet Was
their happiness land how very happy they
had bcen) now to come TO an endi If so,
better give up life al once. He was afraid
and ashamed TO go home--so afraid and so
ashamed. that he even contemplated the idea
of running away altogether. But when
dinner-iin'e came, he summoned up all the
iGrtitude he could muster, and went 10 meet
his fate. His hand lrembled as he lifted
the latch Of the door, and his face was dead
ly pale. But Mary was there ready 10
greet him with smile as kindly as ever;
and her words, Dear Harry, why did YOU
leave me IN take my breakfast alone ? were
uttered with 20 kindly an emphasis, that
poor Harry could answer only by a burst of
Tears. He sat down, covered his face with
bis hands. aud sobbed like a child. MARI
with little gentle force, removed his hands.
and ki'sng him on the forehead, she whis-
pered.
"Deares, Harry. it is over now, and L
can trust you still"
BLESS you, bless you for that" cried
Harry. as he folded her in his arms: then
all is right again"
All scas right again; Mary's trust had
never again TO receive The slightest shock.
He had learned experimentaIly to doubt the
prudence of that resolution which trusts IL
self on the inclined plane, hoping to be able
to stop at some point in the descent, in spite
of the increased momentum. To resist
beginnings" was henceforwsrd bis wise and
solemn determination. He lived to be old
and grey-haired. he aud his beloved partner;
and though they had their trials (for who
has not y in bringing up numerous fami-
ly. they did lead good and happy life to
the end.
Il often wonder" Harry would some
times say. what my life would have been
without you. Mary; and shudder to think
of il. Women have great deal in their
power II my mother had been like you, I
don't think should ever have gone wrong"