The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1852-02-18

NJ the mOTW universe, " u tne sun VI tNtTy
society; and with concentrated beams, il is
the sun Of domestic life. Without it all Is
dark, and cold, and cherries. Intellect may
flash, and blaze and dazzle, but il The heart
remain unmoved, it is like the Aurora Boz
reals OF the frigid zone, Illuminating desc
laton only. lleen's heart. so far as her hus-
band was concerned, was left blank. Free
queutly and with all her power, did she strive
10 recall her former feelings towards him.
She knew it was her duty to love him her
conscience condemned her for her apathy
again and again would she enumerate the
exceencies Of his character, and call back
the tenderness Of former years, but her ef
forts were as useless as if she had striven TO
soften adaman, with tears. The words abe
is selfish, arbitrary, and implacable," SEEM
ed stereo,yped on her very soul, and were
first and last 10 present themselves, whenev-
er she thought on the subject.
In proportion as Heen's affections ceased
to dictate her actions towards Mr.. Howard,
was her mind active in studying duty. She
was too we'll prncipled; had TOO much self
respec,.--and too great a regard 10 The pro-
prieties Of life, 10 do aught unbecoming her
relative position; or to leave undone that
which could reasonably be demanded Of her.
Her husbands welfare and respect ability
she endeavored TO promote to the utmost of
her power his happiness, so far as it could
be done with her present feeling but this
could not be done by expressing tenderness
and affection which she did not feel it va.
contrary to her very nature.
Helen had no cogfddntc Could she no,
disclose her heart to him to whom she was
bound by the nearest OF all TESS would dis
close il to none other. Perhaps, had her mother
been living, the mate rna bosom might nave
been the receptacle of her trials but as
de iitthr III had removed this sympahiling friend,
no other should be e0astslbslitule d Not even
before her two oldes, children, did ever
utter u word that would be;ray hersecrei un-
easiness: but bitter were the comp laints
that she murmurcd in the unhceding car of
her younges, boy, as she pressed him to her
hoart, and the scalding tears she shed upon
his head, called forth by her blasted hopes.
Except for her chldren's sake, life had no
charms for her. To benumbed heart what
can be either attractive orinteresting yet
Helen dearly loved her children, and Oh
their account, life was valuable. The hu>
man heart that has anything to love, and
that is loved in return, can not be utterly
and remediessly desolate and wreiched.
Had Mr. Howard been what he had now
become, one short year before, he had been
among the happiest of husbands and Helen
the most beloved of wives. Never, since
the fret week Of their union, had he been so
attentive-so studious to please her and
never, at any period. so ingenious in devil
sing means 10 touch her heari,- not even il
the daysofhis youth. His fault>fnding, TOO,
was nearly or quite gone, for when with
Helen he was too much engrossel by other
cares to allow Of his noticing things of tri-
fling moment. But alas for himself also
for her loo, the change came to late ! it was
like pardon after the execution.
Had He!en's department been different
from what it was her husbands heart might
have been aienated from her. Had she
sought pleasure or sympathy abroad had
she been fre'iul or negligent at home, he
would gradually have ceased TO respect, aud
then 10 love her but in truth, ill now, he
had never known Of what she was capable
| Formerly he had looked upon her as child
that needed gude-a master, lovely,
endearing child, it is true but a child still.
He now saw her high>souled, efficient wo.
man, equal the discharge Of the duies of her
station without the support of any one an d,
that which was far higher proof OF eleva-
ton and strength oil character, equal to
bearing her own sorrows wilhou, the aid OF
sympathy. In truth, the heart Of hit wife
had never appeared 10 him so great troLs-
Urea thing of such inesIinable value, as
D hS" 'hoA nc hdd iOot IL uSNIi UIlOEC
he been So much in love-
Meantime, Mr. and Mrs. Howard were
the envy or the admiration Of the ilIle wor Id
in which they moved. They were pointed
al as the best matched pair lhsl could be
found every way suited to improve, and
make each other happy Even Mr.. Atwood
high as his expectations had been raised.
was asionished at the dignity and strength
of character his daughter had acquired un-
der Mr.. Howard's influence and equally
so at the sofIening effect of Helen's inhu>
ence over him. lie often sighed wi re
gret, that his wife could hot have lived to
see the happy couple, that they now were !
How delusvc are appearances
II was many months after the wreck Of
his domestic harpiness, that Mr.. Howard
was nominated for u member of Congress
lie asked IIelen's opinion on the subject,
and il met her warm appreciation.
Il believe you to be patriot, in The best
sense of the term" said She and should
YOU be elected, YOU may doy your country
much good. know that you are above be-
ing influenced by narrow and selfish views,
aud your principles aud talents must com.
mand respect. and exert a beneficial inAu.
ence. ! hope you will prove the successful
Candidate"
Flatiering as this answer was TO Mr.
Howard, YET it wrung bis heart as hus-
blnd. Some two or three years before hi.