Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-12-17
NO. 1O1.


But, poor girl added he, she cannot
realize the change we must undergo. She
has no idea of poverty, but in the abstract;
she has only read of it in poetry, where it
is allied to love. She feels as yet no pri-
vation; she suffers no loss of accustomed
conveniences nor elegancies. When we
come practically to experience its sordid
cares, its petty wants, its petty humilia-
tions-then will be the real trial.
But said l, NOW that you have got
over the severest task, that of breaking it
to her, the sooner you let the world into
the secret the better. The disclosure may
be mortifying; but then it is n single
misery, and soon over !; whereas you other
wise suffer it, in anticipation, every hour
in the day. 1t is not povery so much as
pretenee that harnesses u ruined man-the
struggle between Il proud mind and an
empty purse-the keeping up hollow
show that must soon come to an end
Have the courage to appear poor and
you disarm poverty of its sharpest sting.
On this point found Leslie perfectly pre-
pared He had mo false pride himself,
and as to his wife, she was only anxious to
conform to their altered fortunes.
Some days afterwards he called upon
me in the evening. He had disposed Of
his dwelling-house, and taken a small cot
tage in the country, few miles from town.
He had been busted all day i'll sending
out furniture. The new establishment re-
quired few articles, and those Of the SIM
plest kind. All the splendid furniture of
his late residence had been sold, except his
wife's harp That, he said, was too close
ly associated with the idea Of herself; it
belonged to the little story of their loves;
for some of the sweetest moments Of their
courtship were those when he had leaned
over that instrument, and listened to the
melting tones of her voice. could not
but smile at this instance of romantic gal
lantry in doting husband.
He was now going out to the cottage
where his wife had been all day superin-
tending the arrangements. My feelings
had become strongly interested in the pro
gress of this family story and, as it was
fine evening, offered to accompany him.
He was wearied with the fatigues OF the
day, and, as we walked out, fell into 81 fit
of gloomy musing.
Poor Mary = at length broke with
heavy sigh from his lips.
And what of her p asked has any
thing happened to her?'
What, said he, darting an impatient
glance, is it nothing to be reduced to
this paltry situation-to be Gagged in u
miserable cottage-to be obliged to toll
almost in the mental concerns of her
wretched habitation y
Has she then repined at the changeH
sRepinedl she has been nothing but
sweetness and good humor. Indeed, she
seems in better spirits than l have ever
known her; she has been to me all love,
and tenderness, aGd comfort p
Admirable girl = cxclaimed l. You
call yourself poor, my FREUD you never
were so rich--you never knew, the bound
less treasure of excellence you possessed
in that woman.
'Oh but, my friend, if this first meet
ing at the cottage were over, | think |
could then be comfortable. But this is
her first day of real experience; she has
been introduced into an humble dwelling
she has been employed all day in ar
ranging its miserable equipments-sh
has, for the first time, looked round her on
home destitute of every thing elegant,
almost of every thing convenient and
may now be sitting down, exhausted and
spiritless, brooding over prospect of
future poverty
There was u degree of probability in
this picture that could not gainsay, so
we walked on in silence.
After turning from the main road up IL
narrow lane, so thickly shaded with forest
trees as to give it complete air of seclu-
sion, we came in sight of the cottage. IL
was humble enough in its appearance for
the most pastoral poet; and yet it had u
pleasing rural look A wild vine had
overrun one end with a profusion of foil
age; few trees threw their branches
gracefully over it 1; and observed several
pots of flowers tastefully disposed about
the door and on the grass plot in front.
A small wicket gate opened upon foot
path that wound through some shrnbbery
at the door. And as we approached we
heard the sound of music. Leslie grasp
ed my arm we paused and listened. 1t
was Mary's voice, singing in the style of
the most touching simplicity, little air
of which her husband was peculiarly fond.
felt Leslie's hand tremble on my arm.
He stepped forward to hear more dis
tinctly. His step made noise on the
gravel walk. A bright, beautiful face
glanced out at the window and vanished
"a light footstep was heard-and Mary
came tripping forth to meet us; she was
in pretty rural dress of white a few
wild flowers were twisted in her fine hair /;
a fresh bloom was on her cheek ; her
whole countenance beamed with smiles-I
had never before seen her look so lovely.
MY dear George cried she, am so
glad you are come have been waiting
and watching for you and running down
the lane and looking out for YOU I've
set out a table under a beautiful tree be
hind the cottage; and I've been gathering
some of the most delicious strawberries,
for know you are fond of them-and we
have such excellent cream--and we have
everything so sweet and still here oh Y
said she, putting her arm within his and
looking up brightly in his face. Oh, We
shall be so very happyP
Poor Leslie was overcome. He caught
her to his bosom-he folded his arm.
round her-hc kissed her again and again
he could not speak, but the tears gush
ed into his eyes and he has often asSureG
ME that though the world has since gone
prosperously with him, and his life has in
deed been happy one, yet never has he
experienced moment of more exquisite
joy and felicity.