The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-10-19

per they did ampleI justice the husband
had not ealen the accustomed luncheon iha
day. and the wife had Seen busy and earn
ed wha, she seldom had beiore-an appe
lite. ...... a-
The next day came a new irial-som,
tifling articles must bs bought, and Mr.
Dexter must drive tho small open carriage
himself. ....2r r.t.. .. 500
'lwill wear my morning dress and veil
said Mrs. Dexter, for she saw that her hui,
band was mortified for her sake so they
set forth together. The sun shonc Brightly
and the fresh air and various shows Of the
streets and windows were 90 exhilaratina
in their effect, that Mrs. Dexter soon threw
back her veil. quite regardless ofihe aston.
ished looks Of the ladies' she might meet,
Il was new sensation Of dsligh, 10 the hps-
band 10 manage the horses, and both fell
what superauilies coach and coachmen had
been. Affairs went on very we'll for time
they fell as il rid ola great burden, and in
earnest, hopeful labor, experienced no do.
preston and no pain. But so deeply in
vOlved were they that even another coming
down down must be made. Horses and
carriages and house must be sold, and
themselves leii with nothing in The world
but their hearts and hands.
My dear, swee, wife, what can say 10
comfort you = said Mr.. Dexter when he
had made confession Of their extreme
poverty. And he added, sighing and sink.
ing down helplessly, things could no, be
worse than they are.'
Il am glad 10 hear it, said Mrs. Dexter
laughing outright; for as nothing remains
stationary in This world, our affairs mnst
grow better from necessity
But my dear, what can we.do'' sorrow.
fully calculated the husband.
'Why,' she replied, begin 10 live, indie
pendent Of burdens and restrictions. For
my part just begin 10 see something TO
live for.
And drawing the easy chair 10 the fire,
and placing the baby on his knee she rro-
posed 10 make for her husband cup OF tea
aud piece Of toast, in the hope ofreviving
his spirits.
There was no bread nor tea In the house,
aud worse than all, no money.
Surely, 'hen,' said Mrs. Dexter, looking
earnestly in The sad face Of her husband,
There's no time 10 be losi;' and putting
on her shawl and bonnet she was presently
gone from the house. When she returned
il was with glow on her cheek ,ha, height.
ened her beauty far more than pain, and
powder had ever done. She had been SELL
in. her diamonds, and had brought home
money enough 10 buy cottage and Ten
acres Of land within few miles OF the city
where they had always lived.
A year went by, and as Mr.. Dexter look
ed about his neat, well-ordered house, as
he sat before the blazing hickory logs, a
pitcher Of milk and basin of shining ap.
pies on the table beside. and saw his wife in
a pretty chiniz, making The tea, and his boy
brishl-eyei and healthy, rocking himself in
The cradle with look Of pride that was al
ready able 10 do something for himself, he
was surprised at his own happiness, and ex.
claimed, Really my dear, | should never
have learned half your sxcellsn, qualilie s.,
and consequently, never have loved you
halfso we'll, but for our coming down.
Coming down, indeed y she replied,
aud putting down The smoking teapot, she
wiped The happy tears ircm her eyes Il
was never so happy in my life. II Is as IL
we had removed q grea, heap Of rubbish,
and had struck vein of gold for what
were our useless forms, all our servants and
equipage, but so many obstacles in the way
Of our knowing each other Then, there
was nothing iha, could do for you-now I
can do everything and almos, sobbing
she continued, il you call this coming
down, thank God for II, for il has, In truth
been coming down 10 usefulness and hap.
piness. With wha, our friends called mis-.
fortunes, We were the gamers every time.
Was Il not pleasanter 10 ride in the open
carriage, 10 see what was about US, and feel
the air and sunshine, than to be shut up L..
the old numbering coach! And then 10
walk and have the advantage Of exercise as
we'll as air, was better still and now 10
work, and so get air and exercise, and be
useful a, The same time, is best Of all. One
room darkened another when we had a
great house; now the light and sunshine
come in all rouud. Our expensive furni.
iure and servants now l can keep the lille
we require myself, and wha, was before
wearisome, is pleasure. have no ceremo-
nious calls 10 use the time which can pass
in friendly interchange Of thought and feel
ing, with neighbors who come 10 see me,
and not my house or dress. Believe me,
my husband-a house 10 shelter US, and one
that is wilhal tasteful and pretty, and ground
that gives us bread and fruit, AMI wafer and
aowers-all for a little work; and iha, j.
the blessedes, Of our provisions, for through
no other means can we obtain rest.'
You are the best and noblest woman in
The world, exclaimed The husband, inter,
rupting her, and but for you I should have
come down in verify. Now I am convinced
that while We maintain honesty and self
respect, coming down is impossible
1t is sad to think Of the great 6ne rooms
piled one over another, and darkenipg ont
against anothcr-too costly for use, and toc
elegant for the free tread AMI merry laugh