Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-06-04

er-ln-laW but name for q most sweet bond
Thinking of this, how much she pitied Emily !
Had she not heard the confession of her cous-
in, the one half hour during which she listened
painfully to the abrupt, coldly polite or sar-
castle speeches that passed between the lady
and her sons wife, was enough to convince
Eunice that she was in house Of strife. She
rose to depart for it was vain to hope for
more conversation with Emily AS she bade
her cousin adieu in the ante-room, Eunice
could just find time to whisper, Dearest Emf
ly, when L married, wise and true friend
said to me, ''Take care of the first quarrel! ~
l did so Henry and have not had our first
quarrel yet. Listen to me. At all risks, end
yours make any sacrifices to be friends and
never, never have another. God bless and
help you and goodbye"
The wise Solomon says, 'the beginning of
strife is like the letting out of water" Alas
II they who first open the fountain did but
know into what fearful river of woe it soon
swetls, sweeping away everything in its over
whelming tide. Emily Lester was wise enough
to follow her Cousins advice she did make
up the quarrel, as a loving and still beloved
wife almost always can, and no other tie has
the same influence But Sir Francis, though
gifted with many high qualities, was difficult
temper to bear with and guide His charac-
ter and pursuits were fixed before he married :;
his wife must mould her nature to his, for he
would never bend his to hers He loved Emf
ly fOndly, but he regarded her, probably from
the difference in their years, more as q play
thing than an equal After the silkcn fettcrs
of the lover were broken, he would never
brook the shadow of control To give him an
idea that he was ruled, was to LOSE that pow
er forever. Emily had truly called him obsti-
nate for the same quality that made him firm
in a good purpose, made him resolute in an
erring one. To thwart him, was but t. strength
en- Lis iron will. Yet he was man of high
principle and feeling but he required 10 be
lured by smiles to a cheerful home, instead Of
of being driven away by frowns and muir
murs.
Let US pass over another year, and again
visit the two homes. A mothers bliss had
come to both the heir of Sir Erancis Lester
was received with triumphant JOY, and cradled
in satin and down while the first born of
Henry Wolferstan was laid in its mothers bo-
som with fearful but not less happy welcome
Life had become very sweet to Henry and
Eunice their cup of JOY was running over
Too much bliss is a snare to the WiSest and
therefore, perhaps, it was best that, before
many months had passed over the babe whose
advent had given so much happiness, shad-
Ow gathered Oh the path of the young pa
rents.
Eunice sat waiting for her husbands daily
return from town. Sleep had closed the eyes
of her little Lilly-the chiId's name was La
vina, but they called her Lilly and very like
was she to that ~weet flower, especially now she
lay asleep like lily golded among its leaves.
Eunice's fingers were busy in fabricating a
christening robe for her darling and the
mothers heart kept pace with their quick
movements, travelling over future years, until
she smiled at herself to think how earnestly
she had been considering the making of the
bridal dress of the babe of three months old
that lay unconScously sleeping by her side.
A little later than his accustomed hour
for he was generally very punctual-Henry
come in. He looked pale and his eye was
troubled, but lie kissed his wife with his usual
affection, perhaps even more. Still, Eunice
saw that all was not right. She waited for
him to tell her he always did but this night
he was silent. a few passing questions
Eunice put, but they were answered so shortly
that the wife saw that that plan would never
by speaking of Lilly and the christening.
" See, Henry, how beautiful she will look
in her robe-the darling !" said the mother,
unfolding it, and displaying the delicate fab
ric.
Henry covered his face. +'Take it away 2"
he said, in tones of deep pain. Il cannot
think Of such things. Eunce | ought to tell
you, and yet dare not"
NWbot ic Jor oil mo my NUN
Henry ?" said Eunce sadly putting her arm
around his neck, nothing wrong, | am sure,
and even if so you know | will forgive"
81 have done wrong, Eunice it might be
foolish, but it was not wrong"
"What was it Henry, love p said voice
so low that it might have only been that of
his own heart urging the confession.
81 will tell you. You know my brother
George how wild he is, and always was Well,
he came to me year ago +; he had good sit
uation offered him him, but they required
surety and George implored me on his knees
to save him, and give him chance of reform
ing. | did So was bound for him to the
extent of Our little all-poor Lilly's Fortune
and he has Just fed to America thief de-
frauding his master and also me- Ennice, we
have now only my salary to live upon. This
is the trouble that weighs me down"
"Is that all ?" said.the wife "then we will
bear it together tits nothing nothing" and
she smiled through her tears.
Her husband looked surprised. "Eunice,
do YOU know that we shall be much poorer
than we are now ? that we must give up many
comforts and the poor babe growing up too.
Oh. how foolish have been p
Never mind the past now, dear Henry ); ]
have only one thing to complain of-that you
did not tell me sooner"
"You have indeed a right to do So," said
Henry slowly, and painfully II know it; l
have brought this upon you; have made my
wife poor"
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