The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1872-07-19

change p
"Repined she has been nothing
but sweetness and good humor. In
deed, she seems IN better spirits than
have ever known her; she has been
to me all love and tenderness, aud
comfortl"
Admirable girl p exclaimed [.
"You call yourself poor, my friend;
you never were SO rich-you never
knew the boundless treasures OF ex-
ceuence you possess in that woman"
'Oh but my friend, if this first
meeting at the cottage were over, I
think could then be comfortable.
But this is her first day of real expe-
rience; she has been introduced into
humble dwelling-ahe has been
employed all day in arranging its
miserable equipments-she has, for
the first time, known the fatigues OF
domestic employment-she has, for
the first time, looked round her on
u home destitute of everything ele-
gant-almost everything convenient;
and may be sitting down, exhausted
and spiritless, brooding over a pres
pect of future poverty.
There was degree of probability
in this picture that I could not gain
say, so we walked on in silence.
After turning from the main road
up narrow lane, so thickly shaded
with forest trees as to give it COM
plete air of ssclu~ion, we came in
sight of the cottage. It was humble
enough in its appearance for the
most pastoral poet; and yet it had a
pleasing rural look. a wild vine
had Overrun one end with o profus-
ion of foliage; a few trees threw their
branches gracefully over it; and 1
observed several pots of flowers taste
fully disposed about the door, and
on the grass-plat in front. A small
wicket-gate opened upon a footpath
that wound through some shrubbery
to the door. Just as we approached
We heard the sound of music-Leslie
grasped my arm; we paused and
listened. 1t was Mary's voice sing
ing. in a style of the most touching
simplicity, little air of which her
husband was peculiarly fond.
I 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 cleaned out at the
window and vanished-a light foot
sep was heard-aud Mary came
tripping forth to meet us: she was in
a pretty rural dress of white; few
wild flowers were twisted in her fine
hair; fresh bloom was on her cheek
and her whole countenance beamed
with smilss-I had never seen her
look so lovely.
"My dear George" cried she, "I
am SO glad you are comet have
been watching and watching for you;
and running down the lane aud look
ing for you. I've set out table un-
der a beautiful tree behind the cot
tage; and I've been gathering some
Of the most delicious straw berries,
for L know you are fond OF them
and we have such excellent cream
and everything is so sweet and still
here-Oh said she putting her arm
within his, and looking up brightly
in his face, "Oh, we shall be SO hap
Ply, hereP'
Poor Leslie was overcome. He
caught her to his bosom-he folded
his arms round her-he kissed her
again and again-he could not speak
but the tears gushed into his eyes;
and he has often assured me, that
though the world has since gone
prosperously with him, and his life
has, indeed, been happy one, yet
never has he experienced a moment
of more exquisite felicity.