Newspaper of Burlington Free Press, August 10, 1838, Page 1

Newspaper of Burlington Free Press dated August 10, 1838 Page 1
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NOT THE GLORY OF C JE S A U II U T T II E W E L F A RE OF ROME. BY II. B. STACY. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 1838. VOff XII Wo. 581 From ike Soiuliorn Literary Messenger. LOSING A ND WINNING. By the Author of The Game of CAcu,' c Sen sioiiuy,' ffc, CONCLUDED, In llio evening, when Mr Westbury enmc in, ho r. 1 : I.... ! .!!... t..l,l .Inivll licr hook, and resumed her woik. Sho thought it ijHiiu us iiupoiiio io pumiu Miu Eoimuy in.-iiiw . reading while her husband was sitting by, as have done bo with nny oilier companion 5 and she knew no reason why lie was not as much entitled to civility ns a stranger, or common acquaintance, it was not long before Mr Wcstbury inquired ' what book had engaged her attention.' It was I)r Uus jell's Palestine. ' It is a delightful woik,' said Julia. 1 1 have just read an extract fioin Chateaubriand, that I lliink one of tho most elegant passages I ever met Willi.' 'I thniild like to hear it,' said Mr Wcstbury. Julia opened her hook, and the passage lost none of hs beauty by her reading. She read the following : Wlmu you iruM.1 ! Jiulea the hrart if at first Tilled with profound melancholy. But when, pass iing from solitude to solitude, boundless space opens .before you, this feeling wears off by degrees, nnd iyon experience n secret awe, which so far from depitssing tho soul, imparts life, and elevates the 'genius. Extraordiaaiy appearances everywhere proclaim a land teeming with miracles. Tho burn ing fun, the towering eagle, the barren fig tree, all the poetry, all the pictures of Scriptuic, arc here. , Every name commemorates a mystery, every grotto announce n prediction, every hill reechoes the ncceuts of a prophet. God himself has Epoken in these regions, dried up rivers, rent the rocks, nnd opened the grave. The desert still appears mule with terror and vou would imaaine that it had nev. cr presumed to interrupt tho silence, since it hoard the awful voice of the Eternal.' Julia closed the volume, and Mr Weslburv, after beslowinz just nraise on the extract she had lead,' took up the work, and proposed to read to her if she would like it. sue tunnkeu him, anil nii.liour, was very pleasantly spent in this manner. A little time tvai occupied in remaiking on uhat lind'luen read, when, after a short silence, Air Wcstbury inquired of Julia, whether she saw much of Airs Cunningham ?' 'Not a great deal,' was Julia's answer. 'She was here ihis morning 1' said Air Wcstbury. 'Sho was,' replied Julia. Do you intend to be intimate with her 1' inquir ed Mr Weslbary. 'I have no intention about it,' said Julia but presume I never shall, as I fear our views and tastes will prove vciy discordant.' 'I am happy to hear you say so,' said Mr West ffttny. ' I am not prepossessed in her favor, and greatly doubt whether an intimacy with her would be salutary. Such a person as I conceive her to be should be nothing marc than on acquaintance.' Nothing mora wa3 added on the subject, and Ju lia wondered, though she did not ask, what had given her husband so unfavorable an impression of Airs Cunningham's character. The trulh was.be ovciheard the' conversation of the morning, which lie would have frankly confessed to his wife, but for n kind of delicacy to her leelinjs, as lie had heard liericmarks us well as those of Mrs Cunningham, lie knew that it was not quite honorable to listen to a conversation, without tho knowledge of the (K.rtlca i Imt Ji rnjild nnt-c'o1" 1,10 lilry door without lielravine his proximity ; ho wished nut to Ece Mrs Cunningham ; he llieicforc remained quiet, nnd heard their whole collonuv. A few day3 after this circumstance occurred, nn invitation to another parly was received. Mr Wcstbury looked at the card first, and handing it to Julia, said : 1 would have, you act jour pleasure with regard to accepting this invitation.' 'It will be my pleasure,' said Julia, hesitating and coloring a little 'it will be my pleasure to consult yours.' I haye little choice about it,' said Air Wtbury; and if you prefer declining to accept it, I would have you do so.' 