The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-04-26
From the Kansas Monthly Magazine
A Wife's Story.

From the Kansas Monthly Magazine.
A Wife's Story.
1t was sweet little face that came to me
just at a time when my bark was fast near
ing the pillows. 1t was but short time
three years-that called her mine; but look
ing back upon all the past. tremble to think
what might have been had her presence new
er frightened my life and taught me my
duty. hsa' a e'
1t was just before the late war between the
north and the south that became the wife OF
a navy officer. He was many years my sen
Tor, but it was union of hearts for all. ne
was reserved and dignified as became his po-
sition; l was gay and light-hearted almost 70
ffivolity, think now. He often pleasantly
caided me for my gayety, saying ! ougnt 70
settle down row I had such an oid-lasnlohea
husband. But knew he was most pieasea
when was most cheerful, SO accepteu MS
chidings in the spirit in which they were ad
niil.is.ered. rr
At the breaking out of the war my husband
had been ordered to II, a small station
created for the emergency, there to take COM
mand of vessel being fitted up for the Mis-
sissippi squadron. OF course I accompanied
him. L. was small town, of no note
until the war converted it into a naval sta
ton, thus bringing labor and money to its in
babitants. Ofthe society the least said the
better. -
There were quite number of officers sta
toned there, most OF them married men,
who, with their wives, made up our society.
We were constantly resorting to ways and
means to kill time. There was one family of
some pretensions in the place who frequently
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 at all satisfac-
tory to one of my temperament, and when
would hear the officers wives talking over
these festivities, Ilonged with all the fervor
of a child to participate in them. "You are
burying yourself alive" one would say; and
another add, "You are as old as your husband
now" And Mrs Stanhope, the wife of our
surgeon once advised me TO go without him /;
''other ladies do, she added. But my pride
and common sense forbade that. had al
ways considered it a wife's duty to respect
the wishes of her husband, and / was little
surprised that Mrs. Stanhope, a lady at least
fifteen years my senior, should thus advise
me. 1s ~
One night the officers we're to give a ball
on board the boat then in my husbands COM
mand. 1t was the first regular bali they had
given-the previous entertainments we're
merely social parties. Arrangements had
been made to make this quite grand affair
for that out the way place.
My husband had not altogether approved
Of the measure, although he had consented
to It. 0'--''i< 4&-A
'sYou will surely attend" 1 remarked, as
he espresso to me his disapprobation. SIT
being on board your own vessel, it would
hardly look well to stay away III --r~
"Yes, will go; but Clara, I heartily dis
approve of such festivities at 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 q
delightful time was anticipated.
The dance had already commenced, when
an orderly came in search of my husband.
There had come despatch ordering my hus-
band to report to M at once. / leave you
in charge Of Lieutenant Morris, he said, a.
he impaired the news to me, at the same
time bowling to the Lieutenant, who was
with him. e.s
II accept the trust" he replied grace
fully. .oF r
81 shall probably be back the day after to-
morrow at the iarthest,'' he continued, and
bidding me goodbye, we parted.
Lieutenant Morris was the Oldest officer in
the squadron there except my husband. He
and upright in department, and a universal
favcrite.
Flushed with gayety, entered into the en-
joyment of the hour with keen relish.
''You are fine lancer, Mrs. b." said my
companion, as he led me to seat after the
quadrie. "How is it you have never at
tended our select dances before? ''
MY husband does not enjoy them," an-
swered. Er G--r-c -. -r.CI
as that sufficient reason ?" he asked in
a half whisper.
81 think So" replied little haughtily.
''Then you are no champion for womans
rights" he answered gayly.
rs it fair ojudge me by that?"
perhaps not. But see, they are going to
waltz. You waltz, do you not?"
"Not often, and 1 must beg to be excused
tonight
He bowed and went to seek another part
ner, and SION saw him whirling down the
cabin with Miss Cheesebro, niece of Gov.
Vests.
To say that was pleased with the enter
tainment and the attentions received, would
but express very family my delight. l was
charmed, intoxicated with it, and loyal as I
was, scarcely gave one thought to my alb
sent husband, who at the time l sought my
state room, was riding fearlessly through the
storm of midnight in obedience to orders.
The da on which my husband had expec-
ted t., return ca re and passed, and the next
also; still he came not; and l, though accus-
toned to disappointment of this character,
grew restless and uneasy
To return the compliment to the officers,
Cove rnor West had issued invitations to a
ball, TO be given at his residence just one
week from the night of ours.
A number of the elite from the neighbor-
ing city had been invited, and the ,afa ir
promised to be 4 very brilliant one. -
This may be thougnt>a very short time in
which to prepare for ball, but it must be re-
membered that the boats were daily expected
to leave the station, and there was no time
to spare. ~ .2so rEF9F
'sOf course you will co. sad Mrs. Stan.
hepe tome. b
Il am undecided" replied. .'If my hus-
band returns it shall be as he says. If be
does not return I hardly expect to 60"
But you are in my CHARGE" said Lieuten-
ant Morris, land |, as your guardian, shall
insist upon your going" Ha
'Stop, Lieutenant! As understand it, 1
was only put in your charge for thar evening"
answered playtully.
"Oh. no, Mrs. 3. There was no time
specified. You are still under the shadow of
my wing"
We bantered each other for time, / far
iiom ieelHS tne gay spirits L assumed; for
secretly I very much wished to attend the
ball. aud knew if my husband returned my
going was doubtful. The day passed, and
another, when instead of my husband there
came tn despatch:
II am unexpectedly detained. 1t will be
impossible for me to be with you for at least
ten days. Meantime enjoy yourself as best
you can. Lieutenant Morris will see that
you ara comfortable" e1~
At any other time should have been ready
TO cry at the prolonged absence of my hus-
band, but / confess to secret qualification
upon receiving the despatch. He could not
be at home in time for the ball, and had he
not expressed desire for me to enjoy my
self? showed the despatch to Mrs. STAN
hope, who instantly advised me to accept the
escort of rhe Lieutenant and attend the ball.
/ think it was knowledge that she would
thus advise me that prompted me to show
her my letter. Still did net feel at rest.
had sort of pride that rebelled against ap-
pesring in society without my husband; but
Mrs. Stanhope's arguments and the Lieuten-
ants entreaties at length scattered my scru-
pies, and resolved to go.
Ny early life-my girhood days-had been
passed In strict seclusion, and my husbands
quiet tastes had made my married lite almost
a. SOLITARY IN regard tosociety. Is it so much
OF wonder then that was almost carried
away by its gay scenes2
me evening came, and in company with
nN1