The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-12-08

| vi III hatiNe lanu, once more lie was among
the free, and felt within him the throb-
bings of a freeman's heart. With hasty
steps he hurried to see his sisters, who, in
spite of their follies, he arJently loved.
"Why, Wash, where is your wife!"
was the first question after the meeting
had taken place.
II left her at the Congarce house"
you naughty man, why not bring her
to our housef" said the arstocratic Mrs.
White.
"Or to mine," chimed in the dgni6ed
Mrs Grey.
because knowing your ideas, and
having some doubts ofa cordial welcome,
| knew not with what feelings you might
receive her."
"But Wash we have heard such
glowing descriptions Of her-her beauty
and accomplishments, that you could not
doubt for a moment that we would greet
her warmly. Let US call on her and
wont you?"
Not yet, not yet sisters mine, she is
worn out with the fatigue Of travelling and,
therefore, none can see her for two or
three days by that time she will have
recruited. and is then to appear at the
musical soiree t" be given by Mrs Day, on
Tuesday next"
$50, no brother, you have given up all
your plebian ideas, and are determind to
make your wife woman offashion! Well.
better late than never !"
II have my own private reasons, sister
and when they are satisfied, we will re-
tire to more private life"
"Good gracious, man what an opinion
you must have of your wife. And do
you really think that she will give up
all the pleasures Of such a life as she now
leads, and retire at your word of COM
mandl"
"My wife obeys my wishes in the course
which she is now pursuing, and again
tell you that private reasons alone induce
me to introduce her into the scenes of
gaiety." ."-and here an ambiguous smile
played around the speakers mouth. "By
> the by, what has become of the Prima
!, Donna Carrie Mortimer"
ave know not-but suppose that she
has found her level" was the sneerinC
, reply. .
"And what might that level bel" in1ui-
rcd Washington, rs smile of scorn
curled his lip.
ITO be the wife Of some honest actor or
mechanic" was the rejoinded. "But
tell us, when shall We he presented to
your wifel
"Not until the soiree; there YOU shall
meet her in all her charms, and so saw
!, ing he departed.
Slowly passed tho hours which in.
> tervened between the arrival Of the cx.
:. pected Tuesday. Curiosity was on tiy
IT, toe, but even amidst their anxiety antt
J. suspense they were too fashionable t,
!" arrive at an earl hour. 1t was late whel
:. they made their appearance npon tn
~ brilliant scene, and as they entered tn
:. 'e crowded apartment, thronged with beau
u ty and fashion, their ears were salute,
:. with the sound of II bird like voice. whicl
y filled the room with melody, and as tn
: lingering notes would fall upon the ca,
all stood in breathless attention to catcl
the enchanting tones.
That is Wasl's wife, you may depen
fl upon it, " said Mary to her sister, slet u
IS take view of her." Having her bacI
Of turned towards them, they failed to OF
o tain glimpse of her face; they could onl
IN see fairy form, atti.ed with the utmos
id magnificence. The song had ceased, tn
lie performer was the centre of attraction
ID the admired Of all and as Washingto
o approached her, with JOY beaming upo
D. his countenance, he whispered a few word
in her ear, then taking her arm, he Dire,
d near his sisters. and introduced her. As
y tonishment was stamped upon their fea
n lures, when ON turning they discovere
L. that Wash's wife was the Prin,a donno
Is Not noticing their surprise, he seate
er his wife beside them, and as he listene
to the warm greetings they gave her, h
], whispered maliciously to Alice;
u "Well, she has found her level"
q IL cry your mercy, Wash, we ar
conquered. / know we shall be friends
b shall We notl" and gazing in the blu
r orbs of Carrie, she read there satisfac
tory answer to her inquiry.
!. Washington Finley had obtained hi
n ends he was satisfied that the beauty
a grace and talents of his angel wife ha,
o beer !. match fer the asistccra.ic notion
Of the fashionable world; being conciou
4 Of this fact, he withdrew her from tn
= circles Of gaiety and fashion, and in tn
h calm quietness of their own peaceful
y dwelling, found til at peace which tn
world cannot give, nor yet take away
,s As he gazed within the loving eyes of hi
a wife, and felt her soft kisses on his lip.
a rs she twined her snowy arms aroun
I him, and SHE'D the light Of her pure de
;s votion upon his path, he would draw he
near to him, and in the bliss unspeakabl
. Of that hour, would bless the day whe
y. he became the possessor of the holy
= pure and unwayering affection Of Cal
y, rin Mortimer the Onnra sinn.nr