Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-04-17
MISC ELLANE Gus.
The Devoted Wife.

The Devoted Wife.
She was beautiful girl when I first
saw her. She was Standing at the side Of
her lover at the marriage altar. She was
little pale, vet ever and anon, as the cere-
mony proceeded, fiint tinge Of crimson
crossed her beautiful cheek, like the re-
llections of a sunset cloud upon the clear
waters Of quiet lake. Her lover, as he
clasped her hand within lis own, gazed
on her few moments. with admiration,
and the warm and eloquent blood shadow
ed at intervals his manly forehead and
melted into beauty on his lip."
And they gave themselves 10 one anoth
er in thepresencc Of Heaven, and every
heart blessed them, as they went on their
way rejoicing in their love.
Years passed on, and again saw those
lovers. They were seated together where
the light Of sunset stole through the half
closed and crimson curtain lending rich
err tiutto the delicate and exquisite enbel-
lishment ofthe rich and gorgeous apart
ment. Time had slightly changed them in
outward appearance. The girlish buoyan-
cy of the one he'd indeed given place to
the grace Of perfect womanhood, and ber
lip was somewhat paler, and faint line
Of care wrs slightly percepible upon her
brow. Her husband's 5 brow, too was mark
ed somewhat more deeply than his age
might warrant; anxiety, arnbiton and pride
had crown overit; and left the traces upon
ii; silver hue was mingled with the dark
of his hairwhich had become thin around
his temples almost to badness He was
reclining on his splendid ottoman, with
his face half hidby his hand. as if he fear
ed that the deep and troubled thoughts
which opposed him were visible upon his
features.
Edward you are i'll tonight" said
his wife, in low, sweet, half inquirine
voice, as she laid her hands upon his own
Indifference from those we love is terri
BE to the sensitive bosom. 1t is is if the
SIN ofheaven refused lis wonted cheerful
ess, and glared upon US with cold. dim
and forbidden glance. 1t is dreadful to
feel that the only being Of our love re-
fuses to ask our sympathy, that he broods
over the feelings which he scorns or fears
to reveal, dreadful to watch the convulsive
features and the gloomy brow. the inlef-
nahle shadows Of hidden emotions, the H.
voluntary sigh of sorrow TO which we are
forbidden to participate, and whose charac-
ter we cannot know.
She essayed once more. Edward" ;"
she said slowly, mildly and aGectionately
"the time has been when you were willing
to conhde your secret Joys and sorrows to
one who has never, trust betrayed your
confidence. Why, then, my dear Ed
ward, is this cruel reservel You are
troubled and yet refuseto to tellme thecause
Something Of returning tenderness soft
ened for an instant the cold severity of the
husband features, but it passed away, and
bitter smile was his only reply.
Time passed OF. and the twain were sep
arated from each other. The husband sat
gloomy and alone in the damp cell Of
dungeon. He had followed ambition as
his God, and had failed in high career
He had mingled with men whom his heart
loathed, he had sought out the fierce and
wronged spirits ofthe land, and had breath
had drawn his sword against lis country;
he had famed rebellion to fame, and been
quenched in human blood. He had fallen.
miserably fallen, and was doomed to die
the death ofa traitor.
The door Of the dungeon opened, and
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,
Il have cometo you; have reached YOU
after thousand difficulties, and THANK
God my purpose is nearly executed"
Misfortune had sofiened the proud heart
Of manhood, and as the husband pressed
his pale wife to his bosom, tear trembled
on his eye-lash. Il have not deserved this
kindness" he murmuredin the checked
tone of agony,
Edward" said his wife, in an earnest
but faint and low voice. which indicated
extreme and fearful DEBILITY, "we have
not moment TO lose, By an exchange of
garments Won viii be able to pass out un-
noticed. Haste or we may be too late
Fear nothing for me. am woman, and
they will not iniure me for my Efforts in
behalf of a husband, dearer than life it
self"
"But Margret, said the husband, you
look sadly i'll. You cannot breathe the
air of tins dreadful CELL
'Oh speak not Of me, dearest Edward"
sad the devoted woman. Il can endure
anything for your sake. Haste Edward
and all will be well, and she aided with d
trembling hand to disguise the proud form
other husband in females garb.
Farewell my love, my preserver,"
whispered the husband in the car of the
disguised wife. as the officer sternly re
minded the supposed lady that the time al
lotted to hervisit had expired.
Farewell, we shall meet again. re-
sPonded the wife; and the husband passed
out unsupported, and escaped the enemies
of his life.
They did meet again--ihe wife and
husband-but only as the dead NAV meet
in the awful communings Of another world.
Affection had borne up her exhausted sni-