Monongalia mirror. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1855, 1853-06-11
Miscellaneous Selections.
THE TRUE WIFE.
A SKETCH FROM LIrE-DY ]. u. D.

Lucy Lillyan, he was "weil TO live IN
the world" That is, he had good
business, money in bank, and an ex-
cellent character. And Lucy was the
flower of tho village. Her personal
graces were surpassed by the superior
mind, which looked forth in all her
actions.
She loved Frederick with cnthusi-
asm. Indeed she was enthusiastic in
all her actions, and never undertook
anything without giving her whole
soul to the object.
For some years their happiness was
as complete as is permitted to man-
kind while sojourners upon earth.
They were admired and beloved by
multitudes of friends, and their home
was ever open for the reception of
delighted.visitors. They were every
where pointed out as the :" happy cou-
ple;" and the designation was true.
But i. is not the lot of humanity to
live here in bliss. Heaven will al.
ways teach us, in some way, that this
is not our home; nor is our happiness
to be looked for in this world. The
eagle goes down into the plains for
food, but his resting place is among
the clouds. on the highest pinnacle Of
some mountain.
In only two years after Frederick
and Lucy were united, for life, the
scene was clanged.-An unforeseen
change in the policy of the govern
ment of the country reduced Freder-
ick to poverty. After selling off his
effects, he could only save a small
cottage, and a few hundred dollars a
year, from the wreck of his great pos
sessions.
Frederick was driven almost to de-
spair. The blow seemed to stupify
his senses. He lost his hilarity, his
confidence in himself his peace of
mind
Lucy felt the change, no. as affect
ing herself and her enjoyments, but
as she observed its influence on her
husbands temper. He4sRiled, Us he
was wont to do in his palmiest days,
but seldom. His brilliant conversa-
ton was succeeded by melancholy re-
pining. He was becoming an "altor.
cd man."
Now an ordinary woman, in such
q case, would have given up all hope,
and become morose and complaining.
But Lucy rose under the pressure Of
misfortune. She resolvedto preserve
her good humor in spite of the loss
of property. She received her hus-
band with smiles; she showed more
fondness than ever before.-She made
his evenings agreeable. by reading to
him the writings of genius and truth.
She sang her old songs, once SO much
admired, with more effort to please
than ever. She became his constant
companion, soothing hisirritated feel
ings, and gradually pointing out
hopes rainbow for the future.
Now no man of any soul or sense
can Withstand such sweet and win
ming appeals to oil of manliness in
his soul. His love for her became
elevated and purified, SO as to ap-
proach alteration. He admired her
as lovely woman-hc listened to her
as a wise counsellor.
In few months his spirits, his on
ergy, his confidence in himself were
restored. He went forth with alacri.
ty in the pursuit of new business.
His applications were not success.
ful for many looked upon him as an
unfortunate man;" and many were
glad to see himhumiliated, and would
not raise q finger for his relief.
Thore was occasion enough to de-
spair, and he would have despairedi
but when he returned home in the
evening, the cheerful smile of his
wife as she opened tho door to receive
him, her alfectionate kiss, and tender
reception warmed his heart again, and
brealhed into himfre ardor and cour-
age.
How could he cease to hope when
Heaven showed its regard for him by
preserving SO estimablc friend!
Some months passed away, and
there was no change in their circum-
stances for the bettor.-But Fredor-
ick still hoped on.
Ono evening, returning home after
an unsuccessful day, hc stopped out
side the door, droading to so in, and
show his wifo his disappointed coun-
tcnancc.
1t was summer; and to his surprise
he heard; through tho open windows,
her sweet voice, singing one of his
favori,o songs. That voice was moro
lively and brilliant than usual since
their mislortunes.
"Ah!" thought he, "tho dcar soul
is resolved to make mo happy, in spite
of tho frown0 of fortune"
He entered the door with a smile
and an extended hand. There was q
strange gentleman sitting near Lucy,
and listening TO hor song.-Ho hosiIa.