Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-06-08
ROMANCE In REAL LIFE.
A Young Man Loses n Wife by n
Foolish Act - subsequent Happy

q Foolish Act = Subsequent Happy
% Re-UniOn. 49,. .s esi--f. I'D y
From the Albany Journal.] 3t
About three years ago good-looklng,
stalwart young mechanic went from this
city to accept an advantageous offer in
the town of Salem, Washington county.
Being unmarried and rather fond of So
ciety, it was not long before james West,
as we shall call him, acquired circle OF
acquaintance that embraced at least all
the prettiest girls in the place. After
bestowing attentions indiscrlminately,
thereby causing many hearts to beat with
jealous rage and envy, he suddenly be-
came more reserved in his demeanor,
and from thenceforth devoted himself to
but one, a young lady whose personal
attractions were only surpassed by her
amiable character and varied accom-
plishments, named Kate -, daughter
Of a well-to-do farmer of Washington
county, West, had evidently heard the
admonition that faint heart never won
fair lady" for he pressed his suit with
an ardor that soon received its reward,
and their engagement was announced
Six months afterward, on a bright
sunny day in May, the nuptials were eel
ebrated. After marriage they settled
down to housekeeping in neat little
cottage, surrounded with all that happy
young couple could desire, and every
thing seemed to augur well for long
and tranquil life of domestic bliss.
But in an. evil hour their bright hopes
were shadowed. A former acquaintance
happening in the village was met by the
Young husband, and while recalling old
times social drink was proposed A
faint show of resistance on the part Of
West, and the drink was taken, followed
soon by another. AS the liquor mounted
to his brain all thought of the sweet
young wife at home faded from his mind
and the rest of the night was spent IN
hilarious debauchery. Poor Kate, hav'
ing passed lonely evening, retired to
rest framing thousand excuses for her
husbands absence. In the morning she
awoke in an agony of terror at finding
herself still alone, and hastily finging on
some clothes, opened the door to go IN
search of him. Imagine her horror al
beholding the one she loved so well lying
across the step, besmeared with filth, in
the worst stage of intoxication The
sight was so horrible that for time she
was unable to move or act Then, as il
having formed a sudden resolution, she
hastily dragged him in, dressed herself
and left the house.
The husband awoke from his drunken
stupor shortly after, and, calling fol
Kate, was astonished at receiving nc
answer. The thought occurred to him
that his conduct of the night before had
driven her away. A week passed by
and although the conscience-stricker
husband made every search and inquiry
no trace of the lost one could be found
A year elapsed, and having given up al
hope of ever regaining his lost happi
ness, the husband threw up his situation
sold his furniture, and came to this city
where he secured employment as a ma
chinist A few days ago, happening tc
be in Troy on business, while passing ul
Second street he came face to face will
his wife. The recognition was mutual
and with the old love yelling up in their
hearts they were once more united
Half crazed at the sight which met hel
ewes on that fatal morning, she had fec
| from the house and taken the cars tC
Troy, fortunately securing a situation in
dressmaking establishment, where she
preferred remaining rather than be the
companion of one who would so imbrut'
himself ubmInF n aat z,
And now, after being separated fol
more than a year, they have resumed
housekeeping in this city-the husband
on his part, with a firm determination
never to do aught that would cause his
wife moments unhappiness, and she
with a desire to brighten their new home
with love that will make it lasting, anC
full of confidence that he will be true tC
his word.