The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-07-29
CHAP. III.


The next evening was icy cold 1t was the
precursor of that white demon of winter, u
northeast snow-storm, heralded by hoarse,
shrieking blast, that made the pulse of the
strongest SILVER. 1t shook the heart of Emily
like the vibration of death-knell, as she went
from her kitchen to her parlor window, leaned
her feverish cheek against the cold pane, and
watched for the coming of the husband whose
presence was her life.
He had been out all day making parochal
calls He had encountered double portion
of GOODNESS and innuendoes, and not a few d-
rect attacks, aimed at his hearts one defence
less point; for every housewife who had joined
in the vote to supply him with the report of
the preceding day had felt it incumbent on
her to add the weight of her present voice to
that of her absent vote, and to deal with him
plainly about the failings of his wife
Worn out, disguised, and irritated, the more
that he felt it was all true, and all meant
kindly to him, MIR. Young who had with diff
Guilty succeeded in restraining his ire through
the day, vented it, on reaching his abode, by n
leap from his sleigh and Il kick at the innocent
gate, which stood inviting him to open it,
which sent it Keeling off its hinges, like the
door of drunkard's barn.
This done, he embarrassed his orderly horse,
and went soberly into the house, as a minister
should do stopping on his way to put the gate
back in its place, with silent promise OF
nail or two in due time,
ugh well--ths is something like com
fort !" he exclaimed tossing off his overcoat
rubbing his cold hands, and settling into a
stuffed rocking chair before the briskly burn
ing fre-logs Emily he began. But {
strong sob from Emily interrupted him.
"What all. you Emily? Are you sick -
he exclaimed, starting up nervously
Only sick of my life" she replied, with
out turning. {" cannot bear all this inso
lence -
"Come here, Emily" said he, sadly but ten
DERBY dropping again into his chair She came
and seated herself upon the arm of the chair
and hid her face on his broad shoulder
who has been prosecuting you to-day,
again, my poor girl"
Rocksy!o
"Only Rocksy?n said he, with smile OF
relief otis little matter, then Pack her
off What had she to say! 2"
She didn't come up to arrange my room
this morning as have always told her to do
And when called her up and said a thing or
two that she richly deserved she said that she
never had made up ladies' own beds for them
before she came here and she had pretty much
made up her mind she wouldn't do it much
longer any how - But the worst of it was,o
she trembled with anger, that Mrs. Ray has
been tampering with her-prying into all the
secrets of our home and telling her to stand
up for her rights And that vixen of Mrs.
Brown too! bidding her not to be tired upon y
she says. She let it all out in her anger. 1t
is intolerable! Oh! husband, they are all
alike these white girls DO let me send for
my dear old black manner !"
If hornet had flown into the minister's
face, he could scarcely have started up more
energetically than he did, nearly oyerturning
his char, with its precious freight
Emily Emily! child You don't know
what you are taking about The parish would
be up in arms!"
Emily crushed the flowers of the carpet with
her kid slipper. and answered with spirit
81 married you, husband, and not your par
ish ] have never owed it anything, | am
sure-not even the debt of love. don't zee
why should sacrifice my happiness and health
to it, preiudccs and whims!"
"My wife are you ready to sacrifice what
your husband values infinitely above health,
happiness, or weath--his power of doing good
to his people? his very place a. the pastor of
that people, and his station as Il minister Of
the Gospel"
He had never before spoken so to her She
seemed stunned, and he went on, though more
gently.
You don't know all ! have seen and heard
Emily. hoped to keep it from you forever.
And if alone had sutfered-if it were n mere
matter of feeling ought to bear it, and would
have borne it, in silence. But Emily--the very
children turn away from me, when go into
the homes of my parishioners. The women
take upon themselves to counsel and warn me,
instead of needing or seeking my counsel.
The men hint darkly what will soon be spoken
in daylight, If matters 20 on thus much longer
that they are dissatisfied with their minister,
and must turn him loose upon the world!p
Every drop Of blood had gone from Emily's
face Her husband stopped, stopped, and held
her up with his arm, or she would have fallen
10 the floor.
He saw that he had spoken rashly and harsh
|y; but it was too late to recall the words. He
carried her to the sofa, laid her upon it, and
began Deryously to chafe her white hands. In
a few moments she regained her strength, and
Win wiz, hoPeieno hokj senI1cu W hui ico'
II knew it, knew it! Why did you take
me away from my homes knsw they would
all hate me And you said, nobody could
help loving mel! Oh, it was cruel, cruel Oh
no, no; am the cruel one, breaking your
heart and making your life miserable! wish
was dead, 80 do! hope shall diem
Emily Emily" and the pastor, with
strong pang, folded her TO his heart. Tempt
not the Almighty TO desolate my home again :"
She burst into tears. 1t was well she wept
herself weak in his arms and grew calmer
They talked long there in the fading freight
and gathering fury Of the tempest without, con-
iding to each other oil that had racked the
hearts Of both The pastor tried to inspire his
young wife with confidence in her power yet
% win the hearts Of her people, and TO become
All she would be IA a minister's wife Sho