Smyrna times., 1858-05-20
INTERESTING STORY.
NOT APPRECIATED ED.
T. S. ARTHUR.

The last sad rites were over. She had fallen
by the way, ere llfe's meridian was reached,
aud left husband and children to a sorrow that
mOcks for a time at consolation. Seven years
she had been wlte-siX years mother, and
now, lonely-hearted man and three little
mOtherless ones were left in the dwelling where
the sunshine other loving presence would never
again appear.
Mr.. NewcOmb was q sadder man, now, than
when he followed, grieving, the palled coffin to
It's final resting place. Aud there were reasons
why his heart should teel deeper depression
a few friends aud neighbors had returned with
hm from the place of graves, and they lnger-
ed for shot time in the desolate rooms, speak
lag together in mutlled tones of the departed
and Of those she had left behind her. Two wo.
men talked together in this wise and it so hap
pened that Mr.. Newcomb heard every word.-
They thought him in one of the upper cham-
bers, but he was sitting in one of the adjoining
rooms, and their voices came in through an open
window, and snote his ears with lutoIerable
pam.
Poor Alice!" said one, lit is blessed re-
lease to her.
But dreadful loss to her children" was
answered. Dear little babies My heart aches
ior them. And pity Mr.. Ncwcomb, also. Ii
Is great loss, though he did never rightly ap-
precate her, poor thing"
81 can't get up much sympathy for him.
said the other, "and it isn't much use to try
Ills wife was not appreciated as you say. lie
dld not understand her disposition, nor give her
credit for the virtues she possessed"
"And that reminds me- said the neghbor,
Z" one of the bad habits he INDUCED in, OF BAN
terlng her in company, and showing off her lit
tie faults and peculiarities have been SO
provoked at him, that | could with difficulty
keep my tongue from reproach."
"She was plain; and | think that annoyed
him, sometimes
plain! The beauty of her pure spirit was
ever shining through ler face, and if his eyes
were not clear enough to see it, he was un-
worthy of her,
She was not as bright as some women, and
always struck me that he indulged in depre-
catlng contrasts.
"She was good, true, faithful and loving"
was answered, :" and these are better qualities
ina wife than mere brilancy. DO you remem-
Der that evening at Mrs. Bottoms, about year
ago 7"
"Very WE'LL"
"She was there, you know"
"Y Yes. | recollect it,"
"IIe hrted with pretty Miss Gardener, who
has only her face to recommend her."
4" remember. 1t lowered him in my good
opinion. | don't like to see married men too
particular in their attentions to snowy young
girls''
"NOr /. Well, happened to catch the ex-
preston of Mrs. Newcomb's face when her hus-
band was standing at the piano, turning music
while Miss Gardener sung. She was looking
at him. Oh it was inexpressi5ly sad A lit
tie while afterwards turned TO the place where
she had been sitting, all alone; but she was not
there. What ails Mrs. Newcomb!' heard
a lady ask some minutes later. Dear knows =
was the almost pettish reply. 'She's gone off
up stairs to have a cry all to herself-some-
things wrong suppose. She's a hard body
10 get along with. | pity her husband II
pttIed her, poor child for could understand
her heart"
lie went great deal into company with
out his wife,"
Yes; and if you asked for her, there was
al"ays an air, or tone, or expression in his face
'Oat made you feel as if he did not regard her
asofmuch consequence. where is Mrs. New.
Como? you would inquire. She doesn't en-.
Joy company or she doesn't 60 out or she's
aqaeer little home body or the baby's sick
these were the reasons he would give. 1t has
Oeen on my lipsa dozen times to answer Why
uOn you stay at home nd keep her company q
'aa wish now that | had. 1t might have
9ulckened him in perception of duty, and
caused few more rays of light to fall on her
A0' always sunny pathway" 1. sI.