Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-07-05

Ntltd gave Que lOOh OF uupItfFdOie disgust
1t needed no experience to tell her that for
the first time in her remembrance her husband
had returned to her, unconscious and inebri-
ated with excess
Alas alas the lesson did not even then
work its natural results.
IL was late on the following morning when
Darcy awoke and then his faculties we're 90
bewildered and clouded that for some minutes
he scarcely comprehended where he was, or
the crisis Of his fate that was at hand,
But as be sat up in bed, aud rubbed his
eyes, and glanced round him at the still
darkened chamber, the idea flashed on his
still heated BRAIN aud springing from his
bed he snatched the bell.rope and gave it
vigorous pull
" Tell your mistress to come to me Instant
ly " he exclaimed hurriodly Quick
girl-quiok 90
IL was certainly only few minutes ere Net.
Ia appeared but they seemed an age TO the
unhappy Darcy. And when she entered the
bedroom, his words we're well nigh inarticu-
late with agitation.
" Meta, am ate--yery late. Where is
my shirt. lhaye not moment There--quick
my collar l'
lie had seized the linen she slowly extend.
ed to him, and drew it hastily on. Then
came the collar, which she gave him in dog.
ged silence.
Confound il, the buttons of :" aud an
imprccation which Nettas refined ears recoi-
ed from, escaped his lips. Do you hear
Give me another !' he said, sharply.
There is no other clean. IL you can be.
have rather more gontlomany, | will sew it
on she said, calmly leaving the room, and
returning with a deliberatiou that acted like
flaming fire on the phosphoric spirit of the
unfortunate victim.
The needle was too small for the cotton,
and took some time to thread, and then the
button had to be sought for, and, by the un.
erring dial Of the clock, at least ten minutes
were occupied in the simple operation, ere the
toilet could be resumed and in due time com.
lpleted.
Meta believe you have ruined me, aud
yourself" he said hoarsely, as he rushed down
the stairs and left the house, unrofreshed by
the morning meal, and in spite Of the wife's
pride, and the iostered seliishness Of her ma
ture, the words rang in her ears like funeral
knel during the long hours of that weary
morning, which seemed as if it could not end
Thus hour after hour went wearily by.
Meta passed them in alternate fits of apa.
thetic depression and restless pacing to and
fro while the worthy though ill-directed do
nestle INDUCED in sundry comments, more
sensible than polite, as to her MISTRESS strange
demeanor.
Meta scarcely knew whether delay in her
husbands return was favorable or the reverse
but either an accusing conscience or the natu-
raj instinct Of an untried nature oyerpowered
hope till it sank into despair.
| At length-oh what a weary interval it
seemed-the key was heard in the lock, the
f door opened, and heavy steps were heard as
cending the stairs Netta's limbs refused
their office she tried to rise, but could not
/ and when Darcy entered, her mute glance
( alone questioned him as to the tidings he
brought There scarcely needed words to tell
, the tale.
, late another and equally eligible man was
before me and accepted"
' Her voice trembled as she ialtered Per-
haps-porhaps it would have been no use"
=" Do not aatter yourself, Mrs. St. Ives /;
d. there is no such loophole Had been the
n first, the appointment was sure. Your intol.
!. cradle proerastnation has been my bane I!
Now you can indulge it at pleasure. There
o is little more harm to be done now. am
Y quite resigned to my fate prison or .
. grave"
Darcy-Darcy, have mercy! Do not
:. speak so harshly! know-l know | have
ii been wrong but
h The wretched wife did not finish the sen.
tence.
Is Ere the last word had passed herlips Oar
e ey had fallen back on chair by which he
- was leaning, and thin stream OF crimson
n was issuing from his nose aud mouth.
J. Meta stood paralyzed and horror-stricken
= for some minutes but that brief interval
10 was pregnant with more important results
tnan as many months oil ordinary time and
n II tho work oil years was not TO be so easily
undone, 1t was at last shaken IN its very foun
t datlons by fhat mighty shock
is
b" " Meta, my wlie came IKE soitest mu
ID sic from the ieeoe lips Of the lnvalid' as h
II at length ayalled himself OF the physician
ID permission to speak.
On, Darcy may Heaven be praised
Az scarcely thought to have such undeserve
at mercy SAID the penitent wiie, herself kneel
ne ing by her husband couch.
lie looked sadly yet gently IN her pal
d, lace.
m. Poor glr-poor gri Your punish
gu ment will be- | lear lar heavier than you
oilense' what will you do' my poor wife
en- Would that mad never seen you
We "No-~no-no she exclaimed ieryentil
J." ".At least not Tor me-not Tor me, Darcy
ir. but Tor you, my husband but, II heaye
dy help me, will-yes l-wlll-atone ior IL
rot past Only alas alas l. cannot redee'
=" the wrong have done you.
% The husband looked down upon the u
p. turned earnest eyes oil the being he had on'
,,h loved so dearly and his heart melted at the
ad remorseiul pleading.
me Meta, we may yet be happier than su
NV NV sess might have made US. 1t is not none