Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1859-10-13
A CONFESSION.
4 story for Marriageable Young
Ladies Only.

lul Out Weak-fllnucu plIl- II. was
whole-souled. pleasure loving youth
the life of every circle that he isvore,
with his company.
The club, of which he was mem
Der, acknowledged that he was tn
wittiest and handsomest man anon:
them; but as have already said, III
married early; and now. let me add
only three months had elapsed whei
we observed marked change in oul
favorite.
His bright smile was changed for 4
serious and often sad expression; h,
came to the club-rooms less frequently
than lad been his wbnt, and while
there he read his paper, seldom joining
in any conversation.
lie had been ia the habit of taking
out but one cigar during the evening
and that was sometimes thrown away
half consumed Now he seemed to smoke
as some persons drink. TO drive away
dull care When the door opened he
started and held the cigar half hidden
by his paper, as if afraid of being
caught in some forbidden enjoyment.
After ] had observed my friend,
evening after evening, and felt con
vinced that some secret horror was de-
stroying his peace, ] one night left the
room with him, offering to walk home
by his side lie drew my arm within
his own, and gave my hand friendly
pressure AS he turned his face to-
ward the gas-light, saw that tear
stood in his eye. | said,
II. YOU arc in trouble-can | relieve
you? Do you need pecuniary aidg--
If so, let me have the pleasure of be-
slowing it, You have a young wife,
and your expenses must necessarily
have increased, perhaps more than
you anticipated. and young lawyers
sometimes have to wait long for their
fees. If you wonld like to borrow
money, say so; | have more than
enough for an old bachelor
odd bachelor! Would that i
we're
Here he paused, and turning to me,
added,
B., reveal not what / have Just ut
tered. You have always been like a
brother to me, and you shall know the
cause of my distress; | am sure you
will never make an improper use Of
what l tell you.
After assuring him that he might
safely confide in me. that would new
or divulge his secret until | had per-
mission, listened to the following re-
cital:
Il married too hastily; Clara's beau.
ty dazzled me, and i saw not her de-
fects. The poor girl declares that she
loves me, but preferable would be her
hatred. i can not leave her presence
without being obliged, on my return,
to account for every moment of my
absence. Any spot is better than my
home, yet l cannot seek peace else
where without a certainty that ] must
pay scvcry penalty. My wife for
bids meto smoke in her presence, there
fore must 80 abroad to enjoy what ]
can not discontinue at once. Indeed
the desire for such indul gence increases
with my efforts to leave it off,
Suddenly starting, my friend ex-
claimed,
90, there she is now with her head
ont of the window this cold night,
though ! besought her not to expose
her health in that way; but such is her
revenge for my going broad. Can
you wonder that l am changed? l
would rather die than live thus
Ere had spoken many words Of
consolation we were at my friends
door. was pressing his hand when
the door opened, aud delicate but
beautiful lady held a light. which
showed too plainly the frown that dis
figured her fair face.
We'll, sir. home at last' and the
door closed ere my friend had finished
saying good night.
was enragcd, and declared that any
man was. a fool to submit to such treat
ment. | resolved that / would marry
in less than a month. to show ii. and
other unfoitunates that a woman can
be governed.
lay awake that night thinking
over all my lady friends, and consid-
ering which should be the victim
Some were too silly, others too plain
looking; but | remembered that one
was beautiful. intelligent, and so high
spirited that to sabdue her would be a
grand achievement.
/ had wealth, position, and (excusc
my vanity not bad person. The
fair one in question | had always ad-
mired, and She invariably received me
well. Indeed | had been assured 10y
an acquaintance with Miss &. that |
was a favorite with her. But as | had
resolved to lead single life. l had
not entertained any serious intentions
toward the one | now determined to
marry, if she would accept me. | de-
cided to put on the chains of matri-
mony to prove that they could not al
ways enslave.
In three weeks from that night | had
caught my bird. We were to be
united toward the close of the coming
week, in accordance with my wishes,
that we might spend the holidays with
my parents in Virginia.
On our return we took possession OF
our newly furnished mansion. We
gave a large party. or rather it was my
party. that ] might invite all my bach
elar friends. as well as some unhappy
married ones.
l was astonished when my bride
agreed to all my arrangements, though
she knew as we'll as l did they were