'Shall you attend ill' asked Julia, while a shade of anxiety passed over her features. y, 'Certainly not unless you do,' Air Westlbry re plied. Then,' said Julia, 'if it be quito as agreeable to you, I had a thousand times rather tmeud it at home, alone with,' she checked herself, covered with crimson, and left the sentence unfinithed. The morning after the levee, Airs Westbury was favored with another call from Airs Cunningham. Why, on earth, were you not at Airs U 's last ni"lu ' asked she, almost as soon ns she enter ed the house, 'You can imagine nothing more splendid and delightful than every thing was, You were there then V said Julia. Yes, certainly though I went quiie late. Ed ward was sick of a violent head ache, and 1 was obliged to see him safely in bed before I could go ; but nothing would have tempted nie to miss it.' How is Air Cunningham this morning V Julia inquired, '.Much belter though rather languid, as is usual nftcr such an attack. But 1 came iii on an crr.ind this morning, and must despatch business, ns I am eomewliat in haste. Airs 1' is to give a splen did parly next week ; by the way, have you receiv ed a card yet V I have not,' said Julia. Neither have I but we both shall. I want to prepare a dress for the occasion, and came in to Iook at one you wore to Mrs ranter s, as i unnii oi having something like it.' ilfrs Westbury was about to ring the bell, and have tho drcso WugLt for her visiter's inspection, but Mrs Cunningham stopt her by saying, No. no do net send for it. Let me no with you to your wardrobe I may see something clso that I like.' ilrs Wcstbury complied, and they went up stairs together, Mrs Cunningham was delightfully free in examinirm the articles exposed to her view, and expressed such warm admiration of many of them, Fitch an ardent desire to possess the like, that it was iiVn nrnlv havo cvcrvlliinir necessary to comfort, my dear Lucy,' said Mr Cu nningliam. 'Out happiness docs not depend on tho splen dor of our furniture, but on our u flection for each other. You would bo no dcaror to my hrart. in tho naranlicmalia of a duchess, dia monds and all, than you nro in ;your simple morning dress; and I liopo you do not lovo mollto less, for not lioinfr ablo to furnish my houso in llio stylo of Mr Wcstbury V O. no of courso not,' said Mrs Cunning ham, in a tone utterly dovold of all tenderness or feeling i 'but then I should not lovo you tho less for having boiultlul tilings, 1 suppose. And, really, Edward, I think ono of tho best ways in which a husband can show his lovo to his wife, is by gratifying her in dross, furnituro, company, and so-forth. Talking about lovo it don't amount to much after all! 'Ho must ruin himself, then, to show his lovo.' said Mr Cunningham, throwing his head back on tho easy-chair, with a mingled cxprcs. sion of mental and bodily pain on his features. Mrs Cunningham, however, did not looitup to mark tho oxprosslon of his countenance, but half-muttered in reply to his remark 'I novor know a man, who was too stingy to dross his wifo decently, fail to excuse himself on tho ground ofneccssity. How 1 do detest to hoar a man talk of ruin, if his wifo only asks for a now pair of shoos !' Mr Cunningham was too deeply wounded to attempt a reply and Mrs Cunningham, hayiug vented something of licr discontent in this gentle ebullition, flirted out of the chambcr,wilhout even casting a glanco toward her sick, and now afflicted husband. rather difficult to forbear telling her they were nt lierscrvice. The blonde mantle,wiih a blue border, struck her fancy particularly, and Mrs Wcstbury lipfcml her in accent it, savins that 'she should probably never wear it again, as the color was not u favorito with her husband.' Me r.,,:,,l, m hastened home, delighted with licr acquisition" and immediately hastened to tho chamber, to which her husband was still confined by indisnnshlnn. In disnlav to him her prize. 'See what u beautiful little affair that dear Mrs Westbury hns given me,' she cried; IIow luckv for mo ihai MrWrmburv don't liko blue, else I tho'ild not havo got it : I suppose, though, she cou,d gparo ihis, and fifty other things, as well ns not, Why Edward, you don't know what n de lightful wardrobe bIib has I Really, you must in. dilge me a little more in this way, 1 believe.' I nin sure no ono looks better dressed than your self, Lucy,' said Mr Cunningham, in a languid voice. Oh, I try to make tho most of every thing I have,' said Mrs Cunningham ; 'but really, Edward, k, Mrs rPcstbury has twice us much ofnll eorts of op parel as I have,' And her husband has mora than four times ns bam pr0p"y 08 1 l,ave'' anwe.rcd Mr Cunning , 'Supposing ho has,' said his wifo.ilhat need mako nn difference in the articlo of dress. And then nor houso isnrhfirn,ini.,r.,rnici,nd Vy f" of,il I I was in hor chamber, just ..