Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-09-23
NO. 6.

an hour; for the greater part Of this time, sue
INDUCED in accusing thoughts. She wept over
instance after instance Of selfish disregard Of
pleasure; and recounted the many times she
had given up her desire to crafty his demand.
But this state Of feeling in time changed-or
wore itself out. A calm succeeded. in which
her better nature had an opportunity to sIolk.
The hand of pain folded away many coverings
that had been laid over heavy heart, and she
could see into some of the hidden places never
before revealed. She did not find everything
in order and beauty imagined to exist.
She was not so loving and unselfsh as she
had fancied herself to be. There came a new
gush OF tears, but the rain was gentler, and
instead of dcsolatng, refreshed the earth of
her mind.
/" 1 have thought more Of my own gratifca-
ton than Of his" she began so say within her
self =" His tastes differ in many things from
mine. What enjoy may be irksomo to him.
If insist upon having my enjoyment, regard
less of how they ymay affect him, must not
degree of separation take place? Can he love
as much as before-will love him as before
If exact what he cannot give willingly
And if our love grows less, what is there in
the world to compensate for its decline? Los
ing that, we lose all. Shut away that light,
and all else will lie in shadow.
So she thought, gaining sight, and frmer
will to act in that line of self-rcjcction when
ever self intcrposed to hinder love. As tho
hours went by, and the time drew near whcn
her husband would return dead weight be-
gan to settle down on Margy's heart They
had parted In anger. For the first time the
tightening of Summer storm had flashed in
their sky. There had been quick descent Of
the tempest, hurting and binding them. How
much wreck and ruin had been wrought in
that brief war of inner elements, it was yet
impossible to know.
At last the time of return was at hand. A
few minutes beyond the hour, anda vague fear
began creeping into the soul Of Marcy
Shadowy forms Of evil seemed lowering around
her; the weight on her bosom grew more op-
pressiye; her heart labOred so heavily that It's
motions were painful
Suspense was not very long. She heard the
door open, and the music of well known step
in the hall. Restraint bccameimpossible-
temperament was too ardent for impression in
moments Of deep feeling Sprnging down
the stairs, Marcy had her arms about her hus-
band'sncck, ere he had time 10 put his thoughts
in order, aud was crying on his bosom. The
fcryent kisses laid as peace offerings on her
| lips. were sweeter, 10 her taste than honeycomb.
Can you forgive me?" she asked, in the
calmncss of spirit that ensued. 81 am very
weak sometimes and feeling is so strong"
"Iftherc had been no provoeation to feeling,
Williston answered, frankly, at would never
have broken the band Of restraint. The fault
was mine, and not yours. 1t was selfish in me,
and you said only the truth but the truth is
sometimes the most unpleasant thing we can
hear. 1t sounded very harsh in my cars. /
felt angry, and rejected it. Not 50 now !
have seen myself as in a mirror"
Marcy laid her fingers on his mouth, and
then they were silent After few moments
she said gently
We are human; and Of consequence, weak
and selfish by nature. Letloveteach US better
law than nature has written on our hearts.
Then we shall draw nearer and nearer to-
gether, and the pulses Of our lives, that some
times beat unevenly, take the same sweet
measure" And it was So But not at once,
not until many seasons Of mutual sclf-reprcs-
sion.