Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1866-03-16

was, the life OF every party, beaming
with animation and enjoyment, no atten.
ton was capable of rendering her un.
mindful ofhim and she was often known
to sit out several dances in an evening tc
talk to dear Edward Owen, who would
naturally be sad if he thought himself
neglected.
And now she daily visited the invalid
her buoyant spirits tempered by sym
pathy for her increasing sufferings bu,
still diffusing such an atmosphere Of
sunshine and hope around her, tina.
gloom and dependency seemed to
vanish at her presence. Edwards sight.
less eyes were always raised to her bright
face, as if he felt the magic influence it
| impaired.
His mother had noted all this, with q
mothers's watchfulness; and, on that
day, when strong in her love, she had
undertaken to break to him the fact
which all others shrank from CON.
municating, she spoke likewise of Mary,
and of the vague wild hope she had
always cherished Of one day seeing her
his wife.
mo, mother, no." exclaimed the
blind man. g Dearest mother, in this
you are not true to yourself! What /!
Would you wish to see her in all the
springtime of youth and beauty sacrificed
to such one as Ito see Mary, as
you have described her to me, as my
soul tells me she is, tied down to be the
guide, and leader, and support, of one
who could not make one step in her de-
/ fence; whose helplessness alone in the
eyes of men. would be his means of
sheltering and protecting her Would
you hear her pitied bright Mary
pitied-as Blind Mans Wife, mother 2"
" But, Edward, if she loves you, as I
am sure she does"
Love me, mother Yes, as angels
love mortals, as sister loves brother,
as you love me And for this benignant
love, this tender sympathy, I could
kneel and kiss the ground she treads up
on; but, beyond this, were you to
entreat her to marry your blind and
solitary son, and she in pity answered
Yes-would I accept her on such terms,
and rivet the chains she had consented
to assume Oh, mother, mother, have
not studied you 10 vain, your life has
been one long self-sacrice to me; its
silent teaching shall bear fruit Do not
grieve SO bitterly for me. God was very
merciful in giving me such mother /;
let us therefore trust Him for the
future"
All, poor tortured heart. speaking so
bravely forth, striving to cheer the
mothers failing spirit, when all to him
was dark, dark, dark
She raised herself upon her pillow,
and wound her weak arms about his
neck, and listened to the expressions Of
incfable love, and faith and consolation,
which her son found strength to utter,
to sustain her soul Yea, in that hour.
her recompense had begun in loneli-
ness, in secret tears, with Christian
patience and endeavor, with an exalted
and faithful spirit, had she sown and
in death she reaped her high reward.
They had been silent for some minutes,
and she lay back exhausted, but com
posed, while he sat beside her, holding
her hand in his, fancying she slept. and
anxiously. listening to her breathing,
which seemed more than usually oppress-
ed. A rustling was heard amid the
flowers at the window, and a bright
young face looked in
Hush p said Edward, recognizing
the step, hush, Mary she is asleep"
The color and the smiles alike passed
from Mary's face, when she glided into
the room ooh, Edward, Edward. she
is not asleep, she is very, very i'll p'
" Mary! darling Mary p said the
dying lady, with difficulty rousing her.
self, q have had such pleasant
dream but l have slept too long. 1t is
night. Let them bring candles. Edward
cannot see you now"
Night, and the sun so brightly shin
ing. The shadows of the grave we're
stealing fast upon her.
Other steps now sounded in the room,
and many faces gathered round the
couch ; but the blind man heard no.
thiDg-was conscious of nothing, save
the painful, labored respiration, the
tremulous hand that huttered in his
own, the broken sentences.
. Edward, my dearest, take comfort
l have hope. God is indeed Derciful. |"
"Ob. Edward, do not grieve so sad
ly 1t breaks my heart to see you cry.
For her sake be calm--for my sake too J"
Mary knelt down beside him, and
endeayoured to soothe the voiceless
anguish which it terrified her to witness.
Another interval, when no sound broke
the stiffness that prevailed; and again
Mrs. Owen opened her eyes, and saw
Mary kneeling by Edwards side. They
we're associated with the previous current
of her thoughts, and smile lighted up
her face,
:" AS / wished, as | prayed to die
My children both Kiss me, Mary, my.
blessing. my CONSIDER Edward, nearer.
nearer. Child of so many hopes and
prayers-all answered now !" And with
her bright vision unalloyed. her rejoic-
ing soul took wing, and knew sorrow
and tcars no more.