-,, .. :Yigunuy. uvory Hung in it is of tho richest and most boautiful kind. I dcclaro I almost envied her so many luxuries.' In due time Mrs T 's invitation wns received, nnd this it was Mr Wcstbury's wish that. Julia should accept. Without manifesting t he least reluctance she con sented, and Mr Wcstbury went so far as to thank her lor her cheerful compliance with his wishes. This was a very slight courtesy, but there was something in Mr Wcstbury u voice when he spoke, mat went straight to Julia's heart, and sho left the room to conceal the strong emotion excited by so very trivial a cause. 'She certainly strives to please me, be the motive what it may, thought Mr West bury, when left alone; 'nnd though I can not lovo her, honor nay, gratitude de mands that I make her as happy as cir cumetances will allow.' He took a pen, and, hastily writing a few lines, enclosing a bank, note of consul erablo value, left the little packet on hor work-table, that she might sec it as soon ns she returned, lie then left the house. When Julia resumed her scat by her table, '.ho packet was tho first thing that attracted her notice. She hastily opened it, and read as follows : As Mrs Westbury is too delicate and reserved ever to make known a want, she ras'j' have menj' whJch arc iinthought of bv him who is bound to supply them. Will she receive the enclosed, not ns a gift, but as hor right f I'crhaps a new dress may be wanted for Mrs T 's levee: if not, tho enclosed can meet some of those calls on benevolence, to which report says Mrs Wcstbury's ear is over open. And if Mrs Westbury will so fnr overcome her timid delicacy, ns freely to make known her wants whenever they occur, sho will greatly oblige her husband.' Julia pondered long on this note. It was ceremonious and cold cold enough ! yet not so frozen as tho only letter sho had ever received from him. Perhaps it was his way of letting her know that ho wished her to dress more elegantly and expensive, ly. I will not remain in doubt I will know explicitly,' thought she; nnd taking a pen in her turn, she wrote the following: 'Mr Wcstbury is so munificent in supply, ing every want, that his wife ha3 nono to make known. If there is any particular dress that would gratify Mr Wcstbury's taste. Mrs Wcstbury would esteem it a great favor would ho name it, and it'would bo her delight to furnish hcrsell'nccordingly She accepts, with gratitude, not ns her right, but as a gift, the very liberal sum enclosed in Mr Wcstbury's note.' Julia placed her note on Mr Wcstbury's reading desk in the library, nnd felt an al most feverish impatience to have an answer, either verbal or written. For inoro than an entire day, however, she wns doomed to rcmaitrin suspense, as her husband made no allusion cither to Ins note or licr own, though the one she laid on his desk disap peared an his first visit to the library. But her suspense nt length terminated. On going to her chamber she observed a little box on her dressing table. On raising it, sho discovered a nolo that was placed bo ncalh it. Tho note ran thus: 'Mr Westbury highly nnnrovos tho ele gant simplicity of Mrs Wcstbury's stylo of dress, nnu in consulting her own tnstc, sho will Undoubtedly gratify him. Ho has yet but onco seen her wear nn unbecoming article. Tho contents of the accompany ing box were selected, not for their intrin sic valuo or splendor, but because thev correspond with Mrs Wcstbury's stylo of dress anu oi ooauiy. ii sno tviij wear them to Mrs T 'a, sho will gratify the giver.' Julia opened the box, and n sot of beau tiful pearls met her view. 'How delicate, how kind, and how cold ho is!' thought she 'U, how trilling tho value o theso gcm3, compared to one particle of his lovo! Yet lor lila sako I will wear them not ns my adorning mov that ever bo tho ornament of a meek and quiet spirit but as proof of my uestro in all things to pieaso mm, and mcui ins approbation Mrs T.'s rooms wore filled with the cle. gant nnd fashionable on tho evening on which her houso was open to rcccivo com pany. But the heart of Julia was not in such scenes. I he more sho saw of fash ionablc life the less ehu liked it. Emulation, envy, detraction, and dissimulation woro obtruding themselves on her notice, amid gaiety anu spicnuor. iter conscientious scruples as to tho propriety of thus mixing with tho world increased rather than di minished. 