Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1877-03-16
s}gistrllanp,
OUR FIRST QUARREL.
BY JENNIE STERLING.

ono longer linger shades OF nights
Sing bird, wake flower, and sunbeam play,
Spring up to life, on joyous earth,
Thou cans't not drive my dream away"
These were the words I heard sung by
a sweet-voiced vocalist, as leaning on
my husbands arm, entered the bril-
liantly-illuminated parlors where grand
wedding reception was being given in
cur honor.
| was bride then, and in the COM
partnership of the intellectual Gerard
Russell, pure, sweet feeling had taken
deep root in my heart, unlike any
thing | had ever dreamed of-though
itiwas the same old witchery that Adam
long ago whispered to his Eve.
Upon that memorable night the words
of the song found an echo in my happy
heart, and softened my eyes as they
sought my husbands face.
He was my senior by ten years; |
admired and looked up to him as my
superior in scholarship and Judgment.
Resisting the temptation to remain by
his side during the entire evening silent
ly utterng fragments of thanksgiving
for my great happiness, | mingled with
the gay brilliant company assembled to
congratulate us.
After an hour or two, becoming
fatigued and heated, | sought the dress
ing-room, and leaning out over the
balcony, invited the cool breeze to blow
upon my face-unheeding, | heard the
murmur of voices beneath, and aban-
doned myself to the train of thoughts
which possessed me.
How was it that I, small of stature,
and only passably pretty, could have
attracted and won the soul of my match
less Gerard, surrounded as he certainly
was by lovely, gifted women.
] was startled from my reverie by
hearing my name pronounced on the
balcony below me.
ooh, how ] pity poor Mrs. Russell, "
said the unknown speaker, 'for it is
plain that she is passionately fond Of her
husband"
ooh heaven p I murmured, "have |
then betrayed my Utmost soul ?" then |
heard the cutting reply, as it aoated up
to me clear and cold:
II rather pity him, for I fancy that
bis whole heart was given to his in
tended wife, Fannie Morell"
eyes, and his intellect was fairly
matched too. With her high breeding,
and fascinating beauty, size moved
goddess among women and | cannot
comprehend how he condescended to
marry the plain little woman | saw to-
night"
"Sbe certainly offers striking con-
trast to the lovely Fannie" was the re-
ply. But were they really engaged p
Yes, had it from her own lips"
"They must have quarreled, and then
Russell married this girl out of spite"
"Then pity him, that's all, for he's
not one to play at pitch and toss with
the tender passion
The voices ceased, and | felt as if
could trample the speakers to the earth
I hurried back into the dressing groom,
feeling the red dying out of my cheeks.
! was icy cold now, and in an agony Of
suppressed emotion A faintness came
over me, and made desperate efforts to
reach the lounge, but failing, fell sense
less on the floor.
Good help one whose tears are frozen,
and whose heart is buried alive"
Such was my thought when restored
10 consciousness. My husbands arm
was circing my waist, my head was
Dillowed On his shoulder, while be bent
over me in apparent distress.
ooh, Minnie. my darling,' he said,
IS he passionately kissed me, and nestled
ny head on his shoulder again, obliyious
If the observant eyes Of the crowd, who
rad rushed up stairs upon hearing the
leavy :hud had made in falling.
At that instant, could not find words
o measure the feelings which pressed
upon my heart, but know my look was
oitiful, and full Of dumb patbos, for
Gerard said;
"You are i'll, Minnie; let us return
nome"
lie assisted me with my wrappings,
made our excuses, and soon We were in
he carriage on our way home, my
thoughts constantly repeating