Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-02-22
egd, 1854.

With my fears, vanished repentance with
my violate heart, aud by the time he rea-
ched the room was preparing to pour a
storm ofinyectiye on his head. Hepaused
on the threshold, and as the moon shone
full on his face perceived that he was
paid and agitated, and in the moonlight
presented ghastiless that shocked me
SO much that sprang from my bed, ex4
claiming. Joseph, Mr.. Iceland what is
the matter?" He started at me an ~inr
staut, and in an excited tone he replied !;
'' Don't be a fool, Clara. Go back TO bed
and let me alone. - The truth flashed on.
my mind: and again pressed my pillow.
where sought to fasten the blame on
him, rather than take any share on my
self. The next day nothing was said of
the occurrence of the proceeding day and
nipnt. In fact there were few words
on any subject feltinjured and q gloom
seemed TO have setCledou the countenance
and manner ofsmy husband. al9
Il was not until after years that knew
what may as well mention now. When
Mr. Leland left The store on the eventful
night, he paused a moment on the thresh-
old, uncertain whither to direct his steps.
dreading after the toiings of the day to
encounter the fretfuIness of his arbitrary
wife at home Home home no longer
to his gentle and ce-Ioying spirit
just then at acquaintance passed and ac-
costing him gaily. inviting him to so and
partake of an oyster supper at a ,respecta-
bic restaurant. Unhappily his stomach
prompted his mind to accept the invitation
That night the tempting wine cup vas
held to his lips; a second and a third
fo! lowed in rapid succession. and in that
state he sought his chamber as we have al
ready seen.
Following this, there came succession
Of days and months fraught with the dee
pest misery to bo h of us. will draw a
! veil over the rec0llections of this period,
only mentioning that but few months
: had elapsed before the hollOM cheeks and
7 blood -si u eyes told .ale that none who
saw him could fail to read. My husband's $
conduct and appearance. instead of caus-
ing self.reproach and exciting pity, led
me to look upon myself as one of the most
injured OF wives, and my selfish and wick
cd heart hardened towards him, till
scarcely spoke save in harshness and re-
| proach. We had been married about two
years One morning, Mr.. Leland went
/ 10 JuT STORE aS usual OuG' SOOh
On looking at him, l caught my breath in
!astonishment. His eyes were wild and
| CLEANED like hot Goals and he staggered
across the room and would have fallen had
he not grasped chair into which he sank.
He sat a moment. as If collecting his
thoughts, then in a voice firm and solemn.
while almost felt his burning gaze, he
said, &C Clara this day am a ruined man
my employers have watched my steps,
have expostulated with me, finding with
it to no purpose /; this day on which |
should have raise to an honorabIe and
profitable position. finds me cast off. sick.
broken hearted, alone, without money and
without friends. Trouble and diSappOint-
ment drove me to the wine-cup. then. to
find oblivion for my sorrows, neglected
my business, became involved in debt. and
| this is the consequence" ,f., .a.f