'I promised,' thought sho, whilo ehrkwas surveying tho nay assembly 'I promised, in nil things lawful to obey my husband but is this lawful forme? It is my duty it is my pleasure to comply wi h ali his wishes whore superior duties do not fordid : hut is it nllownblc for mo to please him thus? His heart is the prizp nt which I aim, 'but will tho end sanctify tho means ?' Can I expect a blessing from above on my efforts, whilo my conscience is not quite clear as to tho rectitude of the path I pur sue? Can I not have moral courage enough to tell him my scruples ?' and tlnrc I not hazard the consequence?' Julia's reflections woro interrupted by tho approach of Mrs Cunningham. 'How serious yon look, Mrs Westbury,' said she. 'Really, you and Mr Cunning ham would do well to go together, for you are both more grave in a party than tiny where else. Mr Cunningham actually tries my pntienco by hit disrelish for society. 1 do believe ho is now quito well, yet ho mado indisposition an excuse for tint coming with mo to-night. 'But,' said she lowering her voice to a whisper, 'I shall show him that I can be obstinato as well ns he! He chooses to slay at home I choose to come out nnd if he will not come with me, neither will I stay with him. I should rather live in n cottage in the country, and have done with it; but to live in tho midst of elegant society, nnd yet bo constrained to immure one s self, is intolerable, and 1 will not submit to it !' MrB Wcstbury had not the pain of reply ing to a speech from which both her heart and her judgment revolted, as Mr lSvolelh at that moment addrecssed hor. lie soon engaged her in a conversation which was cuntinucd for nu hour, and would have been cuntinued still longer, but for a general movement of the compeny, which separated them. Not long niter, Mr Hvcleth found himself near Miss Eldon, who was chatting with two or three gentlemen. Mr Wcst bury was standing hard by. but his hack was towards them, and Mr Eveleth did not observe him. 'Arc you acquainted with Mrs Westbury, Miss Eldon?' Mr Evcleth inquired, 'No, not in the least,' said Mies Eldon, 'nnd do not wish to be. Sho looks alto gether too lade for mo.' 'Fado !' said Mr Evcleth 'I should think that the last word that would apply to Mrs Westbury in any way. Sho is cer tainly animated both in countenance and manner, and sho talks bettor than any Inuy 1 ever conversed with. Her thought? have something of masculine strength and range delightfully modified by feminine grace nnd delicacy. Her manner is perfectly ladylike and gentle.' 'Every thing sho says must sound well, remarked another gentleman. 'She has a woman's most potent charm in perfection a voice whoso tones nro nil tntieic' 'Perhaps it is all just as you 6ny, said Miss Eldon, 'but reully, I never saw a lady that appeared to me moro insipid or less nt tractive. I hope' but tho tone of Miss Eldon's voico contradicted her words, 'I hope her husbend sees her with your eyes, rather than mine.' 'I do! I will! ! thought Mr Wcstbury who hud heard all, with a variety of con flicting emotions. 'Fade !' reiterated ho, ns Miss Eldon uttered the word, "Tis false!' He glanced his eyes towards Julia, who stood on the opposite sido of the room talk ing with a lady. She was dressed in black, a color that finely contrasted with her pcnrls, which proved to bo very becoming. Her choek was a little flushed, nnd her whole face beaming with nnimntion. 'Fnde! 'tis falfc!' Mr Wcstbury's pride was piqued. Julia was Mrs Wcstbury his wife! could he patiently hear her thus unjustly spoken of? Wns there nny thine noble in that mind that could thus speak of a rival." ilow grateful to his .feelings were the remarks of Mr Evcleth ! How dearly he read the feelings of Miss Eldon in tho tone of voice in which she uttered her last remark ! IIo wnited to hear no more but moving towards a table that was spread with refreshments, filled a pinto and carried them to Julia. It was the first at tention of the kind ho had ever paid her, and her face wns eloquent indeed, ns sho loolicu up with a smile, and said, 'thank you.' Ho stood by her for a few minutes, made somo common place remarks, even took n gmpo or two from her plate, nnd men turneu nwny. it wns ono ot tho Imp. piest moments of Julia's life thero was something indescribable in his manner, that a delicate and feeling woman could alone havo seen or appreciated, of which Julia felt tho lull