Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-06-26
MISCEL A N E O U S
TIE wIrE'S DESPAIR.

IfiE WliGS DE6fAlk.
The room was very small and exceed.
inply bright and clean INTO which look
ed. On the tiniest OF little stoves kettle
Furnished to the last degree of brightness,
was singing merrily, its lid lifting and fall
ing, with the efforts of the imprisoned va
POI at esca pc, in a way to make one won
der that the idea OF the steam engine was
not suggested TO some enqniring mind
within one week after the advent Of tea
kettles. The characteristics OF all things
in that room were ncatness and dlmlnu-
tiveness. The small windows were dlapcd
by snowy curtains the floor was not quite
covered by a small carpet Of bright hues,
made of strips of cloth, after the country
fashion, small table, with its white
cloth. was drawn neal the fire, and on il
was arranged pretty tea equipase and
plates tor tive; and OH the other side q
little cradle stood, with its oceupant--a
great, fair-looking baby---nut all eherubic,
but exceedingly clean, healthy, and kiss
inviting.
By the side Of the cradle sat pretty
little woman, as neat as her surroundings.
While with her loot she kept the cradle
gently vibrating, she diligently stitched
some little garment, and with a low, sweet
voice, she sang snatehes of simple airs
1t was pleasant quiet scene--that tiny
house. Ii, occupants were poor, but .heie
was neither suffering nor destitution.-
There were even some simple and cheap
luxuries-a few books, handsome flute
in its case, and two or three pas
ter casts of graceful figures. Indeed the
dwellings OF the poor are not always dens
of filth and wretchedness-their inhabi-
tants arc not always coarse and vile.
The little clock upon the mantel point
ed to aquaiter past six. Ii was quite
time for the husband to be at home, and
the little woman hushed her song, and
while her fingers yet worked nim5ly, she
bent hel head to listen to his coming
But he did not come there was no foot
step whose tread she knew upon the echo.
ing pavement or on the narrow STAIR
The kettle, kissing and steaming, with it,
rafting lid, were the only sounds, save the
ticking of the clock, which broke the 81.
ence. ,s
BY and bye, when the little wife had
grown very anxious, and had gone more
than once to look out into the narrow.
dimy lighted street, for the well known
form the clock struck seven. It's echoes
died awa, and she listened again, bu
still in vain. She can no longer york !; 81
the little garment is thrown aside, and she
walks up and down .he Small room, tor
mented with many al anxious fear She
is skillful in wearing terrible iancies.-
Now she fears that .hs building on which
he works has fallen--new that he hs
been beset by ruffians in the streets OF
tempted into some den of drunkenness
There is some mystery about the delay
Re was later than usual last night, am
would not tell her why, and seemed EN-
barrassed ather inneeent questioning
Yes yes there is fearful mystery, AM
aItho Ugh the narrow room looks still a
bright and pleasant as at first the woman
sits down beside the cradle with cloud
ed face, and bursts INTO flood OF tears.
The baby wakes and she takes upol
her knee, bit she does not hush it will
her sweet voice. The little fellow look
wonderingly at the bright drops which
roll down her cheeks, and tries TO catci
! them with his fat hands.
AT last, just as the clock is on the stroke
of eight, step sounds upon the stairs
She knows its sound, and springing to
| ward the door stands ready to receive TIN
conner. The door opens and handsome
young man Of perhaps twenty-five, enters
Something has evidently gone wrong will
him tot there is troubled expression upo,
his bold, handsome face. He pushes hastil.
past his wife, but she follows and throw
one arm about his neck, while with thu
otlsey she holds the child.
"Oh James, an so glad you hav'
cone at last"
He almost throws her from him.
CAT last cant nan be minute be
hind hand without finding you all tears
and getting scolding2 Don't stand Their
CRYING but give me my sapper.a
'"Oh, James, did not seold, but hay
been so troubled about you. so afraid tha
YOU were hurt. Don't be Angry but, In
deed we are always SO happy when yo'
come home at night, and we sit down ev
cry evening at the same hour, that can
help feeling anxious when you don come
And what is the matter9 You look s.
coldly upon me, and seem so strange"
"Nothing's the matter tell you. Sto|
CRYING and give me my supper. don
want 10 be questioned, Eliza, and now
once for all, If am obliged, or choose t
stay little later than usual from home a
night, | expect I've right to do it withou
h.;uc tormented with tears or questions