Year: 1860

ever, he was in truth wretched And he thought : that Helen must be wretched too for although ; she uttered no word of complaint-expresset neither regret nor sorrow, he knew that it mus have been a stunning blow, which could hay, produced so perfect transformation.

 But was Helens happiness destroyed? Il were as rational to ask whether the earth would be light and cheerful, if the sun were plotted from the heavens Love is the sun of the mora universe; it is the sun of every society and witt concentrated beams it is the sun of domestic life Without it all is dark and cold, and cheer less. Intellect may flash, and blaze, and dazzle but Ii the heart remain unmoved, it is like the Aurora Boreals of the frigid zone Illuminating desolation only. Helen's heart so far as her bus band was concerned, was left blank. Frequent y, and with all her power, did she strive to recall

 her former feelings toward him. She knew il was her duty to love him her conscience con. demned her for her apathy again and again would she enumerate the excellencies of his character, and call back the tenderness of for mer years--but her efforts were as useless as ii she had striven to soften adamant. The words he Is selfish, arbitrary, and implacable, seemed stereotyped on her very soul. and were first and last to present themselves, whenever she thought on the subject.

 In proportion as Helen's affections ceased to dictate her actions toward Mr. Howard, was her mind active in studying duty. She was too well principled; had too much selfrespect-and too great regard to the propreties of life, to do aught unbecoming her relative position or to leave undone that which could reasonably be de- handed of her. Her husbands welfare and re- spectability, she endeavered to promote to the utmost of her power and his happiness, so far as it could be done with her present feelings but this could not be done by expressing tenderness and affection which she did not feel it was con- tracy to her very nature.

 Helen had no c0n55l{1nte. Could she not dis close her heart to him to whom she was bound by the dearest of all ties, she would disclose it to none other. Perhaps had her mother been living, the maternal bosom might have been the receptacle of her trials but as death had re- moved this sympathizing friend no other should be substitute Not even before her two old est chlltren did she ever utter word that would betray her secret uneasiness but bitter were the complaints that she murmured in the unheed- ing ear Of her youngest boy, as she pressed him to her heart and scaIding were the tears she shed upon his head, called forth by her blasted hopes Except for her childrens sake, life had no charms for her. To a benumed heart, what can be either attractive or interesting yet Helen dearly loved her children and on their ac- count life was valuable. The human heart that has anything to love, and that is loved in return, cannot be utterly and remedilessly desolate and wrctched.

 Had Mir. Howard been what he had now be- come, one short year before, he had been among the happiest of husbands, and Helen the most beloved of wives. Never, since the first week of their union, had he been so attentive-so studi- ous to please her; and never, at any period so ingenious in deFisng means to touch her heart, not even in the days of his youth. His fault lihaihg, too, was nearly or quite gone, for when With Helen he vas too much engrossei by other cares, to allow of his noticing things of trifing moment. But, al:is for hmseli-aso for her too, the changes came too late {. it was like par don after execution"

 1 Had Eielen's department been different from what 1t was, her husbands heart might not have been a!ienated from her. Formerly he had looked upou her as a child that needed a guide, Eiaster-a lovely, endearing chd it is true but child still. He now saw her high-souled efficient woman, equal to the discharge of the dat;es of her station, without the support of any one; and, that which was far higher proof of ovation and strength of character-equal to bearing her own sorrows without the aid of sym pathy. in truth: the healt of his wife had never before appeared to him so great treasure, a thing of such nestimable value, now that he had lost 1t, never before had he been so much in i love!

 Meantime, Mr. and Mrs. Howard were the envy or the admiration of the little world in which they moved. They were pointed at as the best matched ar that could be found l. every way suited to improve, and make each otll- CT happy Even Mr. Atwood, high as his ex- pectations lad been raised was astonished at the dignity and strength of character his daugh- ter had acquired under Mr. Towards influence j; and equally so at the softening effect of Helen's influence over him. He often sighed with re- eret, that his wife could not have lived to see the happy couple, that they now were How deusive are appearances!

 It was many months after the wreck of his do- nestle happiness, that Mr. Howard was nomina- ted for Member of Congress. He asked Hell cns opinion on the subject, and it met her warm appreciation.

 sense Of the term,'' said she,-" and should you be elected, you may do your country much good. 1 know that you are above being influenced by narrow and selfish party views, and your princi- pies and talents must command respect, and ex- ert bentical influence. I hope you will prove the successful candidate'

 Fia5teFng as this answer was to Mr. Towards vanity as man, it wrung his heart as husband. Some two or three years before, his name had been mentioned as candidate for the State Legislature, and it filled Helen with alarm She entreated him not to engage in public business

 Only think" said she, as she seated herself on his knee,-" only think how many long weeks you may be from home! How could 1 live so long without seeing you ?-and so many tedious miles between us! O. I should pine to a skele- ton in your absence!"

 Such had been rfeelings-but now though the distance between them must be doubled, and doubled again. should he be called to Washing ton and though his absence must be for months instead of weeks, the thought caused not the slightest agitation, gave rise to not even sigh

 In softened voice Mir. Howard said" but now my dear Helen, would you get along during my absence, should I be called away? Your cares must necessarily be greatly multiplied"

 "The same good providence" she replied, !" that has hitherto guarded me, will do so, 1 trus. to the end of my days, feel no apprehension.

 Mir. Towards disquietude was in exact pro, portion to Helens selfpossession; but ne could not endure to have it discovered, ana ne arose and left the room Probably the pride ot most men revolts from the expression of deep emotion, particularly when they are conscious that they have been in the wrong Much as Mir. Howard had done. this was the very thing he had left un- done. He could be very kind and attentive, but he could not stoop to say "I have been to blame; pray pardon me-"

 The election came on, and MT. Howard was the successful candidate. He could not but be gratifed by the honor thus conferred upon him yet the idea of leaving his wife, while her feel ings were in their present state, caused him un- alterable anxiety. He conjectured, too, that her health was less firm than formerly, though she