force. ( When the party broko up Miss Eldon contrived again to secure Mr Wcstbury's arm. She saw thru ho nurnosclv avoided her, whether from now inborn indifiorcnco or principle, sho could not dotcrmine, but having boasted to quite a number of her contiuentiai iricnus ot ins passion for herself nnd tho reluctance with which ho had com plied with his father's command to marrv Julin, who had mado the most indelicat'o advances, sho resolved, if art or mnnmuvcr- ing could accomplish it, to maintain the appearance of power over him. From the first sho exulted in her conquest ovor Mr Westbury'8 heart, Sho admired his per son, his fortune sho loved ; and bitter was her mortification, unbounded her displea sure, when his hand was bestowed on an other. To make it appear that ho still loved her j to wring tho heart ol his wife nnd detract from her charactor woro now tho main springs of hor notions whonevor sho mot them. Tho siffht of Julia's ncnrls. which sho thought should hnvo been hor own, awakened on this evening, peculiarly umur icoiiugs. Tim Dontj, mo heart oven of Mr Westbury wcro trifles when com pared with such beautiful ornaments, ex copt as they wcro the medium througl which tho latter woro to bo obtained. A ton minutca convolution with hor ctdovnnt lover was all her nit could nc complieh during tho evening nt Mrs T's un I til sho secured his arm on going out. In tho entry they wcro detained by tho crowd nt tho door, nnd looking round, the v saw Mrs Westbury, together with Mr nnd Mrs Evolclh. examining n bust of Gen. Lafny nltc, which stood on a pedestal, near the foot of the stair case. With a smile on her beautiful features, which very slightly soft ened n compound expression of scorn and malignity, Iii?s Rldon said, 'Really Als Westbury has made a con. quest. Mr ftvclcth is do'votcd in his alien tions, and enthusiastic in his encomiums ! Do you not begin to bo jealous ?' 'Not in llio least,' Mr Wcstbury replied. 'The attentions nnd approbations of such n man ns Mr Evcleth arc an honor to nny lady; nnd Mr3 Wcstbury's rigid senso of virtue nnd propriety will "prevent her ercr receiving improper attentions, should nny ono bo disposed to offer them. She tins too much delicacy and refinement to court the attentions even of her own husband, much lesi tliosf? of the hubund of n.iotliur !' Mies E. wns stung with mortification, and dropping her bend, that her face might he concealed by hor hood, she said in a voice tremulous with conflicting passions ' How little did I ever expect to hear Frederick Wcstbury speak to mo in a se vere tone !' 'Severe! Maria Miss Eldon? Docs common justice to Mrs Westbury sound harshly in your car ?' ' Certainly not but your tone your manner, arc not what they were, and I hoped that no ciromstanccs, no nev en gagements, would prevent your retaining a kindly feeling towards one whom ' She hesitated. 'One whom you once loved,' said Mr Westbury finishing the sentence for her. Yes you well know that I once loved yoi:.' 'Once?' interrupted Miss Eldon. 'But this is man's fidelity !' 'Miss E.,you astonish mc,' said Mr West burv, 'I am married; my wife commands my respect nay my admiration; and duty honor, everything commands that all for mcr ties, however tender, should bo broken. Our happiness, tur respectability deinunds that henceforth wo be only common ac quaintance.' 'Be if so, faroivcll' said Rli.s Eldon with her irrepressible bitterness of expression and snatching lcr hand from beneath Ins arm, she sprang forward and took that of her brother, wh) had just issued from the parlor. 'Is Hint, can lhat, bo Marin Eldon?' tho't Mr Westbury; 'tho nrninblj, tho feeling, the refined Marii! Where has my love. my admiration, my passion for her gone? or rather, by what blindness worn they at first excited? Docs she wish to retain nay, docs she claim tho heart of the hus band of another? What perversion of principle is lioie! The crowd at the door wub by this time nearly dispersed, and Mr Wcstbury, nd ancing to the trio that still remained near the bust, drew his wife's arm within his. and bidding Mr .and Mrs Evelclh 'good night,' led her to'ihcir carriage. 'How havo you enjoyed yourself this evening f Jllr WestOury inquired as soon as the carriage door was closed, and tho coachman had mounted his box. Quite as well as I do scenes of similar character,' Julia answered. 'Do you not then relish society?" 