Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1863-01-21

Of man eagerly fastening TO The altar,
altering vows from which his heart re
eoiled; and q woman going to IT with
trembling and reluctance, thongii about
to be united to him who possessed her
undivided affections.
The wedding ceremony over, Mr.
immediately took his bride to
his elegantly furnished house; threw it
open for n week to receive the bridal Wis
It's and then gladly obeycd a summons
to New York, to attend to some affairs
of importance, On leaving home he
felt rs if released from bondage. A
sense of proptiety had constrained him
to receive the congratulations OF his
friends with an Air Of satisfaction. at
least, while those. Very congratulations
CONCEALED his heart, by bringing to mind
tho ties lie had formed with one he cod
not love, to the impossibiIity Of his form
ING them with one whom he idolized.--
When he had been absent about ten days,
he ayailed himself Of an opportunity to
send verbal message 10 his wife, IN
forming her That he was well, and should
probably be at home IN the course of two
weeks. but when that period was draw
inc toward a close, his business was not
completed, and rs his home was the last
place he wished, he resolved to protract
bis absence so long as he had a reasona-
ble excuse. Il must write and inform
her of the change in my plan, thought
he, deceucy demands it. Yet, how
can write MY dear Julia my dear
wife No such thing--shc is not dear
to me-.
she is my wiie--shc is Mrs.. Wet
bury--shs is mistress of my house, and
must share my fortuno--lct that suffice
her 1t must have been for these that
she married me- A name fortune !
an elegant establishment Mean . am
bilious. heartless. Thou, Maria--bright,
beautiful, tender--thou wouldst have
married me for myself Alas ain
undons. o my father Under the in
fluence of feelings like these, he wrote
the lady the laconic epistle which cost
The bride so many bitter tears.
CHAPTER SECOND.
II was at the close of about two weeks
from this that Julia was sitting one eve,
in her parlor, dividing the time between
her work and book, when the door
bell runr, md minute after the paror
door opened and Mr.. WestbuFy entered.
With sparkling eyes and glowing checks
she sprang toward, her hand half extend
ed to meet his-but his ceremonious bow,
and cold ''good evening Mrs Westbury,"
recalled her recollection and scarcely able
10 reply to his civility, she sank back on
her chair. She thought she was prepar-
ed to see him cold and disar Thought
she expected it-but she had deceived
herself. Notwithstanding all her bitter
nominations Oh her husbands indtfor ence
towards her. there was playing at the
bottom of her heart, sweet feeling that
he might return more cordial than be
went. His cold salutations and colder
eye, sent her to her sent disappointed, sick
at heart, and nearly f.inting. In min
ute, however, she recovered her selfpos-
session, and made those inquiries respect
ing his health and journey that propriety
dictated. In spite of himself she succeed
Ell in some degrea in drawing him out.
She was gentle, modest, unobtrusiye =
and good sense and paopriety were man
fest in all she said Besides, she looked
very pretty. Her figure though rather
below the middling size, was very fine,
her hand and foot of uDrivaled beauty.
She was dressed with great simplicity,
but good taste was shown in everything
about her person. She wore her dress
too, with peculiar grace, equally remote
from precision and negligence. Her fea
lures were regular and her complexion
delicate; but the greatest attraction of
her face, was the facility and truth with
which it expressed every feeling of her
heart When Mr.. Westbury first entes-
ed the parlor. an observer might have
pronounced her beautiful; but the bright
glow OF transient iov that then kindIed
on her cheek, had faded away and left
her pale--so pale, that Mr.. Westbury in
CURED, with some little appearance of in
terest, "W hether her health was as good
rs usuall" Her voice, which was always
soft and melodious, was even softer than
usual, as she answered that it was Mr..
Westbury at length went so far rs to ask
some questions relative to her occupations
during his abstnce. whether she had call
ed on the new bride, Mrs. Cunningham.
and other questions of similar conse-
queEco. For time he forgot Maria Ell
don; was half unconscious that Julia was
his wie-and viewing her only as a COM
psnion, he passed an hour or two very
con fortahly.
On day when Mr.. Westbury came to
dinner, Julia handed him a card of COM
pliments from Mr.. and Mrs. Brooks. who
were about giving splendid party,
Il have returned no answer" said Ju-
liza, "uot knowing whether you would &C
eept the invitation or not
"For yourself. YOU can do as YOU like.
Mrs. Westbury-I shall attend it,"
81 am quite Indifferent about the par
ty," said Julia, "as such scenes afford me
little pleasure; bnt shall be pleased to do
as you think proper-as you think best"
Her voice trembed n little as she spoke !;