Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1861-11-13
MI SONS WIFE.

| never liked my sons wife from the
time l kissed her bridish lips on the
threshold ofmy house, to the day when
strong men carried her out. ] did not
wish Egbert to marry. We were very
happy together till she came. He bro't
her from Europe, where he had been
travelling for his health. The only no.
tee | had of bis intended marriage was
in n postscript to the last letter he wrote
before sailing, Mother he says, 81
shall not come home alone: | bring one
to cheer anu light up our old home. For
nv sake prepare TO meet her Ike moth
er. for mothers love she has never
never like her. 1t was ike his father to
act so abruptly and unadyisabIy-so
peLitn to marry in foreign country
with none of his friends round him; and
then he was my only child; must a strang-
er, q foreigner, come between us; put
her heart between ours, push mo aside?
No, never. Then, perhaps she might
be beautiful. Ny Egbert was passion
ately fond Of beauty; he often said he
uercr should mary until he found
woman AS handsome rs his mother.
What if the mistress of tho mansion,
Judge Bentey's widow, should be over
boxed in the admiration for the bride!
But said nothing. New carpets and
rev furniture were bought to adorn her
home; new pictures and books. | ar
ranged her room with my own hands,
DOPING up the heavy curtains and shad-
ing off the light through daintiest lace;
rolled the velvet stuffed chair and foot
stool where l fancied the light fell softest.
Ole would have thought me preparing
fora dear, and only daughter, instead Of
Ler.
The servants were charged to receive
Ter with every mark of attention and
respect. l even gave up my maid Flora
he best hair-dresser in tie city, to her
special use.
And when all was arranged, dressed
) in my black velvet, and with my sweet
est smile met them on the Threshold
Good bearensl | had expected beauty
ahd grace, for my Egbeit was a proud
man; but shall ever forget the thrill
that ran through me as he led her up the
steps. How all the beauty l had ever
seen or imagined faded before the marvel
Ious perfection of that face. How the
words ofstately welcome had prepared
died upon my lips before the courtly
grace with which she took my cold hand
aud touched my lips. From that instant
knew my reign was over; for where
that young creature dwalt, there she must
rule. There was no ungraceful usurpation
Of authority, but gradually l felt my pow
er waning; the chains slipped link by
Ink from my hands, and she was the one
to gather them up. Visitors crowded
the house to see Egbert Bently's bride.
and at last they forgot to ask for the old
mistress. Days went by and glided into
months and against this thraldom ceased
to struggle. Why was it every sarcas-
tic retort, every whitening look was crush
ed down deep in my heart the instant
met her eye? Why was it l watched
SO intently every change in that white
face hated so? The years that have
passed have not made me hate it less.
Why was it every outward manifestation
Of that deadly bitterness was trampled
down! An answer from that long silent
form comes back to me in mocking tones
because that hate was returned as
freely as given" She hated as depply as
J., aud hers was the stronger spirit; she
expected to triumph and to reign in my
house after I had passed away. And L,
dream aud prayed for revenge, which
came quick and abundant; her child came
lie a sunbeam into the house, but quick
] followed by shadow. watched
! low earnestly, We who have watched
likewise can only know, and l saw the
color was not returned to her checks nor
Ups; saw before she did that she must
We. One night was in the garden,
Margaret Bently was in her own private
loom, on the lower floor at the eastern
wing of the house; it was a beautiful Sc
GUIDED room almost entirely surrounded
As passed an angel of the building,
! iancled heard voices in the direction
u her room, and knowing my son to be
absent, was somewhat surprised. Softly
ctePt round under the foliage until /
s"'aee a station commanding the room.
a iaint light from one gas burner re-
fsaiai fha San..s a,