Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1851-09-18
MISCELLAN Y.
THE YOUNG HOUSEWIVES CHoIC

a
Among the crowd who we're hastily prom
enading the streets on Christmas Eve was
Charles West; and if his STEP degenerated
into stride, and thena run, lie might be
pardpned. Charles West was a. new made
bridegroom. The transition from the dirty.
cold street to warm parlor was in itself
pleasuraDle; added to that, I'd be welcomed
home By bright-eyed girl, all smiles and
bushes, flor the honeymoon was barely
passed,) was absolutely too paradisiaeal for
the earth Emma had wheeled the sofa in
front Of the fire, and as Charles seated him.
self beside her, he was certainly very hap.
Ply fellow, Alas he had a. yet only slipped
the bubbles~of the cup Emma looked love
lly, for the glo@>of the eoalfrG had given a
bloomto her usually pale cheek lighted
the instre of Der dark eyes But there came
shade of thought over Emma's dark brow,
and her husband Instantly remarked it. 1t
is strange how soon husbands see clouds on
their liege ladies' brows Itwas the first
that Charles ever saw there, aud it excited
the tenderest inquiries Was she unwall /
Did she wish for anything Emma HEST
tated, blushed, and looked down. Charles
pressed to know what had cast such shadow
over her spirits.
Il fear you will think me very silly but
Mary French has been sitting with me this
afternoon
mot for that, certainly said Charles,
smiling
"Oh, I did not mean that, but you know
! we began to keep house nearly at the same
time, only they sent by Brentto London for
carpeting Mary would have me to wall,
down to Brent's shop this evening with her,
and she has bought two pieces, and they are
such loves"
Charles bit bis lip
Mary she continued, " said you were
doing 4 frstratc business, and she was sure
you would never let that odious Wilton lie
on the parlor if you once saw that splendid
Brussels; so rich, and so cheap only fifteen
ponds
Now the tedious Wilton y had been Sc
lectcd BY Charles's mother, and presented to
them, and the color decpcned on his cheeks
as his animated bride continued; "Suppose
we take walk down to Brent's and look at
IL there are only two, and it seems pity
not I'd secure it.
Emma, said, Charles, grayely, I" YOU are
mistaken if you suppose my business will
justify extravaganza. It will be useless to
look at the carpet, as We have one that VIII
answer very well, and is almost new
Emmas viyacity fed, and she sat awk.
warlly picking her nails. Charles felt EN-
barrassed he drew out his watch and putit
back whistled, and finding a periodical on
Emma's table, began to read aloud some
beautiful verses. His voice was well toned
and he soon entered into the spirit of the
writer and forgot his embarrassments, when,
looking in Elnmas eyes, he was surprised,
instead of the glow of pathetic feeling be
expected to meet, to see her head bent on
her hand, evident displeasure ION her brow
and % tear slowly trickling down her cheeks
Charles was sensible young man; ] wish
there we're more Of them; aud be reflected
minute before be said, :. Emma, my love,
me, If you please
Emma looked as if she would like to pont
a little longer but Charles said come 2
with such a strenuous gravity on his coun-
tenanee, that Emma thought proper to ac-
cede, and nothing doubling bat that il was
to purchase the carpet, took his arm With
smile Of triumph TEey crossed several
squares in the direction Of Brent's, until they
at last stood before the door If q miserable
tenement in a back street
Where IN the world are you taking me ~
inquired Emma. shrinking back.
Charles quietly led her forward, and lift
ing the latch. they stood in little room
around the CRATE of which three small chill
dren we're lowering closer and closer. as the
cold wind crept through the ereviees ip the
decayed walls An emaciatei being, whose
shruuk features, sparkling eye, and flushed
cheek, spoke Of deadly consumption, lay on
wretehed low bed, the slight covering Of
which barely sufhced to keep her from freez-
ing, while spectral babe, whose black ewes
looked unnaturally large from its extreme
thiGuess, was vainly endeayoring to draw
sustenance from its dying mother.
How are you, Mrs Wrigbtln quietly in
quired Charles.
The woman feebly raised herssIf on her
arm, and said, A Is that you, Mr. West p
Oh, how glad am that you are come
Your mother ~
& Has not been home for month, and the
lady who promised her to look after You in
her absence only informed nae to day Of your
illness =
: I have been very i'll, 2 she family replied
sinking on her straw bed
Emma drew near; she changed the pillow
and drew the bed-clothssoyes the feeble suf
ferhr, but her heart was 100 full to speak,
| Charles observed il. and felt satisfied
rs that beautiful girl your bridef
heard you we're married
= Yes; and in M mother's absence she