Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-06-03
A Sailors Wife.

the vile OIL sailOr'
Yes, l know. 1promised to be cour-
ageous, to be hopeful, to be resigned, but
then l had not been your wife for two
years, and it was easy to resign happi-
ness l knew nothing about
Then you are happy, wife, dear!
have been good husband to you 2
The reply Rose made to this was to
burst into tears and throw herself into the
arms of her husband. Rose bad been
the petted child Of widowed moth er.-
She had little fortune of her own, good
temper and good looks. With all these
advantages it can be imagined that she
did not want for suitors. Rose however,
turned from all the gay young fellows
who wooed her; but when Matthew Car
roll came TO see her mother she would
sit demurely and silently by her side lis
tening, as Desdemona may have listened
10 Othello, to the account Matthew gave
of his adventures and exploits in the
various far distant lands and oceans to
which be had been.
He was the captain and owner of a lit
tie merchant vessel, and had attained the
age of thirty-six without even thought
of forming any ties that should bind him
10 the land. His element seemed to be
the ocean; man and boy he had lived on
it. All the associations of his youth
were with it. He considered his visits
to land and sojourn in cities we're mere
ncidents--recreatio that had nothing to
do with the real business of life. Some
how, since his return to his native viii
lage, where he had not been for many
years, strange new feeling came over
him. He no longer thought exclusively
of his projected voyages when he was
alone; he oftener saw before him the
bright eyes and gentle looks of Rose
Danvers, than the blue dancing waves
instead of thinking OF future bargains
and trades, all that seemed to occupy his
mind was the time that interviewed be-
tween his visits to the cottage. Yet
what could he expect? Surely not that
Rose would love him, great big rough
sailor, SO many years older, too, than she
was. He laughed at himself like fool
when he caught himselfeven hoping such
things, as he sat smoking his pipe, over
looking the sea.
One evening, however, it happened
that Rose and her mother sat beside him
gazing at the smooth waters and the dis
tant horizon in silent admiration, when
Matthew burst into one of his loud
laughs.
Dear me, Matthew Carol, what is the
matter ? said Mrs. Danvers.
What are you laughing at, Captain
exclaimed Rose.
Would you like to know !? said Cap
tain Carol, taking his pipe in his mouth
and speaking in serious aud decided
tone.
Yes, l should
well then, was laughing to think
how an old fool like me, rough and
weatber-beaten, could expect a pretty
girl to fall in love with him. Now was
not that enough to make me laugh right
out?
Il don't think so, gravely replied Rose.
You DON'T said the Captain, looking
earnestly at her; and can you guess
who the young girl wasp
Yes, replied Rose in very low whis-
per, holding down her head and picking
piece of sea>weed to pieces.
The Captain let his pipe fall, and his
voice trembled, as turning to Rose he ex-
claimed
Rose, Rose don't be afaird to speak;
think could bear the joy
Matthew said Rose, now looking up
at him, do you want me to be your
wife p
The Captain clasped his hands togeth-
er and for moment could only gaze on
her.
MY wife 7 he said at last will you,
young and courted as you are, be my
wife"
If you will have me- said Rose, with
little coquettish smile.
The Captains answer, even if not very
explicit, was exceedingly emphatic, for
he clasped Rose in his arms and actual
ly carried her to her mother, and holding
her tight to his bosom as be would have
done baby.
Give her to me = he exclaimed give
her to mep
Mrs. Danvers smiled; she was evil
IDENTIFY not much surprised.
TO none more willingly would | give
her, Matthew; but, little Rose, it re-
quires courage and resignation to be a
sailors wife. How will you bear to let
him go from you?