Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-04-19

| gone to London that was walking fifth
err even them that had received "A letter
that morning which | put into my pocket,
and that l seemed in great hurry to go
after the letter came.
On hearing this, my husband, according
to our servants account, seemed troubled (;
and instantly, without waiting for refresh
ment or rest, returned, leaving word that he
would be back with me, and that our boys
might sit up till we came, if it were not ve-
ry late
All was mysterious to me except that part
of the account which related to my decep-
ton. / could understand that, alas too
well. But as to why Mr.. Percy had come
so early in the day, or how he could have
come at all, ! could not understand, or why
he should be SO anxious to see me.
| did not wait long in suspense. The
sound of wheels was soon heard ;, a hack
ney coach drew up to the door, and my hus-
baud sprang out. His first exclamation was
one of thankfuness that he had at length
found me. His first question was, Dear
wife, where have you been!'
My account was soon given. But said
he, the boys told me that you had gone to
London
Oh said, that was a mistake
But, mother interposed Henry, our ell
dest boy, you did say you were going to
London
did not reply; for | saw that my hus-
band looked terribly fatigued, aud very anx-
ious; and busted myself in doing some
thing for comfort, aud then put the boys to
bed.
And then came my husbands explana-
ton. He, too, received a letter that fatal
morning, offar more importance than mine
"a letter that he thought required my con-
sideration, as well as his own; and, setting
aside all other business, he fastened to con
suit me- There was no available mode of
conveyance to the village at that time, UNI
less he had chosen to hire a coach; and
had there been, perhaps he would have pre-
ferred walking. At all events, he did walk,
and that hastily. 1t was hot summers
day; but this would not so ruch have mat
tered had he found me at the cottage. or
even had he known certainly where | was
to be found. Even if | had left no message
as to whittier | was going, no harm might
have arisen, for then he would have thought
OF our friend -, and have sought me
at her house. But, my unhappy, my wick
ed deceit o, it was that did all the mis-
chief! The instant he was told that | had
received letter, and had almost ilnmcdi-
atel Y after started for London, he became
troubled, anxious lest some bad news had
arrived from quarter unknown to him, and
hurried back still more hastily than he walk
ed from London, hoping to reach the city
as soon as myself. He wondered that we
had not met; but it was possible we had
taken different paths on some part Of the
journey.
When my husband reached London he
found himself exhausted aud unwell with
the very hot, long, aud fatiguing walk and
he became nervously excited when he found
that | had not reached home before him.
He waited impatently for some time, too
much disturbed both by the pressing bust
ness which had caused his unexpected visit,
and BY my unaccountabe absence, to take
the relreshment he so much needed. After
waiting for some time in great and increas-
ing suspense, he went to another of our Lon
don friends, imagining the possibility of my
being found there-nothing doubling the
reality of my journey to London. How was
he to doubt it Z he asked Had | not ex-
picity told the boys that | was going thith-
er! and had ever deceived him or them
At length, distressed beyond measure by
the joint effects of disappointed anxiety, bu-
siness engagements, and bodily fatigue and
sickness, my husband once more reached
his office, and, finding that did not make
my appearance, determined to take a coach,
and returned to the cottage with the vague
hope that he had misunderstood me. Thus
ended this terrible day-terrible at least in
its consequences.
| must pass over, continued Mrs. Percy
the remainder OF my history as briefly as
can | dare not dwell upon it.
That night, instead Of enjoying the res
he so much needed, my husband complains
ed of pain and WEAKNESS. The following
day his suierings increased we sent for
physician. 1t was putrid fever The in
lection might have been taken from thu
coach in which Mr.. Percy travelled. w,
never ascertained whether or not it was so
> But were this the case or not, mine was tn
: guilt, aud mine has been the punishment
My husband died Poor little Willy wa
the next victim, and then his brother. Ii
, less than month from the day of that vii
faschood, had neither husband nor son.