'Not very well, in such largo masses,' said Julia, 'To my opprcheneion, very large parties counteract the purposes for which social feelings were implanted with in us.' Then you disapprove, ns well ns disrol ish them ?' said Mr Westbury. I fenr I hey are not quite innocent,' said Julia. 'So far as my observation has ex tended they have little tendency to in crease benevolence, or nny of the finer feelings of the heart. I havo often feared that vanity and thirst for admiration wore tho causes that draw together one half of the crowd, and n vulgar lovo of luxuries the other. 'Those causes surely do not influence nil those who attend largo assemblies,' said Mr Woslbury. 'Such persons as Mr and Mrs Evcleth, for instance aro entirely abovo them.' 'Undoubtedly,' said Julia. 'Still I bo licvo the rule as general as any other.' Does not tho elegant and instructive conversrtion of such a man ns Mr Evcleth reconcile you to the crowd." Mr Westbury inquired Ocrlainly not,' said Julia. 'How much moro highly such conversation would bo enjoyed how much grentcr benefit derived from it, in n small circle. Artificial deli cacy and refinement artificial feeling- artificial good nature artificial friendship aro tho usual compound that mnko Inrgo companies. Had Mr and Mrs Evcleth spent this evening with us in our quiet parlor, how much greater would havo boon the enjoyment! how much moro profitably tho tunc might hnvo been occupied.' It might, 6nid Mr Wcstbury. 'Mr Evcleth tins great colloquial powers. Hi conversation is at onco brilliant and in structivo. I know no gentleman who equals him in tins particular. I cannot sny quite so much ns that, said Julia, 'though ho certainly converses uncommonly well. 'Who enn you namo that is his equal? asked Mr Wcstbury. Julia hesitated a littlo nnd blushed grcnt dcnl, though her blushes wcro unscon as sho snul 'In conversational powors, I think my present companion is very rarely, it evor cxcollcd. And why,' sho added, 'such gontlomen 6hould minglo in crowds, whero their talents aro in a grcnt measure lost instcud of meeting in select circlet?, whero thoy could find congonial minds, at least in some tlegrco capable of appreciating them. I cannot, indeed, conceive. But I supposo my ideas of rational enjoyment, of iilnnillll Enpinlll ntn ..., oilifTllltir' S!lin stopped short, fearing sho was saying loo proceed. After a minute's hesitation, she said: 'I lliink tho crowded drawing-room should ho abandoned to those who ore cnpnblo of no higher enjoyment than gossip, nonsense, flirln'inn, nnd eating oysters, confections nnd crenms; and that people of talent, nnd education, principle, nnd refine ment, should associate freely in small circles, nnd with little ceremony. In such kind of intercourse, now friendships would be formed, nnd old ones cemented the mind nnd heart would be imnroved. and envy nnd detraction excluded. After an evening spent in such n circle, the monitor within would bo nt peace, nnd the blessing and protection of Ilnnvcn could be sought, wimout a feeling of shame and self-con-damnation.' 'Then your conscience is really nt war with Inrgo parties?' said Mr Wcstbury. 'I cannot deny that it is,' Julia, nnswered. 'Impelled by circumstances, 1 have striven to think they might sometimes bo inno cently attended, nnd perhaps they may ; but I confess that the reproaches of mv own conscience are moro and more severe, every time I repeat the indulgence Whatever they be to others I am con. strained to believe they arc not innocent for me.' Mr Wcstbury made no reply, for at that moment the carriage stopped at their own door, and the subject was not again resumed. Every party was sure to procure for Mrs Westbury tho favor of a call from Mrs Cunningham. On the following morning at as early an hour ns etiquette would allow, she made her appearance. I could not stay away ihi3 morning, sue sain, tno moment sue entered, 'l am so vexed, and so hurt, that I must have the sympathy of some friendly heart: and vou are a friend to every one, especially when in trouble.' 'What troubles you, Mrs Cunningham?' Mrs Westbury inquired. 'You recollect, ' said Mrs Cunningham, 'what I said to you about Mr Cunningham's indisposition. Well, as sooi: as I got home, I ran up stairs of course, you know to hco how he was. expecting to find him abed and asleep. Judge how I felt, when I found my bed ns I left it, nnd no husband in the chamber. I flew down stnirs,nnd search ed every room for him, but in vain. I then rang for Peggy, and asked if she knew where Mr Cunningham was.' 