Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1872-10-23
Of romantic gallantry in the doting hus-

Dand.-
He was now going out to the cottage,
where his wife had been all day super.
intending its arrangement. My feel
ings had become strongly interested il
the progress of this family story, and
as 1t was fine evening, I offered to ac-
company him.
He was wearied with the fatigues of
the day, and, as he walked out, fell in
to fit of gloomy musing
"Poor Mary p at length broke, with
a heavy sigh, from his lips.
"And what of her ?" | asked; "has
anything happened to her?'
"What!" said he, darting an impa
tlent glance, els it nothing to be re-
duced to this paltry situation-to be
Gagged IN miserable cottage-to be
obliged to toll almost in the menial
concerns of her wretched habitation9 ~
+ Has she then repined at the
changer" .-
"Repined She has been nothin
but sweetness and good humor. In
deed, she seems in better spirits than
L have ever known her; she has been
to me all love, and tenderness and COM
fort !"
Admirable girl ~ exclaimed ].
You call yourself poor, my friend
you never were so rich-you never
knew the boundless treasures of excel.
lence you possess in that woman.''
cob {! but, my friend, if this first
meeting at the cottage were over,
think [ could then be comfortable.
But this is the first day OF real expert
ence; she has been introduced into an
humble dwelling-she has, for the first
time, known the fatigues Of domestic
employment-she has for the first time
looked abound her on home destitute
of everything elegant almost of every
thing convenient; and may now be sit
ting down. exhausted and spiritless,
brood1ng over a prospect of future
poverty"
There was a degree of probability to
this picture that [ could not gainsay;
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 complete air
Of secluslon, we came in sight Of the
cottage. 1t was humble enough in it's
appearance for the most pastoral poet
and yet it had a pleasing rural look.
A wild vine had overrun one end with
a profusion of foliage, a few trees threw
their branches gracefully over it; and
[ observed several pots of flo Iers taste
fully disposed about the door and on
the grass plat IN front. Asmall wicket
gate opened upon footpath that
wound through some shrubbery to the
door. Just as weapproached we heard
the sound of music-Leslie grasped
my arm; we paused and listened It
was Mary's voice singing, in style of
the most touching simplicity, a 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 glanced out of the window and
vanished-a light footstep was heard
and Mary came tripping forth to meet
us; she was in pretty rural dress of
white, a few wild flowers were twisted
in her fine hair, a fresh bloom was on
her cheek, her whole countenance
beamed with smiles-I had never seen
her look so lovely.
"My dear George" she cried, "I am
SO glad you have come! [ have been
watching and Watching for you; and
running down the lane, and looking
out for you. I've set out table under
e beautiful tree behind the cottage ;
and I've been gathering some of the
most delicious strawberries, for [ 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 IN his and looking
up brightly in his face, "Oh, we shall
be so happy"
Poor Leslie was overcome. He
caught her to his bosom-he folded
his arms around her-he kissed her
again and again-he could not speak,
but the tears gushed into his eyes; and
he as often assured me that
though the world has since gone pros
perously with him, and his life has, III
deed, been happy one, yet never has
he experienced moment of more ex-
qulsite felicity.