Maryland free press., 1866-08-09
VOLUME i.

NOLUME L.. sHuisiosb "a Gs3gogrus
were, even for O. time, crushed in Carolina:
but she deemed all safe who no longer
offended by word Or deed, and her husband
avoided Intercourse with any save a few
tried friends, and although serious he was
calm, and always with her now, and lMary
asked no more. tuu'sr ars l.q5illvi.
u 81 think, dear edward, said she, as they
sat one lonely evening in the piazza which
embraced the whole front of their mansion,
~ really think we were never so happy as
at spresent--for four days of courtship, as
they are called, were days of anxiety and
alarm, and even our bridal was so hurried
and so private that it could scarcely be
called a season of joy. You know how
restless you were just at that time, under
the uncertainty that attended the plans
against Savannah; and am sure that
wearied Of D'Estang's name-then when
you brought me here for many, many
months, you were constantly on the wing,
seemed scarcely to pass quiet day at
your side. But now you are no longer
traunt; you are taking care of home, instead
of seeking care abroad, and are literally
what our good old Rector told you you
must be-the houseband- -encircling all
things by your viligence and love; and you
are going to set q charming example to my
sweet George" added she, playfully, as
she laid her infant in its fathers arms. and
pressed her own soft lips to his polished
forehead. ''N
Mr.. P---looked up and smiled; for
how could even an absorbed politician re-
sist the sweet tone and innocent caress of
his young wife. For few moments he
forgot all beyond the treasures which his
arm encircled- but only for few moments
He sigLed as he said: r.
''My dear Mary, l hope that we shall
yet see even happier days than these
Dark as is the prospect for our country, l
look for the cloud to roll away even as that
gorgeous one is doing from the glorious
sun; and then, love, the domestic habits
for which you gave me such sweet credit
will, trust, be of choice, not necessity
l shall not then be obliged to limit my
rides to my cotton fields, lest should be
ordered off the road-or to bite my lips
when l chance to meet neighbor, lest the
sentiments Of a freeborn American should
offend his loyal ears. Those fellows!-( She
put her hand gently to his mouth well,
them" said he, checking the rising
warmth, ''those royalists will then no lon
ger lord it over bower and hall, and that
worthless fellow, Clifford, will have bet
ter employment. trust, than abusing me
harmless man that L am!-or tampering
with my negroes" .....-
NAY, Edward. do not believe such tales.
He. can bear no ill-will towards you, idle
and worthless he is, but | am sure he is
not malignant, and hope he is not un-
grateful. He cannot have forgotton'all he
ows to your kindness, during the sad dis
tress OF his family last autumn" Mary
said this earnestly, for, she knew her hus-
band was notprone to suspicion.
He shook his head. II have not a
particle of faith, my wife, in this good feel
ing towards us-you may Judge of it when
he has been trying to induce even our faith
full Cyrus to desert us, and join the Brit
ish." -''. .'..'
''And only Cyrus?"
'Oh! he tempted them all; and have
no doubt some of them will yield to the
booty he promises them"
"Booty" Mrs. 7 ----- turned PALE
''He surely wished them to depart peacea-
bly," said she, gasping, for that was a
fearful cord to touch. 40 .'.''
Her husband saw her alarm, and with
assuming carelessuess smiled as he answer
ed. NAY, Mary, even have so much
charity as to be willing to think that he
derires nothing more than my ruin. lie
will urge these poor devils to join the Brit
ish, and then take especial heed to secure
a good part of their wages; and he will care
little for their sufferings or my distress. -
But come, let us 60 in, the evening has
grown chill. l must retire early, for
shall arise with the dawn.
"Ifit pleases God to protect ms from evil
duriug the night, my dear Edward" said
his wife, in a low solemn tone.
True" replied he, bending his head
with reverence ''if it pleases God?" +,
AT an early hour they retired to their
chamber; and wearied BY a day of bodily
toll. and with a>mind oppressed by appre-
tensions which he had only ventured to
hint to his wife, Mr.. E-soon sunk
into an unrefreshing sleep. But to Mary
there was no rest. Her heart was arous-
ed; and what charm can lull the mother
and the wife, when she trcmbles for the
objects of her love. She could not sleep;
she sat with her infant in her arms, until
sheer fatigue compelled her toslay his soft
cheek on the pillow. She watched by his
little couch until her husband awoke froni
a troubled dream, and then to convince
him that she was not indisposed, she turn
ed the lamp, committed herself. AMI those
who were more dear than self, to Him
"who neither slumbers nor sleeps" and
tried to repose. But even on her pillow
fancy was busy around her. She started
ut every sound; strange noises seemed tc
ring in her ears; she thought she heard
shouts; wild cries; then that she distin.
guished low murmurs, as of .whisperings
beneath her windows Again and again
she started from monientary slumber, to
say, Is It the night that has no morrow
A. lo,.tl, IL, bo,,t i-,:l,sols u. - Al -.