'La, ma'am,' said she, 'I'm sure I don't know. He went out just after you did. Ho called me to give charge about the fires, nnd said he was going out. I thought he had altered his mind, and was point? to Mrs T's.' I dismissed tho girl, and went to my cham ber in agony, ns you may stinimsc. I de clare I hard tv know what I did or thought fur tin co loo hoiUfc for it was to long before Mr Cunningham came home! I don't know what I said to him when he came, but ho was not the kind, affectionate creature, that ho had ever been for he almost harshly told me to 'cense my upbraid- tugs' npbraidings! tiling what a word 'for if I sought pleasure where I liked I must not quarrel with him for doing the same!' My dear Mrs Westbury, I could not. make him tell mc where he had been, do all I could and I have horrible surmises. What shall I do? I am sick at heart mid almost dis. trnctod.' Will you follow my advice, my denr Mrs Cunningham ?' said Mrs Westbury, who truly pitied her distress, much as she blamed her. 'O, yes I will do anything to foci Imp- pior than 1 now do. Really, mv heart is broken' and sho buret into a passion of tears. Mrs Wcstbury attempted to euolhc her, and then said Forgive me if I wound, when 1 would only heal. You have been a littlo impru dent, nnd must retrace your steps by con forming to llio taste of your husband. He docs not like crowds and you must in part relinquish tnem lor Ins sake.' And is not that hard?' said Mrs Cun ningham. 'Why should he not conform to my taste, ns well as 1 to his?' Why mun men nlwnys have their way ." ' Hint point is not worth while to discuss. said Mrs Wcstbury. 'Your happiness, my friend, is at stake. Can you hesitate nu instant which to relinquish, those plea sures which, after all, ore so unsatisfying or tho approbation, tho happiness, per haps, tho heart, even, of your husband." 'lint why,' persisted Mrs Cunningham, need he bo so obstinate? You 6eo he could go out and stny till two in the mor ning ! It seems ns it lie did it on purpose to torment mc,' and she again burst into tears. 'I hnvo not tho least doubt,' snid Mrs Wcstbury, 'that would you yield to Mr Cunningham's wishes, you would let him sjee that you care more about pleasing him than yourself, ho would chcorfully, nnd frequently perhaps, accommodate himsolf to your taste. Few men will boar being driven, and they would ho objects of our contempt if they would, for authority is divinely delegated to them; but there are few who hnvo not generosity enough to Inkn pleasure in gratifying tho wifo who evidently strives to meet his wishes, and is willing to saenfico her own pleasure, that sho may prumoto his happiness.' But I can't sec,' snid Mrs Cunningham. 'why my happiness is not of as much con sequence as my husband's; 1 can't seo why all tho sacrifice should bo on my side.' 'Do you not perceive,' eaid Mrs West bury, 'that tho sacrifices ynn mako, are mado to sccuro your hoppiuees and not to destroy it ? 'I don't know, said Mrs Cunningham 'I can't bear to hnvo Ned think to manage mo as ho would a little child, and Ihcn punish mc, ns ho did last night, if I don't do just as ho says. 1 don't think it fair. And 1 don't know as it would bo of any avail, should 1 follow your advicu. Sonic men will bu ugly, do what you will ! nnu You nro two or much, but Mr Westbury requested her to' why should you understand nmnnging the men better than I do ? three venrs younger ?' '1 nnvcr studiril how to mnnngo them, said Mrs Westbury; 'hut I have thought a good deal on tho bst way of securing domestic hnppiness ; and reason, observa tion, and the word of God leach trie, that would the wifo be happy nnd beloved, sho must be in subjection to her own husband. lie may not always be rcnsonahlo, but sno cannot 'usurp authority,' without at onco warring against Uonvcn, nnd her own peace, nnd respcctnbility. Think of it my dear Mrs Cunningham; ruminate upon it, ami in your decision bo cnrcfnl not lo let will influence ynn to sacrifice n greater ood for a less. It is not degrading for a wifo to submit to her husband. On tho contrary, she never appears more lovely than when cheerfully and gracefully yield.. un hor own wbhc. tint chr may com ply with his. Women wore not mado to rule ; nnd in my view, the wifo who attempts to govern, and the husband who submits to bo governed, aro equally con-, tempiiblc.' 'Wlint an admirable wifo vou would bo for a tyrant !' exclaimed Mrs Cunningham. 