Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1851-07-31
THE DEVOTED WIFE.

aiter. She was little pale, yet eve
and anon, as the ceremony procee
lded, a faint tinge of. crimson crosset
her beautiful cheek, Ike the re6ec
tions Of a sunset cloud upon the clea
waters of a quiet lake. Her lover
as he cIasped hel hand within hi
own, gazed on her for few mo
ments, with admiration, and th'
warm and eloquent blood shadower
at intervals bis manly forehead anC
"me1ted into beauty on his lips"
And they gave themselves TO one
another in the presence of Heaven
and every heart blessed them, as they
went on their way rejoicing in theil
love.
Years passed on, and 1 again saw
those lovers. They were seated To-
gether where the light Of sunset stole
through the half-closed and crimson
curtain lending richer tint 10 the
delicate and exquisite establishment
of the rich and gorgeous apartment.
Time had slightly changed them in
outward appearance. The gIrlish
buoyancy OF the one had indeed
given place to the grace of perfect
womankood, and her lip was some
what paler and fainter line of care
was slightly perceptible upon her
brow. Her husbands brow, too,
was marked somewhat more deeply
than his age might warrant; anxiety,
ambition and pride had grown over
it, and left the traces upon it; sill
yer hue was mingled with the dark
of his bair which had become thin
around his temples almost to bald
ness. He was reclining on his sPlen-
did ottoman, with his face half hid
by his hand, as if he feared that the
deep and troubled thoughts which op-
posed him were visible upon his lea
lures.
edward you are i'll tonight"
said his wife, in a low, sweet, half in
quiring voice, as she laid her hands
upon his own.
Indifference from those we love is
terrible TO the sensitive bosom. Ii is
as If the sun of heaven refused its
wonted cheerfulness, and glared upon
US with a cold, dim and forbidden
glance. 1t is dreadful TO feel that
the only being of our love refuses 10
ask our sympathy, that he broods
over the feelings which he scorns or
fears TO reveal, dreadful to watch the
features and the gloomy
brow, the indefnable shadows Of
hidden emotions, ih e involuntary
sigh of sorrow to which we are for
hidden TO participate, and whose
character we cannot know.
She essaved once more. "Ed-
ward," she said slowly, mildly and
"the- time has been
when you were willing to confde
your secret joys and sorrows TO one
who has never. | trust, betrayed your
Why. then, my dear
Edward, is this cruel reservel You
are troubled and refuse to tell me
the cause.
Something of returning tender
ness softened for an instant the cold
severity of the husbands features,
but it passed away, and bitter smile
was the only reply.
Time passed on, and the twain
were separated from each other
The husband sat gloomiiy and alone
in the damp cell OF dungeon. He
had followed ambition as his God,
and had failed in a high career. He
had mingled with men whom his
heart loathed, he had sought out the
fierce and wfonged spirits of the
land, and had breathed into them
the madness OF revenge. He had
drawn his sword against his coun-
try; he had famed rebellion TO a
flame, and teen quenched in hu-
man blood. He had fallen, misera-
bly, fallen, and doomed to die the
death oil traitor.
The door ofthe dungeon opened,
and a light form entered and threw
herself into his arms. The softened
light OF sunset fell upon the pale
brow and wasted cheek OF his once
beautiful wife.
edward, my dear Edward" she
said, 81 have come to you; | have
reached you after thousand diff
culties, and | thank God my purpose
is nearly executed"
Misfortune had softened the proud
heart of manhood, and as the hus-
band pressed his pale wife to his bo-
som, tear trembled on his eve lash.
81 haye not deserved this kindness,rI
he murmered in the choking tone oI
agony. So ~ gsqi
"Edward,- said his wife, in an ear
nest but faint and low voice, which
indicated extreme and fearful debili-
ty, 1--WE have not a moment To lose.
By an. exchange OF garments you
will be able 10. pass out unnoiiced.
Haste or we may be too late. Fear
q