The southern literary messenger, Vol. II., No. 7, June, 1836 — John Shaqi
The southern literary messenger, Vol. II., No. 7, June, 1836Various
History
The southern literary messenger, Vol. II., No. 7, June, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
she raised her eyes to his face, and in an instant he forgot every
thing but herself. “Her happiness is sacrificed as well as my own,”
thought he; and leaning his head against the wall of the room, he gave
himself up, for the time, to love and melancholy. The song concluded,
however, he regained some control over his feelings, and still kept at
a distance from her; nay—conquered himself, so far as to repair to the
drawing-room, to escape from her dangerous vicinity. He saw her not
again until she was equipped for her departure. Then she contrived to
get near him, and threw so much sweetness and melancholy into her
voice, as she said “good night, Mr. Westbury,” that he was instantly
disarmed—and drawing her arm within his, conducted her from the room.
“How,” said he, in a low and tremulous tone, “how, Maria, could you
sing _that song_, to harrow up my feelings? Time was, when to be near
thee—to listen to thee, was my felicity; but now, duty forbids that I
indulge in the dangerous delight.”
Miss Eldon replied not—but raised her eyes to his face, while she
repressed a half-drawn sigh. Not another word was uttered until they
exchanged “adieus” at her carriage door.
* * * * *
Two or three weeks passed away without the occurrence of any incident
calculated to excite peculiar uneasiness in the heart of Julia. True,
her husband was still the cold, the ceremonious, and occasionally the
abrupt Mr. Westbury; he passed but little even of his leisure time at
home; and she had never met his eye when it expressed pleasure, or
even approbation. But he did not grow more cold—more ceremonious; the
time he passed at his own fireside, rather increased than
diminished—and for all this she was thankful. Her efforts to please
were unceasing. Her house was kept in perfect order, and every thing
was done in time, and well done. Good taste and good judgment were
displayed in every arrangement. Her table was always spread with great
care, and if her husband partook of any dish with peculiar relish, she
was careful to have it repeated, but at such intervals as to gratify
rather than cloy the appetite. In her dress she was peculiarly neat
and simple, carefully avoiding every article of apparel that was
tinctured with the “odious color.” She had naturally a fine mind,
which had had the advantage of high cultivation; and without being
obtrusive, or aiming at display, she strove to be entertaining and
companionable. Above all, she constantly endeavored to maintain a
placid, if not a cheerful brow, knowing that nothing is so repulsive
as a discontented, frowning face. She felt that nothing was
unimportant that might either please or displease her husband; his
heart was the prize she was endeavoring to win; and the happiness of
her life depended on the sentiments he should ultimately entertain
toward her. Every thing she did was done not only properly, but
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