Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1858-03-10
NOT APPRECIATED.
A LESSON FOR THoUGHrLEss HUSBANDS.

The last sad rites are over. She had
fallen by the way, ere life's meridian was
reached, and left husband and children
TO sorrow that mocks for time at con-
ISOLATION. Seven years she had been a
wife-six years mother-and now, a
lonely hearted man and three little
motherless ones were left in the dwelling
where the sunshine of her loving pres
ence would never again appear.
Mr.. Newcomb was sadder man, now,
than when he followed, grieving, the
palled coffin to its final resting place
And there were reasons why his heart
should feel deeper depression. A few
friends and neigEbors had returned with
him from the place of the grave, and
they had fingered for short time in
the desolate rooms, speaking together
in muffled tones Of the departed, and o
those she had left behind her. Two wo.
men talked in this wise; and is so hap
pened that Mr.. Newcomb heard every
word. They thought him in one of the
upper chambers, bnt he was sitting in an
adjoining room. and their voices came
in through an open window, and smote
his ears with intolerable pain.
"Poor Alice!" said one. ait is bless
ed release to her"
"But dreadful loss to her children, -
was answered. "Dear little babesi-
Ny heart aches for them. And 1 pity
Mr.. Newcomb, also. It is a great loss,
though he never did rightly appreciate
her, poor thing!'
81 can't get up much sympathy fol
him." His wife was not appreciated, as
you say. He did not understand hei
disposition, nor give her credit for the
virtues she possessed. She was faithful
and loving, but sensitive-so sensitive
that the slightest word If unkindness was
felt as painful stroke"
"And that reminds me-" said the
neighbor, "of one of the bad habits he
INDUCED in, Of bantering her in compa'
ny, and showing off her little faults OIL
peculiarities. l have been so provoked
with him that ! could with difficulty
keep my tongue from reproach.''
''She was plain, and think that an.
noye1 him sometimes"
"Plainl The beauty of her pure
spirit was ever shining through her face,
and if his eyes we're not clear enough to
see it, he was unworthy of her."
"She was not as bright as some other
women; and it always struck me that he
INDUCED in deprecialing contrasts"
"She was good, true, faithful, low
ing" was answered, "and these are
better qualities in a wife than mere
brllliancy. Do you remember that eve
ming at Mrs. Bolton's, about year
ago."
"Very WE'LL"
"She was there, you know"
"Yes, recollect it.''
"l1e firted with pretty Miss Gardner,
who has only her face to recommend
her."
81 remember. 1t lowered him in my
good opinion. IdOn't like to see married
men too particular in their attentions TO
snowy young girls"
Nor 1. Well. I happened to catch
the expression of Mrs. Newcomb's face
when her husband was standing at the
piano, turning the music while Miss
Gardner sung. She was looking at him.
Oh, it was inexpressibly sadl A little
while afterwards turned again TO the
place where she had been sitting all
alone; but she was not there. What
ails Mrs. Newcomb?" l heard some
lady ask some minutes later. Dear
kuoWs! was the almost pettish reply
She's gone off up stairs to have a cry
all to herSelf-semething's gone wrong,
1 suppose. She's hard body to get on
with. 1 pity her husband / pitied
her, poor child! for 1 could understand
her heart"
He went a great deal into company
without his wife"
Yes! and ifyou asked for her, there
was always an air, or tone, or expression
in his face. that made you feel as ifhe
did not regard her as Of much conse-
quence. Where is Mrs. Newcomb?
you would inquire. She doesn't go out
or she's queer little home body or
the baby's Sick or, she doesn't enjoy
company These are the reasons he
would give. 1t has been on my lips
dozen times to answer. why don't you
stay at home and keep her company?'
And 1 wish nov that 1 had. 1t might
have quickened in him perception of
duty, and caused few more rays of
light to fall on her not always sunny path
way"
Mr.. Newcomb heard no more. But
wasn't that enough to give him the
heait t-ache for years? No, he had not
his wife, now lost 10 him for
ever. She was neither brilliant nor
handsome woman; but true as steel 10
duty. Love for her husband was pas
sion that involved all the elements of her