Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1870-06-10

From the Albany Journal.
Il Romance in Real Ltfe-A Young Man
Loses Wife by n Foolish Act-Subsc-
quent Happy Reunion.
About three years ago good looking,
stalwart young mechanic went from this
city to accept an advantageous offer in the
town of Salem, Washington county. Be-
ing unmarried and rather fond Of society,
it was not long before james West, as we
shall call him, acquired q circle of acquain-
tances that embraced at least all the pref
test girls IN the place. After bestowing
attention indiscrminately, thereby causing
many hearts to beat with Jealous rage and
envy, he suddenly became moro reserved
In his demeanOr, and from thenceforth de-
voted himself to but one, a young lady
whose personal attractions were only sur
passed by her aniable character and varied
accomplishments, named Kate -,
daughter Of a well-to do farmer of Wash
ington county. West had evidently heard
the adm0nition that faint heart never Won
fair lady for he pressed his suit with al
ardOr that soon received its reward, and
their engagement was announced.
SIX months aftCrward on a bright sunny
day in May the nuptials were celebrated.
After marriage they settled down to house
keeping in neat little cottage, surround
ed with all that a happy young couple
could desire, and everything seemed to
augnr well for long and tranquil life of
domestic bliss.
But in an evil hour their bright hopes
were ShadOwed. a former acquaintance hap
pening 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 de-
bauchery. Poor Kate, having passed
lonely evening, retired to rest, framing
Thousand excuses for her husbands alb
sence. In the morning she awOlIe 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 at beholding the one
She loved so well lying across the step, be-
smeared with filth, i'll the worst stage of
1ntoxicalon. The sight was SO horrible
that fox time she was unable to move or
act. Then, as if having formed sudden
resolution, she hastily dragged him in,
dressed herself, and left tho house
The husband awOke from his drunken
etupOr shortly after, and, calling for Kate,
was astOnished at receiving no answer
The thought occurred to him that his CON
duct OF the night before had driven her
away. A week passed by, and although
the cOnscience-stricken husband made
every search and inquiry, no trace of the
lost one could be found. a year elapsed, |
and having given up all hope of ever re-
gaining his lost happiness, the husband |
threw up lis situation, sold his furniture,
and came to this city, where he secured |
employment as a machinist. Il few days |
ago, happening to he in Troy on business,
while passing up Second street he came |
face to face with his wife. The recogni- |
ton was mutual and with the old love |
yelling up in their hearts they were once |
more united. Half cr4zed at the sight |!
which met her eyes on that fatal morning, |
she had fled from the house and taken the |
cars to Troy, fortunately securing situa- !
ton in dress making establishment, |
where she preferred remaining rather than |
be the companion of one who would so |
lmbrute himself.
And now, after being separated for more |
than year, they have resumed house |
keeping in this city--the husband, Oh his |
part, with firm determination never to |
do aught that would cause his wife q mo- |
ment's unhappiness, and she with desire |
to brighten their new home with a love |
that will make it lasting, and full Of con-
fdence that he will be true to his word
The DebaEcment of Southern Politics.