The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1849-07-05
MISCELLANY.
BY JOHN G.. WHITTIER.

BY JOHN q. WHITTIER.
She was beautiful girl when first saw
her. She was standing up at the side Of her
lover Mt the marriage altar. She was slight
ly pale-yet ever and anon, as the ceremony
proceeded, a faint tinge Of crimson crossed
her cheek, like the reflection of sunset
cloud upon the clear waters Of quiet lake.
Her lover, as he clasped her hand within
his own, gaZed on her moment with un-
mingled admiration, and the warm and elo-
guent blood Swallowed at intervals his manly
forehead and melted in beauty on his lips.
q And they gave themselves to one another
In the presence Of heaven, and every heart
blessed them as they went their way rejoic-
ing in their love.
Years passed on and again saw these
lovers. They were seated together where
the light Of sunset stole through half closed
crimson curtains, lending richer tint to the
delicate carpeting and the exquisite embei-
lishment Of the gorgeous apartment. Time
had slightly changed them, in outward APP
pearance. The grlsh buoyancy of the one
bad indeed given place to the grace of per-
feet womanbaod, and her lips were some
what paler, and a faint line of care was
slightly perceptibie upon her brow. Her
husbands brow, too, was marked somewhat
anxiety and ambition and pride had grown
over it; a silver hue was mingled around his
temples almost to badness. He was reclin-
ing on his splendid ottoman with his face
half hidden by his hand as if he feared that
the deep and troubled thoughts which OPP
pressed him were visible upon his features.
Edward, you are i'll tonight" said his
wife, in low, sweet half inqniring voice,
as she laid her hands on his own.
Indifference 10 those we love is terrible to
the sensitive bosom. 1t is as if the sun Of
heaven refused bis wonted cheerfulaess and
glared upon us with cold, dim, and forbii
ding glance. 1t is dreadful to feel that the
only being of our love refuses to ask your
sympathy-ihat she broods over the feeling
which he scorns or fears to reveal--dreadfui
the convu!Sive features and the gloomy brow,
the indefnablc shadows, of hidden emotion,
the involuntary sig h of sorrow in which we
are forbidden TO participate, and whose char
acter we cannot know. The wife assayed
once more. H JtH t =
Edward" she said, slowly, mildly, and
affectionately, Sc the time has been W hen you
were willing to confde your secret joys and
sorrows to one who had never, / trust, be-
trayed your confidence. Why then, dear
Edward, is this cruel reserve i? You are
troubled and yet refuse to tell me the
cause"
Something of returning tenderness soften
ed for an instant, the cold severity of the
husbands features, but il passed away, and
a bitter smile was his only reply.
Time passed on and the twain were sep
arated from each other The husband sat
gloomy, alone in the damp cell of dun
geon. He had fallen as God, and had
fallen in high career. He had mingled
with men whom his heart louthed, he had
sought out the fierce and wronged spirits of
the land and had breathed Into them the
madness of revenge. He had drawn his
sword against his country; he had famed
rebellion to flame, and il had been quench-
ed in human blood. He had fallen, niser-
ably fallen, and was doomed to die the death
OF traitor. f1
The door of the dungeon opened and
light form entered and threw herself into his
arms. The sottest light Of summer fell up
on the pale brow and wasted cheek of his
once beautiful wife,
la. Edward, my dear Edward,' said she,
Z" have come to save you; / have reached
you after a thousand difficulties, and, thank
God, my purpose is nearly executed
Misfortune had sofiened the proud heart
of manhood; and as the pale wife pressed
TO his bosom, tear trembled on his eye
lash. 49, ~" st
"I have not deserved this Kindness" he
murmured in the choked tone Of agony.
Edward" said his wife, in an earnest
but faint and low voice, which indicated ex-
creme and fearful debility, "we have not a
moment to lose. BY an exchange Of gar
rents you will be able to pass out unnoriced-
Haste, or you may be too late. Fear moth
ing for me. lam a woman, and they will
not injure me for my efforts in behalf of a
husband dearer than life itself.''
But, Margaret said the husband, s'you
look sadly Ill. You cannot breathe the air
of this dreadful CELL"
ssOh, speak not to me, my dearest Ed
ward, said the devored woman, !" can en-
dure any thing for your sake. Haste, Ed
ward, and all will be well,o and she aided,
with trembling hand, to disguise the proud
form Of her husband IN female garb.
Farewell, my love, my preserver," whis-