Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-01-15
Prom the Kansas Monthly Magazine,
A Wife's Story.

1t was little sweet face that came to
me just at a time when my bark was fast
nearing the billows. IL was but short
time-thrce years--that | called her mine;
but looking back upon all the past, trem-
bic to think what might have been had her
presence never frightened my life and
taught me my duty.
1t was just before the late war between
the North and South that became the wife
Of a navy officer. He was many years my
senior, but IL was union of hearts for ALL
He was reserved and dignifed as became
his position was gay and light hearted
almost to frivolity, think now. He often
pleasantly chided me for my gaiety, saying
| ought to settle down now had such an
old fashioned husband. But | knew he
was most pleased when | was most cheer
ful, so accepted his chidiugs in the spiri, in
which they we're administered.
Al the breaking out Of the war my hus-
baud had been ordered to L., a small
station erected for the emergency, there to
take command Of vessel being fitted up
for service in the Mississippi squadron. OF
course accompanied him. L. was a
small town, Of no note until the war con-
yerted it into a naval station, thus bringing
labor aud money to its inhabitants OF
the society the least said the better.
There we're quite number Of officers
siationed there, most Of them married men,
Who, with their wives made up our society.
We we're constantly resorting to ways and
means to kill time. There was one family
Of some pretensions in the place who fre-
quently joined our circle, and at whose
house we were quite as frequently invited
but owing to my husbands retired habits,
we ourselves seldom went. This was not
altogether satisfactory to one Of my tenn
permanent, aud when | would hear the off
GERS wives talking over these festivities |
/ longed with all the fervor of child to par
ticipate in them. You are burying your
self alive" one would say and another
add, You are old as your husband now" I"
And Mrs. Stanhope, the wife Of our sur
geou, once advised me to 60 without him T;
" other ladies do" she added. But my
pride aud common sense forbade that. |
had always considered it wife's duty to
respect the wishes of her husband, and
was q little surprised that Mrs. Stanhope,
a lady at least fifteen years my senior,
should thus advise me.
Oue nigh, the officers were to give ball
on board the boat then in my husbands
command. It was the first regular ball
they had given--the previous entertain
ments were merely social parties. Arrange
meuts had been made to make this quite a
grand affair for that out Of the way place.
My husband had not altogether approved
Of the measure, although he had consented
to it.
"You will surely attend" remarked,
as he expressed to me his disapprobation.
at being on board your own vessel it would
hardly look well to stay away"
"Yes, will go; but Clara, heartily
disapproye Of such festivities at a time when
our country is so overshadowed with war.
The evening Of the ball at length arrived.
All so far had been entirely favorable, and
a delightful time was anticipated.
The dance had already commenced when
an orderly came in search Of my husband
There had come dispatch ordering my
husband to report to NJ at once 4"
leave you in charge Of Lieutenant Morris
he said, as he impaired the news to me, al
the same time bowing to the Lieutenant
who was with him.
J accept the trust" he replied grace
fully.
/ | shall probably be back the day after
r tomorrow at the tarthest," he continued
; and bidding me goodbye, we parted
Lieutenant Morris was the Oldest Officer
in the squadron there except my husband
He was unmarried, very affable in his man
ners and upright in department, and a uni
yersal fayorite.
Flushed with gaiety, | entered into the
enjoyments of the hour with a keen relish
You are fine dancer, Mrs. b., )" said
my companion, as he led me to seat after
the quadrile. How is it you have never
attended our little select dances before p
My husband does not enjoy them"
answered.
Is that sufficient reason2" he askeC
in half-whisper.
81 think SO, replied little haughtiy
Then you are no champion for woman
rights" be answered gaily.
Is it fair to Judge me by that ?"
Perhaps not. But see, they are goinl
to waltz. You waltz, do you not2"
"Not often, and | must beg to be ex
cused tonight"
lie bowed, and went to seek another
partner, and soon saw him whirling dowl
the cabin with Miss Cheesebro, a niece o
Gov. Vests.
To say that was pleased with the en-
tertainment and the attentions received
, would but express very family my delight
, was charmed intoxicated with it, anC
loyal as | was, scarcely gave one though
to my absent husband, who, at the time
sought my state-room, was riding fearless )
through the storm of midnight in obedience
to orders.
The day on which my husband had ex
pected to return came and passed, and the
next also; still he came not and /, though
accustomed TO disappointments of this char
acter, grew restless and uneasy.
To return the compliment to the officers
Governor West had issued invitations to {
ball, to be given at his residence just on,
week from the night of ours.
A number Of the elete from the neigh
boring city had been invited, and the affail
promised to be very brilliant one.
This may be thought very short timt
in which to prepare for ball, but it must
be remembered that the boats were daily
expected to leave the station, aud there
was no time to spare.
"Of course you will 60 said Mrs. Stan
hope to me.
81 am undecided" | replied. "If my
husband returns it shall be as he says. Il
he does not return hardly expect to 60.
But you are in my charge" said Lieu
tenant Morris, "and |, as your guardian
shall insist upon your going"
"Stop Lieutenant As understand it
was only put in your charge for that
evening" | answered playfully.
Oh, no, Mrs. b, There was no time
specified. You are still under the shadow
Of my wing
We bantered each other for time, faI
from feeling the gay spirits | assumed for
secretly very much wished to attend the
ball, and | knew if my husband returned
my going was doubtful. The day passed
and another, when instead of my husband