The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1856-11-05

The long hair hanging down towards the
floor. and from wound u the forehead
the dark red blood was flowing freely -
They stopped short when they saw her
awaiting them they evidently dreaded
the scene, but she was firm and calm.
though heavy at heart lay the thought,
If he is dead how can forgive myself
for the uuhappiness I have caused him =
Obeying her calmly spoken orders,
they laid him down upon sofa in the
splendid drawing room. He had been
struck down before his own dwelling, by
a runaway horse. aud the family physi-
clan. who was instantly summoud, gave
little hope of his recovery The wretch
ed wife sat close beside him while the
unsightly wound was closed; his blood
flowing uuheeded over her rich attire,
and one small white hand was crimsoned,
as it held his head for the first time her
palo lips pressed his own, for the first
time she laid ber cheek to his aud call
ed him by thousand eudearing names
for the first time the knowledge that she
loved him, came to bring her tenfold mis-
cry, Tho estrangement Of years was
forgotten the stone was rolled away
from tho door of her heart, aud its living
waters gushed out once more. But he
who would have periled lifo and limb
for one unsolicited caress from her, now
lay pale and still while she pressed him
to her heart and the love that he had
sought in vain during life, seemed given
only too latc-ouly to waste itself upon
a pallied corp.c--a gildsd coffin aud a
lonely grave
She watched beside him day and night
in the chamber where he had spent so
many lonely hours. Into this room she
had scarcely entered since be had in
stalled her mistress of his household
aud everywhere she saw such traces of
love for her as pierced her heart. In
small alcove beyond his bed hung her
portrait, the first and last thing no saw
as he opened and closed his eyes A
small inlaid cabinet held tho gifts she
had bestowed upon him from tmo to
time: favorite book "a picture "a tress
of dark brown -wiihered boquets---
small golden star. and many things
which she had given tremendously or
lightly, which he had treasured as his
choicest possessions.
The glitter of golden chain upon his
neck attracted her attention, as she ben.
over him one night. Softly she drew it
forth, and gazod upon a splendid picture
Of herself set iT a small gold frame. She
sazcd in silence for a moment, but when
upon the other side she noticed a ring,
the wedding ring that she had never
worn. her composure gave way. Pride
had left her heort and love uau,ped its
place Sinking upon her knees by tho
bedside, while the tears fell fast upon
the dear hand that lay f9ebly upon the
counterpane. she prayed as she had never
prayed before, that God would spare his
life, that she might atone for her sins by
patient and enduring love,
Hqr prayer was heard for God is mer.
ciful even when we sin most deeply. All
night she watched beside him. With
the early dawn tho physician (now do.
mesticated in the house) entered the
room. He held the shrunkon HAND in
glance into the marble.likc face, and
turning to her and said briefly:
"Your care has saved him; be will
live!"
Late in the afternoon Of that day Alice
sat beside the bed, waiting for the long
deep slumber to be broken that she
might see those blue eyes look up at her
once again. She was dressed as for q
bridal, in robe Of pearly satin, with no
ornaments savo single white rose in her
dark hair, and another on her breast.
The color decpened in her cheeks as the
eventful hour drew near her iine eyes
glowed and spark!ed with the .ovc SO
long imprisoned aud so suddenly set free
The golden hands on her watch point.
ed to the hour of seven, wi hen the sleeper
moved silently, drew long sigh, and
opened his eyes. She bent over him with
beating heart; his gaze wandered un.
easily around the room. fixed upon her
-kindlea, and be tried to smile. Very
gently she passed her arm beneath the
aching head, and drew it towards her,til
it rested upon her breast very gently
the tears, which she could not quite re.
press, fell upon bis wasted cheek
i'o ioohco up w u s'fapEe: Joyiui FUR
prise and asked family;
Alice, What does this mean"
1T means that you must live to for.
give mel" she sobbcd That love
you with my whole heart, and none but
ycu. Do not send me away, my hus-
band r
All, his tears were falling now Too
weak to feel astonishment, he could only
thank God silently. lie drew her feebly
to his breast, and whispered:
WY N1el God bless you. Liis is
worm the living now w
Their lips met III long, long kiss of
reconciliation and forgiveness. All was
silent in the chainbe for happiness like
theirs there is no language. ....