Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-10-27
A CONFESSION.

My friend H. married early in life. The lady
that he chose was a beautiful but weak minded
girl; II. was whole-soulcd, pleasure loving
youth, the life of every circle that he favored
with his company.
The club of which he was member acknow-
edged that he was the wit;iest and handsomest
man among them but, as | have already said,
II. married early; and now, let me add, only
three months had elapsed when we observed a
marked change in our favorite.
His bright smile was changed for a serious,
and often sad expression; he came to the club
rooms less frequently than had been his wont,
and while there he read his paper and smoked,
seldom joining in any conversation.
He had been in 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 his cigar haf-hidden by his
paper, as if afraid of being caught in some for
hidden enjoyment.
After had observed my friend, evening after
evening, and felt convinced that some secret
sorrow was destroying his peace, one night
left the room with him, offering to walk home
by his side. He drew my arm within his own,
and gave my hand friendly pressure; as he
turned his face toward the gas-light saw a tear
stood in his eye. | said, al, are you in trou-
BILE; can relieve you? DO you need pecunary
aid? II so, let me have the pleasure of be-
slowing it. You have a young wife, and your
expenses must necessarily have increased, per-
haps more than you anticipated and young
lawyers sometimes have to wait long for their
fees If you would like to borrow money, say
so; for | have more than enough for an old
bachelor"
"Old bachelor. would that were" Here
ho nl n,,I 1al .,D
veal not what | have Just uttered. You have
always been like brother to me- and you shall
know the cause of my Distress am sure you
will never make an improper use of what tell
YOU"
After assuring him that he might safely con-
fde in me, that would never divulge his Sc
cret until received his permission, listened
to the following recital =
al married too hastily Clara's beauty daz-
zled me, and saw not her defects; the poor
girl declares she loves me- but preferable would
be her hatred. | cannot 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 | cannot seek peace
elsewhere without certainty that l must pay a
severe penalty. My wife forbids me to smoke
in her presence, therefore must go abroad to
enjoy what cannot discontinue at once. In
deed the desire for such indulgence increases
with my efforts to leave it off"
Suddenly starting, my friend exclaimed, "there
she is now, with her head out of the window
this cold night though have besought her not
to expose her health in this way; but such is
her revenge for my going abroad. Can you
wonder why | am changed? | 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, and delicate,
but beautiful lady, held a light, which showed
too plainly the frown which disfigured her fair
face.
"Well, sir, home at last !" and the door closed
ere | had finished saying "good night"
was enraged, and declared that any man was
a fool to submit to such treatment. resolved
that would marry in less than month, to show
H., and other untortunates, that woman can
be governed.
| laid awake that night thinking over all my
lady friends, and considering which should be
my victim. Some were too silly, others too
plain looking; but | remembered one that was
beautiful, intelligent, and so high-spirited, that
to subdue her would be grand achievement.
had wealth, position and (excuse my vanity)
not bad person. The fair one in question |
had always admired, and she had invariably re-
ceived me we'll Indeed had been assured bv
an acquaintance of Miss c. that was a favorite
with her. But as had resolved to lead sim
gle life, had never entertained any serious in
tentions toward the one | now determined to
marry, if she would accept me. | decided to
put on the chains of matrimony, to prove that
they could not always enslave
In three weeks from that night had caught
my bird. We were to he united towards the
close of the following 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 large
party, or rather it was my party, that might
invite all my bachelor friends as well as some
poor unhappy married ones.
was astonished when my bride agreed to all
my arrangements, though she knew as well as |
did that they were peculiar.