West-Jersey pioneer., 1872-12-20

He was wearied with the fatigues of the
day, and as he walked out fell into fit Of
gloomy musing. s.
''Poor Maryr' at length broke, with a
heavy sigh, from his lips. q
s'And what of her?'' I asked; sshas any,
thing happened to her?"
''what!' said he, darting an impatient
glance, ''is it nothing to be reduced to this
paltry situation--to be Gagged in miserable
cottage-to be obliged to toll almost in the
concerns of her wretched habitation?''
.Has she then repined at the change?''
Rep:ned! She has been nothing but
sweetness and good humor.. Indeed, she
seems in better spirits than I have ever
known her; she has been to me all love, and
tenderness and comfort!' 5.t
Admirable girl r. exclaimed I. "You
call yourself poor, my friend; you never
were SO Iich-you never knew the boundless
treasures of excellence. you possess in that
| woman. > 'sg ee.s,a-
sob! but my friend, if this first meeting
at the cottage were over, think could
then be comfortable. But this the first day
of real experience; she has been introduced
into a humble dwelling--she has, for the
first time in her life known the fatigues
Of domestic employment-she has for the
| first time looked around her ON a home des-
titute Of everything elegant, almost ofeyery-
thing conyenient; and may now be sitting
down tired and spiritless, brooding over a
prospect Of future poverty" t
There was degree of probability in this
picture that I could not gainsay, SO we
walked on in silence. i
! After turning from the main road up a
narrow lane, SO thickly shaded with forest
trees, as to give tia complete air of seclu-
sion, we came in sight of the cottage. II
was humble enough in it's appearance fol
the most pastoral poet; and yet it had a
pleasing rural look. A wild vine had over.
run one end, with a profusion of foliage; 9
few trees threw their branches gracefully
over it, and observed several pots of flow
ers tastefully disposed about the door, an6
ON the grassplot in front. A small wicket
gate opened upon foot-path that wounG
through some shrubbery to the door. Just
as we approached we heard the sound o.
music--Leslie grasped my arm; we paused
and listened. II was Mary voice singing
in style Of the most touching simplicity, q
little of which her husband was particularly
/ fond.
! l felt Leslie's hand tremble on my arm
He stepped forward to hear more distinctly
His step made noise on the gravel walk
| A bright, beautiful face glanced out at the
/ window and vanished-a light footstep was
!, heard-and Mary came tripping forth tt
| meet us: she dressed in pretty rural dress
of white, few wild flowers were twisted ir
her fine hair, fresh bloom was on hel
cheek, her whole countenance beamed witt
smiles had never seen her look SO lovely
~ "My dear George" cried she, Il am Sc
glad you have come! / have been watching
and watching for you; and running dow1
the lane, and looking out for you. I've Sc
outna table under beautiful tree behind thu
COTTAGE and I've been gathering some o
the most delicious strawberries, forl know
you are fond Of them; and we have such ex
cellent cream; and everything is SO swee
and still here. Ohra said she, putting he
arm within his and looking up brightly il
his face, '4Oh, we shall be SO happyH''e
Poor Leslie was overcome. He caugh
her to his bosom-he folded his arms arount
her--he kissed her again and again--h'
could not speak, but the tears gushed int
his eyes; and he has often assured me tina
though the world has since gone prosper
ously with him, and his life has, indeed
been happy one, yet never has he expert
enced moment of more exquisite felicity