The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-01-23
iIimis [PuBLIsHED BY REQuEsT.] lo
The Village Pastors Wife.
oF WARNING

what imPeiS me 10 take up my pen,
compose myself to the act Of writing, and
begin the record of feelings and events,
which will inevitably throw "a shadow
over the character which too partial and
misiudging affection once beheld shining
with reflected lustre? know not--but It
seems to me, as if a divine voice whispered
from the boughs that wave by my window,
occasionally intercepting the suns rays
that now tall obliquely on my paper, say
ing, thatifIli live for memory, 4 must not
live in vain---and that perchance. when l.
too, lie beneath the willow that hangs over
his grave, unconscious Of its melancholy
waving, deep moral may be found in
these pages, short and simple as theymay
be-, Then be it so. 1t is humiliating to
dwell on past errors-but should rather
welcome the humiliation. if it can be any
expatiationofo for my blindness. my folly
no! such expressions are too weak
should say, my madness, my sin. my hard
hearted guilt. !.
1t is unnecessary to dwell on my juven-
lie years. Though dependent on the
bounty Of an uncle, who had large fami-
" Of his own to support, every wish which
vanity could suggest, was iEdulged as soon
as expressed. never knew kinder,
more hospitable, uncalcuating being, than
my uncle. II his unsparing generosity
had not experienced acounteracting infu-
ence in the vigilant economy OF my aunt,
he would long since have been bankrupt
She was never unkind to me. for believe
she was conscientious, and she had loved
my mother tenderly. | was the orphan
legacy of that mother, and consequently a
sacred trust. was fed and clothed like
my wealthier cousins; educated at the
same schools; ushered into the same fash
ionable society; where learned that awk-
wardness was considered the only unpar-
donable offence. and that almost every
thing might be said and done, provided it
was said and done gracefully. From the
time of our first introduction into what is
called the world, gradually lost ground
in the affections of my aunt, for unfor-
tunately eclipsed my elder cousins in those
outer gifts Of nature and those acquired
graces Of manner, which, however value
less, when unaccompanied by inward
worth, have always exercised a prevailing,
an irresistible influence in society. ne
yer exactly knew why, but | was the fa-
vorite of my uncle, who seemed to love me
better than even his own daughters, and
he irejoiced at the admiration that ex-
cited, though often purchased at their ex-
pense. Perhaps the secret was this
They were of a cold temperament; mine
was ardent, and whatever | loved, | loved
without reserve, and expressed my affec-
ton with characteristic warmth and enthu-
siasm. | loved my indulgqpt uncle with
all the ferver Of which such nature, made
vain and selfish by education, is capable.
Often, after returning from an evening
party, my heart throbbing high with graft
fed vanity, when he would draw me to-
wards him and tell me--with most iniudi-
cious fondness, it is true-that was a
thousand times prettier than the flowers |
wore, more sparkling than the jewels, and
that Iloughtto marry prince or nabob,
| exulted more in his praise, than in flat
cries that we're still tingling in my ears.
Even my aunt's GOODNESS was grateful
tribute to my selflove--tor was it not oc-
casionedd by my transcendency over her
less gifted daughters? M
But why do | linger on the threshold of
events, which, simple in themselves, stamp.
ed nv destiny-for time, yea, and for
eternity. ho si di0I git alo' a
It was during a homeward Journey, with
INV uncle. | first met him. who afterwards
became nv husband. NV whole head be.
come sick. and nv whole hearl faint. as |
think what | might have been. and what T.
am. Bui 1 must forbear. If | am COM
nelled attimes to Law nv pen aside. over.
Come with agony and remorse. let me nause
tin 4 can 90 ON with a steady hand. and q
calmer brain aoe~.f, Nh 4 s"~-,l.' ~r'e
Our carriage broke tlown-Lit was a com.
mona accidentL-a a voung. oentleman@ on:
who seemed like ourselves .
traveller came nm 10 o,,r, assistance ue
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