Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-03-28

posed taxing, L was learlul Jhat Worluly pOncy
and dread of possible contingencies might
make me waver.
What had | to losep Very little. A hus-
band, who was the mouthpiece of another,
slave to oxpcdiency and sef-interest, dupe
of tyranny and management, was not worth
breaking ones heart for This is emphatic
language; but was disappointed, soured, and
humiliated, and felt more sinned against than
shining. What had l to gain Freedom,
and, perhaps, when Time had made his mental
vision clearer, a companion whom | could hon
or and respect.
did not excuse myself; made no iustifica-
ton, leaving only the following brief note up
on my table:
"Should you wish to see me, Arthur, you
will find me at - street."
"And this is matrimony! !" l sighed, as the
carriage whired me away from a place from
which l carried only bitter memories and
crushed hopes.
My troubles l had hitherto kept to myself,
believing that third party, in conjugal diff
culties, is always one too many. / had not
even made a confident OF my sister, who, though
she had misgivings of my happiness, forebore
to ask questions | went to her, and told her
all. She welcomed me cordially; but there
was a great dread of scandal upon her
"What will people say" she exclaimed, in
dsmay.
"Everything that is malicious, doubtless !"
l shortly answered.
"Better go back I" said Sister Fannie
"Things will take turn for the better, by-and
by. When woman voluntarily leaves her
husband, everybody condemns her, right or
wrong. She loses position in the worlds
opinion she can never recover"
81 never had position, and / will not go
back Ifyou fear being compromised, l will
60 at once.
spoke with bitterness, and Fannie, who
saw that | suffered. was touched sisterly af-
fection took the place of worldly prudence
She kissed me afectionately.
"Forgive me, Ellen | did not mean to
wound you. You are unhappy, and far be it
from me to add to your unhappiness. You
shall stay with me long as you like, do
what you like, and will be your Champion
Cheer up, Nellie You'll be the happiest oi
wives yet"
81 hope shall not need Champion l
said, smiling family. l want a home, and
sympathy; that is all. My mistake was in
marrying man and his mother. must make
the best of it, sister Fannie"
And did. Shutting my real self within a
cloak of pride and naughty Indifference, ad
dressed myself to this new phase of my lite.--
| did not waver in my purpose, was care
| less IN my CcnSule, nceuleSS OF
and the Mrs Grundy's of my acquaintance.
Two weeks passed, in which time l had nc
communication with Arthur or his mother.
did not see them, though l went out as usual
making no effort either to avoid or meet them
If had expected visit or an angry letter,
was disappointed. Intuitively felt that Mr.
Burney had pronounced the decree of entir'
and absolute silence on the part of her son.
He would obey her he would submit to an,
requirement, however exacting, because h
feared her. Her fetters were golden, and the,
held him FAST beside them, Cupid's were 81
frail that they had snapped long ago | dis
like to say it, but Arthur had resigned his man
hood with so little reluctance, that had meas
ureably lost my respect for him and if he ,ca
my husband, good natured married people viii
pardon me for indulging in little natural con
tempt for his weakness.
Ny mother-in-law proposed to humble AM
humiliate me still more, nothing doubling tina
| should repent of my indiscreet experiment
and beg with penitent words and subdued al
to be received again into favor in event sh,
could make her own conditions, and put fur
ther rebellion out Of my power. Her propo
sition failed of success.
a month sped away. l had seen Arthu
twice. Once he passed the house without look
ing up once we met on the street, he raisin
his hat with ceremonious politeness, and bow
ing as stifliy as a duchess on reception day.
What pity human nature isn't made up en-
tirely of amiable ingredients! 1t would hay
) added couple of inches to the stature of Mr.
Burney, could she have witnessed this meetin
. of the connubial elements. Here were hu'
band and wife separated as widely, sympathe
ically, as the Christian and Turk. Sister Far
ME, who was with me- shook her head an
looked dubious.
Il don't know how it will end" was all 81
said, but Madame Rumor was not so charitab
in her remarks she hinted at guilt, disgrac
and divorce.
Two days afterward, Mrs. Burney surprise
: me by walking into the parlor where | was 81
$ ting. She was stately, stiff and serene, re
: olute. self-reliant, more naughty than humble
81 am commissioned by my son to inquire il
e to your intentions ?" she said, in the most du
Get of tones
t have never liked a soft voice since | kne
. Mrs Burney. She veiled so much hypocri'
S by those studied cadences of hers, that invo
UNFAIRLY thought of the invitation of the spd
It to the fly.
: 81 shall be happy to acquaint my husbar
s with my intentions, but he must be prese
when do so, | answered, with the most frig
politeneSs.'
= "NIy dear child, have you yet to learn tn
!, Arthur and myself are one? In speaking to n
you speak to him."
+ A condescending smeaccompanied this que
ton and remark. Mrs Burney was not goil
to lose her temper, and | was equally determi
> ed to retain my equanimity. | made no repl
n had studied her points, and knew that silen
d would annoy her more than the most bitter l
- tort.
J. my son is justly angry at the almost inc
cusable step you have seen fit to take, but at L
j. earnest solicitation, and out of regard for yo
youth and inexperience, be consents to oyerlo
in this error, providing you return to us obedie
o, and submissive" she continued, after a pau
in which her sharp gray eyes looked me oy
Ie and over.
10 felt my face crimson, but lwoud not spec
Is Her manner changed her voice took or
:" sharper cadence, and hefface always pale, gr,
e, white with anger.
m 'You do not speak, Mrs Burney," she &C
to tnued. "Sence has not hitherto been one
r your virtues"
/ 81 have nothing to say to you, MADAM"
n, The short, sarcastic laugh that followed
n answer was not musical nor pleasant to hear
| "Perhaps you will reconsider this determ
er alton, when inform you that tomorrow mys
| and son sail for Europe On one condition y
~ can accompany us" continued Mrs Burney, cC
to tempating me very much as the cat regards
il mouse she intends to devour, after getting
- little amusement by tossing it about.
81 beg leave to decline the honor, madam
I Oh tho liUnitv | could commal