The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1873-04-18
A wIFE'S STORY.


1t was little sweet face that came K
me Just at q time when my bark was las
nearing the pillows. 1t was but shor
tmu-three years-that called hel
mine; but looking back upon all the past
| tremble 10 think what might have beer
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 navy officer. he was many
years my senior, but it was o union OF
hearts Tor all. He was reserved and dig
nIied as became his position; was gay
and Ilight.hearted almost to lriVolity, l
think now. He often pleasantly Chided
me for my gayety, saying l ought to set
tie down now ! had such an old.tashion.
ed husband. But l knew he was most
pleased when I was most cheerful, 80
accepted his chidings in the spirit In
which they were administered.
At the breaking out oil the war my
husband had been ordered 10 L., q
small station created for the emergency,
there to take command of o vessel being
fitted up for service In the Mississippi
squadron. OF course accompanied him.
L. was u small town OF no note until
tho war converted il into naval station,
thus bringing labor and money to its in.
habitants. OF the society the least said
the better.
There were quite number Of officers
stationed there, most ofthem married men,
who, with their wives, made up our 80
cety. We we're constantly resorting to
ways and means to kill time. There wEs
one family Of some pretensions in the
place who frequently joined our CirClc,and
ut whose house We were quite as frequent
" inVitcd;but owing TO my husbands retir-
cd habits, we ourselves seldom went.
This was not altogether satisfactory to
oRo OF my temperament and when ! would
hear tho officers wives talking over these
festivities, longGd with all the iervor Of
child to participate In them. "You are
burying yourself alive" one would say
and another add, "YOu are old as your
husband now" And Mrs. StanhOpe, the
wife o!our surgeon, once advised nc 10 &c
without him; "other ladies' do" sho ad
ded. But my pride and common sens
forbade that. i had always considered |
wile's duty to respect the wishes OF he
husband, and WINS little surprised tina
Mrs. stanhope, q lady at least titteet
years my senior, should thus advise me
One night the officers were to give 0
ball on board the boat then in my hus-
bands command. 1! was tho first regular
ball they had giy0n-thc previous enter
taInments were merely social parties; Ar
engagements had been made to make this
quito u grand affair for that out OF the
way place.
My husband had not altogether ap-
proved Of the measure, although he hat
consented to 1t.
"You will surely attend" I remarked
as he expressed to me his disapprobation
ut being on board your own vessel, i
would hardly look well to stay away"
Eyes, l will go, but Clara, l heartily
disapprove Of such festivities at q tint
when our country Is so overshadoweC
with war"
Tho evening oil the ball at length or
rived. All so far had been entirely favor
aDle, and a delightful time was antici-
pated.
The dance had already commenced
when an orderly came in search OF my
husband. There had come dispatch
ordering my husband TO report to M
at once. ~ leave you in charge o
Lieutenant Morris" he said, as he i'm
parted the news 10 me, at the same TINT
bowling to tho Lieutenant, who was will
him.
n accept the trust" he replied grace,
FULLY.
II shall probably be back the day aftc,
tomorrow at the farthest," he continued
and bidding me goodbye, VIC parted.
Lieutenant Morris was the Oldest office
in the squadron there except my hus
band. lie was unmarried, very atfabl
in his manners and upright In dCport-
ment, and q universal iavorltC.
Flushed with gayetY, entered int
the CnjOyments OF tho hour with a keCl
relish.
"You Nrc q fine dancer, Mrs. B." sui
my companion, as he led me TO sea
after tho Quadrille. "How Is 1t you haV
never attended our little select dances be
ioreI"
my husband does not enjoy them,"
answered.
us that a sufficient reason'' he asked
in a half whisper.
~ think So" l replied little haughtI
ly.
Then you are no champion for wo
mans rights" he answered gOily.
as 1t fair to judge me by thRI!'
Perhaps not, But sec, they are gOinJ
towaltz You waltz, do you noty"
"Not often, and must beg to be cxCu:
cd tonight"
lie bowed, and went to seek snothe
partner, and soon saw him whlrln
down the cabin with Miss ChecseOro,
niece OF Gov. Vests.
To say that was pleased with the en-
terlainment and the attentions received
would express very family my delight
was charmed, intoxicated with 1t, an
loyal as l was, l scarcely gave on
thought to my absent husband, who, t
the time sought my stateroom, was rit
ing tearlessly. through the storm OF mi(
night in obedience 10 orders.
The day on which nv husband OK
peCted 10 return came and passed, an
the next also; still he came not: and
though accustomed 10 dlsappointments
this character, grew restless and uneas,
To return the compliment 10 the oiIj
GERS, Governor West had issued invita-