Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-08-29
From Chambers Miscellany.
THE HUSBANDS SECRET.

From Chambers Miscellany.
THE HUSBANDS SECRET.
One day, good many years ago, young
woman knocked at the door of a little cottage
in the suburbs Of the town of Newcastle-upon-
Tyne. The knock was Immediately responded
to by the opening of the door from within
An aged woman, neatly dressed, and who had
evidently risen from the wheel, was The sole
inmate of the little cot
'sBless your heart, gir,'' said the dame, as
she entered with her visitor, and sat down by
the wheel again, s'there must surely be some
thing particular about you to-day, for you did
not used to Knock
81 was afraid some one might be with you,
mother" said tile girl, who had taken a seat
opposite the spinner.
"And though neghbor had been here"
replied the dame, ssthis surely wouldn't have
frightened you away, but the truth is, you
have something to say TO me, Catharine, -
continued the speaker, kindly; scout with il,
my dear, and depend upon the best counsel
that old Hannah can give"
The young woman blushed deeply and did
not speak.
s'Has William Hutton asked you to become
his wife, Catharne l'' said the dame, who
easily and rightly anticipated the matter that
in the thoughts of her youthful visitor
she has, mother" was the reply.
:.WeIl, nay delr,' said she, after short
ted, aye, and Wished i' He has your heart !;
and so l suppose it needs no witch to tell what
will be the end on't.''
This might be all very true, but there was
something on Catharine's mind which strug-
gled to be out, and out il came.
'sDear Hannah," said she. seating herself
close by the dame, and taking hold of her
hand, s'you have been a kind friend-a parent
to me since my poor mother died, and
have no one TO look TO for advice but yourself.
have not given William answer, and |
would not until had spoken to you more
especially as something's you once said
''What did | say, Catharinc 20 interrupted
the old woman; 'snothing against the m an you
love. surely lie is, fIom all have seen and
heard, kind-hearted, industrious, and every
way well behaved
'sies, Hannah replied the woman; abut
you once said, after brought him once or
twice to see you, that you did not like those
those sort of low fits that sometimes fall
upon him even while in your company. Ihave
- often noticed them since, Hannah" continu-
cd Catharine, with sigh.
''PIague on my thoughtless tongue. for say
ing such thing to vex you, my dear child!
lie was soldier, you know a good many years
ago-before he was twenty-and fought for his
country. Perhaps he may have seen sights
then that made him grieve to think upon,
without blaming himself. But whatever it may
be- meant not, Catharine, that you should
take such passing word to heart. If he has
some little cares, you will easily soothe him,
and make him happy.''
As the worthy dame spoke, her visitor brow
gradually cleared, and after some further con-
versation, Catharine left the cottage, tighten
ed at heart with the thought that her old
friend approved of her following the course
to which her inclination led her.
Catharine Smith was indeed we'll entitled to
pay respect TO the counsefs of Hannah. The
latter had never married, and had spent the
greater part of her life in the service of a veal
thy family at Morpeth. When she was there,
the widowed mother OF Catharine had died at
Newcastle; and, on learning of the circum-
stances. Hannah, though friend merely and
no relation, had sent for the orphan girl, then
ten years OF age, and had taken care of her un-
III she grew fit TO maintain herself by service
On finding herself unable to continue a work
ing life longer, Hannah retired to Newcastle,
hei native place, where she lived in humble
comfort on the earnings of her long career of
servitude. Catharne came back with her to
Newcastle, and Immediately entered into SER
wee there. Hannah and Catharine had been
TWO Years in these respective situations when
me dialogue which has just been recorded
took place.
On the succeeding expiration of her term oil
service, Catharine was married to the young
man whose name had been stated as being Will
liam Hutton. He was Joiner by trade, and
bore, as Hannah had said, an excellent charac.
ter The first visit paid by the new married
pair, was to the cottage of the old woman, who
eazed on them with truly maternal pride,
thinking she had never seen SO handsome
couple. The few years spent by Hutton in the
army, had given to his naturally good figure an
erect manliness, which looked as well in one of
MS sex as the light graceful figure, and fair
ingenious countenance of Catharine, was cal
cuIated to ad0rn one of woman kind. Some
'nng oil this kind, at least, was in the thoughts
.. hannah, when Catharine and her husband |
Visited the danes dwelling.
many future visit was paid by the same |
Pa1.ies 10 Hannah, and on each successive oc |
.as'on tue oid lady looked narrowly, though as |
~ usiVeiy as possible, into the state of the |
!ouns "ile's feelings, with motherly anxiety |
- .t H"oN II she was happy. For, though Han
'oShhs oatnarlne's affections deeply en-
sasea' nso made light of her own early re-
aIa upon the strange and most unpIeasing
s,ocm occasionally, if not frequently observa-
- e 10 the look and manner of William Hutton
e oiu woman was never able to rid her own
Fou ,uu altogether of misgiviugs on the subject.
many months after Catharine's marriage.
e'er, Hannah could discover nothing but
ye pen, unaiioyed happiness in the air and con-
Haon OF the youthful wife. But at length
liz anxious eye did perceive something
Tam a ehange Catharine seemed sometimes to
str.e mhen visiting the cottage, into fits of alb.
kervas NOT unlike those which had been OBJ
great "a =; her husband. The aged dame felt
distressed at the thought of her dear