Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1870-06-30

as her companion, was one whose frivolity
and levity had subjected her conduct to the
structures of the more correct of her class,
though not sufficiently glaring' to warrant
her exclusion from their society. But she
was kind and assiluous in her attentions
to Mary, who only viewed her as gay
and volatile being, that "meant no harm"
She was actaated, also. by spirit of con-
tradiction to continue the acquaintance, in
opposition to her husbands wishes and
expressed Misrepresentation.
They had not Been long on the bill,
when two gentlemen came up to and ac
costed her friend, who foolishly encour-
aged the firtations of men whose inten-
tions she knew could not be correct. They
quickly recog 1ized Mary and with the
effrontery and usual small talk which men
/ of fashion know how to employ under such
circumstances. continued to walk by their
side, and to do the agreeable" The sisua-
ton soon became an irksome one to Mary,
she felt confused and panied as she re-
marked the unequivocal looks of surprise
and scorn of many Of her own rank in life.
Not so her companion; she was perfectly
at her ease, and maintained with spirit a
triAing conversation with the intruders,
who had insensible led them to a retired
/ spot behind the castle There an attempt
was manifested on the part Of the gentle
men to separate them 70 Mary's uu-
sophisticated heart, this proceeding ap-
peared in all its glazing improperly; and
when one Of the libertines ventured to put
his arm round her slender waist, and
drawing her nearer to Aia, to whisper
some insulting nonsense in her ear, her
heart swelling within her, and unable any
longer to suppress her feelings, she burst
into food of tears.
"Let US co. said Nary, in an agony ::
''let us 90 home" The galants mean
while sto ID puzzled and irresolute.
Prudence had left the safeguard Of
modesty and virtue, but innocence re-
manned to defeat their overthrow and
there is sacredness in the heartfelt ap-
peal and fearful Imagination of alarmed
innoccncy, that cannot fail to check the
advances of the most prodgate rogue
Shortly afterwa IDS Mary missed her garter,
and looking around for it, beheld it in the
hands Of the gentleman with whom she
had been walking Blushing and con-
fused, she hurried her ,mpanion down
the hill, and mingled in the crowd con-
gregated at its base. As they proceeded
homeward, her friend rem arked her con-
tinuod detection. aud inquired the reason.
Il cannot tell" said Mary "but |
have fearful forebo1ng in my mind,
and the terrors of some coming evil OPP
press my spirit"
Why Mary, what's the matter with
you How foolish Your eyes are red
and swollen You must not 60 home in
this plite; your husband will wonder
what Eve been doing with you. Come
come home With me-, and we'll soon get
rid Of these vapors."
Her compliance with this reasonable re-
quest Contributed to the misfortunes of the
day fox the eTcring was so far advanced
ere she reached her own house that she
found it deserted, aud silence, which
seemed doubly dreary to mind preoccu-
pied by melancholy thoughts, reigncd
throughout it. She was at loss to con-
lecture the cause. 1t was her husbands
habit, of late, when much displeased, to
betake himself to neighboring public
house, and there to remain till late Dur
ing her absence, displeasure stronger
than he had ever before harbored against
her disturbed husbands peace. This
can never come to any good muttered he.
He was suffering the anguish which he
endures who 'doats, yet doubss-suspects,
yet strongly loves"
Oh, jealousy thou fever-fret of care
vezation's sore vicissitu1e demon, that
plantest thy hell and revelest in the breast
where love reposed, to what excess of
crime hast thou not led thy victi.ns-de-
priving reason of her power and sending
madness to usurp her seat
Hour after hour passed on, but Mary
came not. Suspense is at all times an
un pleasant feeling; but when it seems to
be inflicted wantoHly, and from a source
when it is least expected, the sense of in
Jury and unkindness increases its acute
ness TO watch the hand of the click,
which never SCENE to move SO slowly; to
listen to each approaching footstep with
reviving hope, only to follow the dying
sound with increased bitterness OF dis
appointment-these are sufferings which
the thoughtless truant, who protracts the
flying hours, often in heartless and un-
meaning merrimeut little dreams of.
again and again did be recvr to the
character of the woman with whom his
wife went out; numerous trifing lndls-
cretions forced themselves back upon his
memory, and suggested construction
they had not borne before. In vain did
he strive to beat away the meddling fend ;
fancy on fancy, each more hideous than
the last, crowded his distempered mag
ination, and drove him at length to seek
relief in the tap-room of the little inn he
occasionally resorted to.
"A telling of envy is commonly genera
ted toward the man who marries very
beautiful woman He is looked upon as
presumptuous person, who has dared to
appropriate to him elf SO much treasure
and he who is welded to youth and beau
ty often pays this price for the monopoly.
The husband found the usual company
assembled and, as is too frequently the
case, there was not wanting "good-na-
tured friend" to fan the fame Of disap-
poin.ment evidently apparent in his coun-
teance. HIS fondness for his wife was
generally known, and envy readily sup
piled the means of tormenting refinement
in feeling unappreciated by vulgar minds.
The conversation (purposely) alluded to