The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1870-07-01
A ROMANCE IN REAL LIFE.

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. Being unmarried aud rather
fond of society. it was not long before
James West, as we shall call him, ac-
CURED a circle of acquaintance that
embraced all the preitiest girls in the
place. After beslowing attentions in
discriminatory, thereby causing many
hearts to beat with jealous rage and
envy, he suddenly became more reserv-
ed in his demeanor, and from thence
forth devoted himself to but one, a
young lady whose personal attractions
were only surpassed by her amiable
character and varied accomplishments,
named Kate -, daughter of a well-to-
do farmer of Washington county.
West had evidently heard the admoni-
ton that faint heart never won fair
lady," for he pressed his suit with all
ardor that soou received its reward, and
their engagement was announced.
Six months afterward, on bright
Sunday in May, the nuptials were cele-
Oraied. After marriage they settled
down to housekeeping in a neat little
cottage, surrounded with all a happy
couple could desire, and everything
seemed to augur well for a long and
tranquil life of domestic bliss.
But in an evil hour the bright hopes
~ere Swallowed. A former acquaint-
ance happening in the village was met
by the young husband, and while re-
calling 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 i.i hilarious de-
hatchery; poor Kate, having past a
lonely evening, retired TO rest framing
a thousand excuses for her husbands
absence. In the morning she awoke
in an agony of terror at finding herself
still alone, and hastily flinging on some
clothes, opened the door 10 go in search
of him. Imagine her horror at behold
ing the one she loved so well living
across the step besmeare6 with filth, in
the worst state of intoxication. The
sight was so horrible that for time she
was unable to move or act. Then. as if
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 for
Kate, was astonishcd at receiving no
answer. The thought occurred to him
that his conduct the night before had
driven her away. A week passed by,
and although the e-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 regaining bis lost hap
piness, the husband threw up his situa-
ton, sold his furniture, and came to
this city, where he secured employ
ment as a machinist. A few days ago,
happening to be at Troy, on business,
while passing up Second st. eet, he came
face TO face with his wife. The recog-
milton was mutual; and with The old
love yelling up in their hearts, they
were once more united. Half crazed
at the sight which met her eyes on that
fatal morning, she had fed from the
house and taken the cars to Troy, for
tunately securing a situation in dress
making establishment, where she pre-
fered remaining, rather than be the
companion of one who would so i'm
brute her.
And now, after being separated for.
more than 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 unhnppiuess and she
with a desire TO brighten their new
home with a love that will make it last
ing, and full of confidence that he will
be true to his word.-Aibday Journal.