The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-08-10
FOR THE INDEPENDENT PRESS.
a Model of q True Wife.

been all weakness and dependence, while
treadng the prosperous paths of life, sud-
'denly rising in mental force, to be the COM
aorter and supporter Of her husband under
misfortune, and abiding with unshrinking
firmness the bittercst blasts of adversely
AS the vine which has long twined its grace
full foliage about the oak, and been lifted
byit into sunshine, will, when the hardy
plant is rifted by the thunderbolt, cling
around it with its caressing tcndrils, and
bind up its shattered boughs so it is beau
tifully ordered by Providence that woman,
who is the mere dependant and ornament of
man in his happier hours, should be his stay
and solace when smitten with sudden ca
lamity; winding herself into the rugged re
cesses Of his nature, tenderly supporting the
dropping head, and binding up the broken
heart. There is no greater blessing on earth
to man than true and affectionate wife.
What does the Bible say2 "who can find
virtuous woman: her price is far above ru-
bies." If you are prosperous, there she is to
share your prosperity; if otherwise, there
she is to comfort you. And indeed have
observed that a married man, falling into
misfortune, is more apt to retrieve his situa-
tion in the world than single one; partly
because he is stimulated to exertion BIZ the
necessities of the helpless and beloved ones
who depend upon him for subsistence; but
chiefly because his spirits are soothed and
relieved by domestic endearments, and his
self respect is kept alive by finding, that
although all abroad is darkness and hu,nili-
alton, there is still a little world of love at
home, OF which he is the monarch. Where
rs single man is apt to run to waste and
self-neglect; to fancy himself lonely and
abandoned, and his heart to fall into ruin
like some deserted mansion for want Of an
inhabitant.
These remarks call to mind a little do
mcstic story. Mr.. W., my friend and rela-
tive, had married beautiful and accom-
plished young lady, who had been brought
up in the midst Of fashionable life. She
had it is true, no fortune, but that. of her
husbands was ample, and he delighted in
the anticipation Of indulging her in every
elegant pursuit. and administering to all her
wants.
The very difference in their characters
produced an harmonious combination ; he
was Of romantic, and somewhat Of Sc
rious cast; she was all life and gadness.
have often noticed the mute rapture with
. which he would gaze upon her in company,
OF which her sprightly powers made her the
delight And when leaning OH his arm,
her slender form contrasted finely with his
tall manly person. The fond con6ding air
with which she looked up to him, seemed
to call forth flush Of triumphant pride
and cherishing tenderness, as if he doated
on his lovely burthen forsik very helpless.
ness. Never did couple sets sforthein life
with brighter prospect Of felicity. s
It was the misfortune, however, Of Mr.
W. to go into large specuIations, and in q
few months his fortune was exhausted, and
he found himself reduced to almost penury
For time he kept his situation to himsel
and went about with haggard countenancc
and breaking heart. His life was pro
tracted agony, his wife soon saw with tn,
= eyes of quick affection that all was not wei
with her husband; she marked bis altered
looks and sti1ed sighs, and was not to 5,
deceived by his forced attempts to cheerful
hess. She tasked all her sprightly power
and tender Establishments to win him bacl
happiness; but she only drove the al
row deeper into his hear, the more he say
cause TO love, and the more torturipp WA
the thought that he was coon to make he
wretched. ~ - - /,
Aslttle while thoughthe, and that swee
smile will vanish from thy glowing cheek
the songs Ialoye to hear will die awav fsor &,
those dear lips; the lusze Of those burn
ing eyes win soon be quenched with %,
row; and the happy heart which now beal
solightly in thy snowy bosom be ,weiiehe
down like mine with etroubles, cares III
,miseries Of tbis wosld ID. 81
He sane Il length sops DIS, aud relate III Il
his whole sitdatioa % be sinss ,tSns So,ls IS
.dsepest despair. sf ha i,ssiya .hh
" = n IilSrax 80