The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1852-10-23
Dedicated to Jealous Husbands,
BY FANNY FERN.

Percy, dear Percy, take back those
bitter words: as Heaven is my witnes:
they are undeserved by me. See, my
eye quails not beneath yours | stand
before you this moment with every
VOW made you at the altar unbroken
in letter and spirit" and She drew
closer to him and laid her delicate
hand upon his broad breast. Wrong
me not, Percy, even in thought"
The stern man hesitated Had he
not wilfully blinded himself2 He had
read truth and honor in the depths Of
the clear blue eyes that looked so un-
t1inchingly into his own. For a mo-
ment their expression overcome him
then, dashlng aside the slender fingers
that rested upon him, he left her with
a muttered oath.
Mary Lee had the misfortune TO be
very pretty, and the still greater mis-
fortune to marry jealous husband
Possessing quick and ready wit, and
quick conversational powers, a more
moderate share of personal charms
would have made her society eagerly
sought for.
As soon as her eyes were opened to
the defect alluded TO in her husbands
character. she sci therself sedulously TO
avoid the shoals and quicksands that
lay in the matrimonial seas. One by
one she quietly dropped the acquain-
tances Of gentlemen, who, from their
attractiveness or preference for her
society, seemed obnoxious to Percy
Mary was no coqnette. Nature had
given her heart; and, superior as she
was 10 her husband, she really loved
him. To most women, his exacting
unreasonableness would have only slim
uIated her 10 a finished display Of CO.
quetry; but Mary, gentle and yielding,
made no show of opposition 10 the most
absurd requirements. But all these
sacrifices had been unavailing to pro-
pitiate that fiend of jealousy and there
she sat, an hour after her husband had
left her, with her hands pressed tightly
together, pale and fearless striving in
vain to reach any cause Of offence
Hour after hour passed by, and still
he came not. The heavy tramp of feet
had long since ceased beneath the
window the pulse of the great CITY
was still; silence and darkness brouded
over its slumbering thousands. Mary
could endure it no longer Rising and
putting aside the curtain, she pressed
her face close against the window
pane, as if her STAINING eye could
pierce the gloom of midnight She
hears step-it is his.
Trembling, she sat upon the sofa to
await his coming, and nerve herself 10
bear his bitter harshness.
Percy came gaily up 10 her and
kissed her forehead! Mary passed her
hand over her eyes and looked at him
again. No. he was not exhierated
with wine. What could have caused
this sudden revuIsion of feeling 3
and sincere herself, she
never dreamed Of treachery.
Percy regrets his i9nstice," she
said TO herself. "Men are rarely mag
unanimous TO own they have been
and with the generosity'of
noble heart, she resolved never to re-
mind him by speech or look, that his
words had been like poisoned arrows 10
her spirit.
The following day, Percy proposed
their taking "a short trip into neigh
boring town." and Mary, glad to con
vince hin. how truly she forgave him,
readily complied. It was lovely day
in spring; and the fresh air and sweet
scented blossoms might have sent
thlill of pleasure to more sadder hearts
hen theirs.
=" What pretty placew said Mary.
= What a spacious house, and how
astefully the grounds are laid out
Do you stop here 2" she continued, as
her husband reined the horse into the |
avenue.
"A few moments-I have business
lere," replied Percy, slightly averting
lis face, "and you had better aIight, |
90, for the horse is restive and NAV |
rouble you"
Mary. sprang lightly from the yehi-
lie, and assembled the spacious stone
teps. They were met at the door by
espectable grey-haired porter, who
lshered them into receiving ROOM
1ery soon little sallow-faced man,
,earing a strong resemblance to
orange, made his appearance,
nd casting a glance upon Mary from
lis little twinkling black eyes, that
made the blood mount to her cheeks.
make an apology for Withdrawing her
usband for few minutes on busi-
ess," to an adjoining room.
As they left, a respectable middle
ged woman entered, and invited Mary
, take off her hat. She declined.
aging, ''she was 10 leave with her
usband in few minutes" The old
oman then jingled small bell and
nother matron entered.
+" Better not use fcrce," said she in a
hisper. Poor thing! So pretty, /
%. She don't look as though she'd I
ear straight jacket"
The truth flashed upon Mary at once. i
ne was IN Lunatic Hospitall Faint
it'll terror, she demanded to see her
ashland, and assured them she was Il
srfectly sane; 10 aAaof which they /,
niled quietly, and with an air that Il
ID, eve are used to such things here.n "
By-and.by, the little wizen.faced doc a
/ came iU. and lisfeui0O In her eic. | a