The little wife Author:Elizabeth Caroline Grey Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER IV. " On his bold visage, middle age, Had slightly pressed its signet sage, Yet had not quenched the open truth, And fiery vehemence of youth." ... more » " What a union of all the affections and powers. By which life is exalted, embellished, refined, Was embraced i". that spirit!" Reginald's Letter. " My Dearest Alice: "AT length the journey is over, and I seize the first moment of solitude to commence my letter. I promised my dear cousin to make a faithful record of all my thoughts and actions, and how sacred do I consider every vow which I have breathed to her! I could dilate for ever on the grief that filled my heart, almost to bursting, when I parted from all the loved companions of my home. It is a relief to me thus to pour forth my griefs. Your image, sweetest Alice, as I left you weeping in my father's arms, haunts my imagination,—and that dear, excellent father! so indulgent, so kind, who, in parting with me, I am aware, has made so- great a sacrifice! But what a comfort in leaving him, to know that there are those remaining with him who will be- truly his affectionate and devoted children. You, a tender daughter; and Edward, with his steady, quiet disposition, not only his constant companion, but a useful assistant in his occupations. I ought to have filled that place; and many a time my repentant heart upbraids me, for the yearnmg I have had to go from home,—that restlessness which prevented my pursuing contentedly the calm and even path that was before me. "Why should I have aspired to a higher sphere thanthat in which my father has gained the love and respect of all who ever knew him ? Oh ! that I may never draw upon my head retribution, for having cast away the life of calmness and peace that was within my reach! I rely upon you, my kind Alice, t...« less