1 never heard the doctrine of tnsstvo obedience more strenuously inculcated. Indeed, you would make a tyrant of any man !' 'If nny thing would disarm tho Tyrant,' said Mrs Westbury, 'I think this passive obedience would do it, if at the snrno tune, it wcro a cheerful obedience. But happily you have no tyrant to disarm. Your hus band, I am salficd, would bo easily pleased. Try, my friend, for a little while, to yield to him, and see if you do not meet a rich reward.' Well, I will think of it,' said Mrg Cun ningham, 'and perhaps shall do 03 you advise; for rcnlly I am wretched now. Oh dear, I do wish the men were not so obstinate! so overbearing ! so selfish! For somo time things went on very calmly with Julia. Though thero was nothing tender, or even affectionate in thu manner of her husband, there was a grad ual alteration, sufficient to keep hope alive, and stimulate her lo exertion. He spent more and more of his leisure time at homo, and was at. least becoming reconciled to her society. Julia's system of visiting had been partially adopted, and Mr Westbury enjoyed it highly. Mr nnd Mrs Evcleth, nnd a few otiier friends of congenial minds, had been invited to drop in occasionally without ceremony; the invitation had been complied with, and Mr Wcstbury and Julia had returned a fow visits of this kind. Thus many evenings had been pleasantly, and profitably spent. Another great eum-j furl to Julia, wns, that her husband had cheerfully permitted her to decline several ir. '.'tintL-jr;:- o at'ppd Inrgt pir.tics. and hod sometimes remained at home with her himself, nnd even when he had thought best, on his own part, to ncccjit the invita tion, ho hnd been absent but a short time, and hatl then returned to pass the remain der of the evening with his wife. But after awhile, this faint gleam of sunshine began to fade nway. A cloud of care seemed settling on Mr Wcstbury's brow, ho passed less nnd loss time at homo, till at length Julia t-circcly saw him, except at meal -times. 'What is the mat ter?' thought Julia. 'Am I the cause? is it Miss Eldon ? or is it some perplexity in his affairs." She longed to inquire. If ' bho had displeased him, elic wished to cor rect whatever had given displeasure. It his sadness was in ony way connected with Miss Eldon, of course she could in no way interfere; but it it originated in nny causo foreign to either, she ardently desired to offer her sympathy, and share his sorrows. Day nftcr day passed, without producing any favorable change, and Julia'a feelings worn wrought up to agony. She resolved, at all hazuds, to inquire into the causo of his depression. He cume in late one evening, nnd taking a scat near the table, beside which Julia irai silling, leaned his head on his hand. Half an hour passed without a word being uttered. 'Now is my tune,' thought Julia, i'et how can I do it ? What can 1 say ? A favored wife would seat herself on his knee, entwine his neck with her arms, nnd penetrate his very heart but I, alas, should only disgust by such freedom ?' She drew a sigh, and summoning all her courage, snid, in a timid voice 'I fear I havo unwittingly offended you? Mr Westbury looked up in surprise, and assured her Uhat she had not.' 'You have absented your.sclf from homo so much of late,' said Julia, that I feared your own fireside was becoming less agree able lo you than ever.' 'Business of importance,' said Mr Wcst bury, 'has of late demanded all my timo, nnd to. morrow I must start for Now York.' 'For New York!' said Julia. 'To be absent how long." That.' said Mr Westbury. 'must depend on circumstances. 1 may bo absent some time.' 'May I not hope to hear from you occa. sinnally ?' Julia nsstimcd eourago to usk. 'Yes 1 will ccrtahjly write from time to time.' 'Ho does not nsk 1110 to write,' thought Julin, with a sigh. Ho is quite indifi'uiout how sho lares whom ho calls Iib wife !' Tho following morning witnessed tho doparturo of Mr Wcstbury, and Julin wns loft to painful conjectnro ns to the causo of Ins dejection. Tliroo weeks passed nwny, 111 each of which sho received n letter from him, comporting exactly with his, manner toward her friendly nnd respectful, but neither tender nor confiding. At the close of that period Julia wns.ouo day nlttrnicd by the unceremonious entrance of u sheriff's o'fllcer. Uu was thu bourer of a writ of attachment, with order to ecizo all tho furniture. , , 'At whoso Ktiit do you come?' Julia asked thu ollicor. Sec Fourth Paqe

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