Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-05-25
IRlHI'S FENAL1N.

hat untrammeled leisure and money
could procure, ...
When | was about thirty determin-
ed TO marry; and as my property con-
sisted chiefly of land, situated IN my
native country, intended when
married, to return there and make 1t my
home.
One summer, after recovering from an
attack of illness, happened 10y chance,
in travelling about to restore my health,
to stop at sea-bathing place, unfre-
ouented by the fashionable world.
1t was so unlike any other watering
place had ever visited, that | resolved
to remain there until became tired of
it, as had been of everything else.
At this retired place I met Fanny
Fairclough. Her parents had gone
there, like myself, for the benefit OF
their health rather than tor amuse-
menr.
soon discovered that Mr.. Fair
clough and my father had been college
chums.
From my first interview with Fanny
Fairclough felt interested i'll her, and
an intimate Acquaintance increased that
interest,
Soon loved her as I had never loved
woman; read with her her favorite au-
thors and mine; 1 walked and rode, and
sung and talked, with her, and at last
told her that loved her.
She returned my passion, and the
wedding day was to be within year.
The year passed away more rapidly
than l had anticipated. Oh, what q
happy year that was! Even now, friend
less and alone, a sorrow-stricken old
man on the verge of the grave, L look
back upon that period as the sunny
time of my existence.
Daily my betrothed grew nearer and
aearer to me, When nay wedding day
arrived l would have made it the occa-
sion of grand festival. / wished the
world to witness my proud JOY; but my
bride looked on marriage as too solemn,
too serious thing for mlrth.
At length, however, the bridal parties
we're over, and in the quietude OF our
home our characters began gradually to
unfold themselves to each others
view.
I found that / was not mistaken in
my estimate of my wife's love.
My moon of perfect love was at its
full. All was JOY; all was brightness;
but the shadow descended on my
hearth.
I brought it there, 1 fed it, nursed
it, until the light of JOY was extinguish-
ed, and the sun of happiness had depart
ed forever.
My temper was naturally violent, and
I was obstinate, was selfish.
Previous to my marriage. circum :
stances kept this infrmlty of disposition
in check, and for some months after, L
controlled it.
But ere long there was change.
| Before the second year of my married
life had passed away had become that
worst of all oppressols-a household
tyrant.
At any annoyance, no matter how
sight-if my meals were not ready at
the appointed hours, III paper or book
we're mislaid, I would give way to ex
pressions of anger, of which afterwards,
really felt ashamed, knowing how un-
worthy they were of man; ana yet,
thea again. L repeated them, and more
violently than before.
Ny wife bore this with patience, but
her indulgence chafed me, and 1 some
times uttered taunts which no human
being could suffer in silence.
Then came reply, and when this re-
ply did come. sad scenes occurred. L
would work myself into an insane pas
sion. and utter words which in my cool
er moments I shuddered at; and which
invariably drove her weeping from the
room. And yet soon after she would
come, and beg to be forgiven for the
very words which I had forced her to
utter.
The emon within me rejoiced to see
her pride thus humbled before mine, for
never no matter how much in fault, did
I seek reconciliation.
My temper became more and more
violent, apd at length, in one of our fir
quent quarrels, I proposed a separa
ton.
Had serpent stung her she would
not have gazed on it as she did on me
"When you please" she finally re-
piled, and left the room.
I stood aghast at what I had done.
had proposed a separation, and she had
consented. I had said that on tina
very day I would commence arrange
ments for the purpose, and could