Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-08-13


nature as he again saw her smile that sweet
sad smile that had played over her features in
former DAYS
In moving her work, she accidentally drop
ped her thimble, and it rolled near his feet.
In an instant he was by her side, placing it
upon her finger and pressing her hand to his
lips She drew it away as though she had
received the sting Of scorpion, while she
bent upon him a whitening look Of pity and
contempt, as her eyes filed with tears.
so, pardon me, do pardon" he exclaimed,
"and hear me but for one moment" and he
sought to stay her position as she attempted
to arise.
Emma" he continued, 81 have loved you
long and ardently; my pity for you has grown
into an ardent attachment, which naught on
earth can eradicate. When you we're keeping
lone watches by the cradle of your child, then
passed and repassed on the pavement be-
meath your window, like lone sentinel, until
the dawn Of morning light. And then would
have given worlds had they been in my
possession, for the privilege Of being by your
side, and showing my love and sympathy
But now, in an ungarded moment have been
inconsiderate enough to offend your purity,
and merit your eternal hatred. But, O. for
give, pity. and pardon
Mrs. Iindel had arisen, and was standing
leaning against the mantel, with her face bu
ried in her hands and her eyes snfused in
tears, unable TO control her feelings when she
thought Of her past suferings. She felt, too,
she was standing upon delicate ground, and
that every inch was contested by right against
the power Of sin. In fancy, she saw before
her a legion Of tho angels Of darkness try
ing to lessen bright circle that was shining
between her and Mr.. Gray, until they should
be united.
While nearer on the other side stood host
Of bright angelic forms, defyng the powers
Of darkness.
Mr. Gray continued, "Should you expose
my presumption my character is ruined and
should you make it known to your husband
my life alone would satisfy the revenge of his
aroused passion
lie approached her to take her hand, say
ing. Forgive me, Emma, say you forgive,
and that one sentence, you love me- Then
shall feel that | am safe, for woman's love
will never botrav'
She drew back, motioning him to depart.
"But you will forgive." he added, "and
will leave"
She nodded assent, as he turned to depart.
After his departure she sought her lone
guidance of her Heavenly Father She knew
not whore else to go to unburdcn her troubled
and bleeding heart.
The lonely hours passed but slowly away,
as she awaited the return of her husband
At his arrival, she hastened, as usual, to
meet him with heart overhowing with af-
fiction, but he gazed upon her she felt
blush suffusing her cheek as her mind reverted
TO the past But his ungovernable passions
forbade her mentioning any circumstance that
would arouse his fury As ever, she tried
every way in her power to make her husband
contented and happy,
In his happiest moods he would sometimes
scat himself by her side and take her hand,
in former days.
Then she longed to throw herself upon his
bosom, and tell him of the temptations that
beset her pathway, and imploro of him not to
leave her again, but guard her from surrouad-
ing trials.
Mr.. Lindell still felt warm friendship for
Mr.. Gray, and often in his leisure hours, and
morning ramblos, he accompanied him home
And well Mr. Gray knew ly Mr.. Lindell's
manner, that Mrs. Lindell had kept the secret
he feared she might disclose. And at every
opportunity he looked his thanks and love to
her with an unmistakable meaning.
In the absence of company, Mr.Lindell was,
usual, the same exacting, petuant, tyran-
nical husband He was ready at any slight
cause to dispcl every ray of sunshine from
Emma's life, by his outbursts Of passion
To her, in such trying moments came the
temptation to love another. In fancy, Mr..
Gray bowed before her, pleading in thrilling
tones for return Of affection Then would
come the beautiful form of her boy, flirting
between on angels wings, to hide from sight
the temptor that would lead astray. Then
would the temptor lose his power. She felt
she could suffer and endure aifliction, with
"hopc of Heaven
1t was after midnight, when Mr.. Lindell
was awakened by nervous tremor of his
wile's icy fingers, as they rested upon his
neck. As he awoke, he found that the noon
beams had stolen through the snowy curtains
of gauze, and rested upon her features.
He trcmbled as he gazod upon her pallid
checks. whero once bloomed the rose Of health.
He looked upon her as he would have look
ed upon an angel, for he felt that she was too
pure for him to even breathe upon her mar
bic forehead. At first he thought her sleep
ing, but soon imagined her to be dead, as he
listened in vain for her low breathing until
she sighed like child that had sobbed itself
to sleep.
That sigh entered his SOUL and awakened
his guilty conscience. For he knew too well
that his neglect and passionate tones, were
preying upon her sensitive nature, and de-
stroyng her health, her life.
lie resolved, and rerosolyod, before he a.
gain fell asleep, that he would reform both in
word and deed for the future.
Morning came, and Mr.. Lindoll was soon
engaged in making preparations to leave home
for few days,
His wife approached him with feeble step,
and languid look, as she handed him his
snowy linen with its glossy plaids and accu-
rate stitching He was soon neatly dressed,
but in arranging his polished collar, his i'm
petuous temper was aroused by missing
button.
In his excitement he spoke to his wife in
words that were harsh and tones that were
cruel. In silence she staggered under load
of grief, almost insupportable, to an adioin-
ing room. With patient and sorrowiu look
she seated herself. awaiting his approach to
speak that sorrowful word good by, before
his departure.
! She hears his footsteps, but listen. he is
/ going from her--thc door opens and closes.
i III out fft,r.