Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1853-02-17
NUMBER l47
SELECT VARIETY.
From the Boston Olive Branch.
THE TEST OF LOVE.
BY FANNY FERN.


"For charity's sake, take me in" said the lively
little Mrs Grey. with look of mock distress, as she
peeped her bright face into my loom. eff you'll
credit it, my husband hasn't spoken five consecu
tive words since tea time; and z m quite undecided
whether to have the roof raised, so that 1 can
breathe freezer, to go into violent fit of byster
lcs Matty," said she, with ludcrously solemn
air, "I Ishouldn't be surprised it had married the
1orong man! Now, Edward is one of the best crea-
lures in the world; there, that's just it, said she
jumping up, she's too good. can't think of a
fault he has; he's a,gfuiy correct-a living reproof
to me. Do compassionate me, Matty. have what
the old ladies call model husband' Now isn't
it pity that goodness and stupidity generally 90
together2" said she, laughing. ttNed is so matter
Of fact. Now, if Pm reading book, and come
across passage that delights me, always want to
put my arm around the the authors neck and kiss
him. Well, read it to Ned, and he says quietly
(without looking up from his newspaper,) 'Yes
it's pretty good.' Oh, dear! he never gets up en-
tnusIasm about anything. He lacks feeling. It's
really pitiaJe, Matty,'' [throwing herself on the
sofa with suppressed yawn.
"AllisTt gold that gl!tters, 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 refined, polished, graceful full of repair
tee and wit; but by their own hearth-s stone silent,
moody, selfish, exacting and uninteresting. You'd
never recognize them! You remember Vivian
-! Well, that's his mental daguerreotype; in
private he's the most unloveable of mortals.'
"Well, this worlds humbug, then,' said Ma.
ry, 'or Pm one Of its restless, dissatisfied ones;
and, by the way, Matty, how came you to be an
old mad?'' .r.. . ...
''Simply because you appropriated the only man
l ever wanted" was Matty's quiet reply
The blood rushed TO Mary's temples; she was
by Matty'S side in instant urging her to "full
confession"
"Ah; see my little lady, your heart is in the
right place, after all, else you wouldn't be jeal-
ous I've great hopes of youI Blessings often
brighten when we imagine they are about to take
flight! Your husband never spoke word of love
to me in his llr-I only wish he had! | shan't
enIoln secresy upon you as TO my preference, be-
cause l know very well you would not have him
know it for kingdom! so Pm safe But, serious
ly, Mary, you don't know how TO value Edward.
A few more years over your sunny head, and lit
tie more experience of the world, and YOU not
barter him 70; the most brilliant idol your magi-
nation ever set up for your heart to worship"
That day rcas nearer than Matty prophesied!-
Mary shortly after was taken dangerously i'll. For
weeks she balanced between life and DEATH
Whosesupplicating eye sought tne.physician's win
such fearful anxiety? whose hand, with more than
womans tenderness, Smoothed her pillow, and
shaded her eye-balls? who, with uplfted finger
crept sostly 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 wea-
ried with business cares, still kept tireless vigil
till the stars faded away at the bedside of the poor
suferer7
Who grasped the Physicians hand, saying,
''Save her! 1t is life death with me, rs well
as Mary!' Who, but the 'smatter of tacr' Ed
ward 2
One day, after Mary was convalescent, l called
to see her. She was looking very lovely, though
pale and wasted. 'Thank Gcd you are spared
10 u.s." said l, touching my lips to her forehead
| "Afer Him, thank my husband,'' said Mary
with eyes liquid with feeling. '1n this sick room
have learned lesson shall never forget Oh,
Matty! there may be Deep strong lone in the heart,
,Dhere deeds not u1ors the interpr.ters Please
God to spare my life my poor love shall be his re-
ward for this!''
| Mary kept her word.