Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1859-05-13
The Wife.
BY JOHN G. WHITTIER.


BY JOHN G. WHITTIER.
She was beautiful girl, when | first saw
her. She was standing at the side Of her
lover at the marriage alter. She was
slightly pale-yet ever and anon, as the
ceremony proct eded, faint tinge of Grim
son crossed her beautiful cheek, like the
reflection of sunset upon the clear waters
upon quiet lake. Her lover as he clasp
ed her hand within his own, gazed on her
for a few moments with unmingled admira-
tion. and the warm and eloquent blood
Swallowed at intervales his manly forehead,
and melted into beauty on his lip
And they gave themselves TO enc other
in the presence of heaven, and every heart
blessed them, as they went their way re-
joicing in their love.
Years passed on, and again | saw these
lovers. They were seated together where
the light stole through the half closed and
crimson curtain, lending richer tint to the
delicate caryeting and the exquiste apart
ment. Time had slightly changed them in
outward appearance. The girlish buoyan-
cy of the one had indeed given place to the
was somewhat paler, and a faint line Of
care was slightly perceptible upon her
brow Her husbands brow, too, was
marked somewhat more deeply than his
age might warrants anxiety, ambition, and
pride. had grown over It and left the traces
upon it; silver hue was mingled with the
dark of his hair, which had become thin
around his temples, almost to badness.
He was reclining on his splendid ottoman,
with his face half hidden by his hand, as if
he feared that the deep and troubled
thoughts which oppressed him were visible
upon his features.
Edward. yon are i'll Tonight said his
wife. in low, sweet voice, as she laid her
band upon his own.
Indifference from those we love is terri
bic to the sensitive, bosom. 1t is as If the
sun of heaven refused its wonled cheerful
ness. and glared upon us with a cod, dim,
and forbidding glance. 1t is dreadful TO
feel hat the only being Of oar love refuses
to ask our sympathy. that he broods over
the feelings that he scorus or fears 10 reveal
dreadful to watch the convulsive features
and the indpfuabIe shadows of hidden emo
tions, the involuntary sigh Of sorrow in
which we are forbidden TO participate, and
whose character we cannot know.
She essayed once more. Edward she
said, slowly, mildly, and affectionally, the
time has been when you were willing to
confde your secret joys and sorrows 10 one
who had never, / trust, betrayed your con-
fdence. WHY, then nv dear Edward, is
this cruel reserve? You are troubled, and
yet refuse to tell me the cause
Something of returning tenderness soft
ened for an instant the cold severity Of the
husbands features but it passed away, and
a bitter smile was his only reply.
Time passed on. and the twain were sep
Grated from each other. The husband sat
gloomy and alone in the damp cell of n
dungeon. lie had follow ambition as his
p,d. and had failed in high carer He
had mingled with men whom his heart
lothed. he had songht out the fierce and
wronaed spirits Of the land. and had breath
ed into them the madness of revenge. He
had drawn his sword against his country
he had famed rebellion to flame, and it hal
been quenched in human blood. He had
fallen, miserably fallen, and was doomed
the death of traitor.
The door of the dungeon opened, and a
light form entered and threw herself into
his arms. The softened light of sunset fell
upon the pale brow and wasted cheek of
his once beautiful wife.
Edward, my dear Edward she said, 4
have come TO save you; | have reached
you after a thousand difficulties, and
thank God my purpose is nearly executed.'
Misfortune had softened the proud heart
of manhood and as the husband pressed
his pale wife to his bosom. tear trembled
on his eyelash. i have not deserved this
kindness he murmured in checked tones OF
agonv.
Edward, said his wife, in an earnest,
bat faint and low voice, which indicated ex-
treme and fearful debility, we have not a
moment to lose. BY an exchange of gar
ments we will be enabled to pass out un-
noticed. Haste. or we may be TO late.
Fear nothing for me, am a woman, and
they viii not iniure me for my efforts in
behalf of husband dearer than tife.'
But. Margaret said her husband, you
look sadly i'll. You cannot breathe the all
of this dreadful CELL
20 speak not of me, my dearest Edward,
said the devoted woman. i can endure
anvthing for your sake. Haste, Edward
and all will be well, and she aided with Q
i trembling hand TO disguise the proud form
+ of her husband in female grab.
/ Farewell, my love- my preserver.' whis
pered the husband in the ear OF his disguis
i ed wife. as the officer sturnly reminded tho
supposed lady that the time allotted to he
visit had expired. Farewell we shall NEE
again, responded the wife; and the ehus