Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1853-02-12
THE TEST OF LOVE.


For charity's sake, take me in" said the lively
little Mrs Gray, with look of mock Distress as
she peeped her bright face into my room, g Ii
you'll credit it, my husband hasn't spoken five con
secutive words since tea-time; and Pm quite undc-
cidod whether to request to have the root raiseu'
SO that can breathe freer to go into Il violent
fit of Mysteries "Matty," said she, with ludlc-
rouSly solemn air, 81 shouldn't be surprised y 1
had married the a0rOng man! Noeo, Edward is
one of the best creatures in the world there that
lust it." said she, jumping up, he's too good. L
can't think of fault he has he's agt~y correct,
a living reproof to me. 10 compassionate me,
Matty: have what the old ladies call "a model
husband" Now, isn't it pity that goodness and
stupidity generally go together" said she laugh
ing Med is matter of fact. Now, II I'm
reading book, and come across a passage that
delights me, always want to put my arms round
the authors neck, and kiss him. Well, l read 1t
to Ned, and he says quietly, (without looking up,
from his newspaper) Yes, it is pretty good Oh
dear he never gets up enthusiasm about 0nyth'ng
He lacks feeling, It's really pitiable, Matty )"
Throwing herself on the sofa with suppressed
yawn)
cali isn't gold that glitters, Mary and there
are gems too of whose value the possessor is some
times ignorant These butterflies that dazzle in
society are mostly mere moths at home. Abroad,
they are elegant, refined polished paint, graceful,
full of repartee and wit but by their own hearth
stones SILENT moody, selfish, eXacting and uninter-
esting. You'd never recognize them You re-
member Vivian --? Well that's his mental
daguerreotype; in private he's the most ENJOYABLE
of mortals."
"WeI the worlds humbug, them" said Mary,
cor Pm one Of its restless, dissatisfied ones and,
by the way, Matty, how come you to be an old
maid?"
"Simply, because you appropriated the only man
ever wanted" Matty's quiet reply.
The blood rushed to Mary's temples; she was
by Matty's side in an instant, urging her to full
confession"
"Ah, 1 see, my little lady, your heart is in the
right place, after all, else yeu wouldn't be jealous.
I've great hopes of you Blessings often bright
en- when we imagine they are about to take their
f1ightr Your husband never spoke word ofIove
to me in his life--I only wish he had L shan't
enjoin secrecy upon you as to my preference, be-
cause know very we'll you wouldn't have him
know it for kingdom! So I'm safe But, seri-
!ously Mary you don't know how to value Edward
A few more years over your sunny head, and Il
little more experience of the world, and you'd
not barter him for the most brilliant idol your
Imagination ever set up for your heart to wor-
Ship
That day aUas nearer than Natty propAesied !
Mary shortly after was taken dangerously ill., For
weeks she balanced betweenl life and DEATH Whose !
supplicating eye sought the physicians with such
fearful anxiety whose hand, with more than a
woman's tenderness, smoothed her pillow, and
shaded the light from her aching eye balls who !
with uplfted finger, crept softly about the house,
hushing every noisy football who surrounded her
with every comfort and luxury that affection could
think of, or money (hardly earned) could procure?
Who when wearied with business cares, still kept |
tireless vigil till the stars faded away, at the bed
side of the poor sufferer
Who grasped the physicians hand saying:
Save her! It is life or death with me, as we'll .
as Mary!" Who, but the "naatter Of fact" Ed
ward i
One day, after Mary was convalescent, called
to see her. She was looking very lovely, though
pale and wasted. Thank God you are spared to /
u.s." said I, touching my lips to her forehead.
after Him, thank my husband" said Mary,
with eyes liquid with feeling. " In this sick room
l have learned a lesson I shall never forget, Oh,
Matty there may be Deep strong lone in the heart
tOhere deeds, not acords are the Interpreters!
Please God to spare my Hfe my poor love shall be
his reward for this" Mary kept her word. +
Boston Olive Branch.