Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-05-06

trade, ana Oore, Us fianNau saiu, au CA
cellent character The first visit paid by
the new married couple was to the cot
tage of the old woman, who gazcd on
them with true maternal pride, think
ing she had never seen so handsome 4
couple. The few years spent by Hutton
in the army had given to his naturally
good figure an erect manliness, which
looked as we'll in one oil his sex, as The
light, graceful, and fair, ingenious coun-
tenance of Catherine was calculated TO
adorn one of woman kind. Something
of this kind. was in the thoughts of Han
nah. when Catherine and her husband
visited the DANES dwelling.
Many future visit was paid by tho
same parties to Hannah. and on each sue
ceSsive occasion the old woman looked
narrowly. though unobtrusivcly rs possi-
bic, into the wife's feelings, with moth
" anxiety TO know if she was happy
For. though Hannah, seeing GATHERINGS
affections deeply engaged, and made
| light of her own early remarks upon the
strange and unpleasing gloom, OCCASION
ally, if not unfrequcntly, observable in
the look and manner of William Hutton,
the old woman was never ablo TO rid her
mind altogether of misgivings on the
subject For many months after Cath
crimes marriage, however, Hannah could
discover nothing but open, unalloycd
happiness in the air and conversation of
the youthful wife. But at length Han
nah's eye did perceive something like a
change. Catherine seemed sometimes TO
fall, when visiting the cottage. into fits OF
abstraction, not unlike those which had
been observedin her husband. The aged
dame felt greatly distressed at the tho't
of her dear Catherine being unhappy,
but lor long time held her peace on the
subject. trusting that the cloud might DO
temporary one. and would disappear.
i; was not so, unfortunately. Though
in their manner to each other when to-
gother. nothing but the most cordial al
lection was observable. Catherine. when
she came alone to see Hannah, always
seemed prey 10 some uneaslness which
all her efforts could not conceal from her
old friend, Even when she became for
the first time 4 mother. aud with all the
beautiful pride of young mothers love,
presented her baby to Hannah. the latter
could see signs of secret griet imprinted
on GATHERINGS brow.
Hoping by her counsel 10 bring relief,
Hannah at last took IN opportunity to
tell the young wife what she had obscrv-
ed and earnestly besought her confidence.
At first Catherine stammered forth n
hurried assurance that she was perfectly
happy. and in few seconds belied her
words by bursting into tears, and owning
she was very unhappy.
but | cannot. lIanuah.' she exclaim-
ed, II cannot tell the cause-not even to
you
Don't say so. my poor Catherine" re-
piled Hannah; "il is not curiosity that
prompts me to Interfere
"Oh. no. HAunah.' replied tho young
wife; Il know you speak from love 10
me"
well. them" continued the dame
"opcn your heart to me-. Age is a good
adviser"
/ Catherine was silent.
"Is your husband harsh TO you?~ asked
1 Hannah.
No, no." cried the wife; man could
not be kinder to woman than he is to me. -
Perhaps he INDUCES in drink; in"
Hannah. you mistake altogether" was
GATHERINGS reply; my husband is rs free
from all faults as ever man was"
my dear child" said the old woman,
almost smiling rs the idea entered her
head you arc not suspicious-not jca!-
GUS"
Il have never had a moments cause,
Hannah" answered Catherine. NO my
griefs are not of that nature. He is one
of the dearest and best of husbands"
Old Hannah was puzzled at these re
plies, rs much as she was distressed by the
open avowal of GATHERINGS having some
cause for sorrow; but, seeing that her
young friend could not make up her mind
ts disclosure at the time, the aged dame
gave up her inquiries and told Catherine
TO think seriously OF the propriety of CON
fidng al to her.
Hannah conceived that on mature con-
sideration Catherine would come to the
conclusion of seeking counsel to the cot
tage.-And she was not wrong. In few
DAYS after their late conversation, the
young vile came to visit Hgnnah again
and after a little embarrassed talk, enter
ed on the subject which was uppermos
in the minds of both.
Hannah, said Catherine, 81 fear you
can serve me nothing-I Tear no living
being can serve me. Oh Hannah. good
as my husband appears to be-good as he
is-there is some dreadful weight pressing
upon his mind, which destroys his peace
and mine too. Alas. the gloomy fit;
which you as well as have noticed IL
him, arc not, | fear, without cause.
Catherine wept in silence. and then con
tinued: "All that / know of this cause