Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1836-05-10

GAfNnH u
purpose for ne: oh. shall be 80 happy here
JnH, enjoyed het COUSINS happiness. hut sighed
,ha, her on loved one bad TO, such home TO offer
her. and then sbc should not be sacrificed to the
ambitious views Of her mother. Julia possessed
yielding. umid disposition. and had not courage TO
Withstand her mothers arbitrary will bot accepted
tho a,ton ions Of the rich Selford although devoted
ly attached to young Rutsen.
Al nine. the company begau 10 assemble, and
the rooms were graced with select few Of
The fashion and beauty of the city. The supper
sAs pronounced complete, and hilsrity and hsppl-
ness reigned 10 the hearts Of all. Dunng a tenn
porary luil IN the conversation table, the alarm
ing toll Of the FIRE bells was beard at tho same
time the windows shaken BY violent gust Of
wind.
"Whs, terrible night for FIRE" said Julia. 4
ply the poor creature who shall, be turned out in
this cold weather
Come, come cousin said Augustus gaily away
with such chilling images. Here, take some cham
psigne. No one must my wedding feast with
such gloomy anilcipatlons. Let the world 60 as
it will, We will be happy here.
THIS sentiment found universal appreciation, and
glasses filled to the happiness Of the bride and
groom. At that moment, the door opened, and
Young man entered, who touched the shoulder of
the groom, and re,reaing to the end of the room,
beckoued him to follow. Granger, nstonshed at
the interruption, would have refused but there was
I something appalling 10 the pale face and disor.
dered dress Of The Young man whom he recognized
his head CLERK, that he arose and was soon enga-
ged IN low, but animated conversation. In a few
moments AFTER he beckoned to Selford and Rutsen
who Immediately left the room in great haste. BY
degrees, all the gentlemen had gathered 10 group.
Something extremely agltating seemed 10 be going
! forward, aud the cheek Of the bride blanched. A
stiffness regned the table which had so lately
echoed to their gayeiy. The tolling of the bells,
and tumult in the street became louder. The gen
llemen had nearly all left the ROOM when the door
again opened and one of them returned.
Come. Granger said he, you have not mo-
ment to lose if you would save your papers. Halt
the town is on fire SO dreadful a sight have
never seen-where it will end, heaven only knows.
Augustus approached the bride. His mouth quiv-
cred with emotion, but he struggled for composure.
MY love, ! must leave you even on my bridal
night, If would save you from ruiu-my all is at
stake But keep up your courage, and hope to
return ere long.
80 coon 10 Partr sho exclaimed. and for n mo-
! ment The head of the bride sank her husband
shoulder, but raising herself she added, Away
dearest you will find me worthy of you; whatever
| happens | will bear it with forttude.'
mainder of the gentlemen, and the bride sat sur.
rounded by her friends, hour after hour awaiting
their return. At last, one of the guests arrived -
His accounts of the tremendous confagration, anC
destruction of valuable goods trodden under foot
made them sick at heart.
Thank heaven he said, my store is out of dan
ger. Fit were not, ! should be poor man, in
deed, it is filled with valuable goods, but have
locked it up, and have here the key
lie had scarcely finished when servant opened
the door followed by genleman-Mr Allerton, h,
observed, 4 am commissioned by the Mayor TO re
quest the key Of your store for the purpose of blow
ing 1t up as tina. is the only means which can b.
used to stop the raging element, which is devour
ing the city. Engines are Of no use, the hose lay
like frozen serpent upon the ground
Mr. Allerton gazed few moments on his VIII;
and daughters; bot the next, handed the key to th
genileman:-1t is for the good Of the community
All am worth in the world is ia that store he
said.
Sir you act as Christian, and doubtless vii
receive your reward
Come wife. come girls continued Mr. Allerion
when the gentleman had departed, let us 60 AM
take look at home--heaven onll
knows how long II will be ours.
The carriages of the other guests soon after ar
irving they all departed, and left Julia and CAROLYN
! alone. Midnight had passed, aud for two drear
hours after they wandered from window to window
, in hopes Of seeing Mr. Granger return. But
seemed 10 them as II the world was fire, and the
were alone left to struggle with the devouring ele
men'. The heavens were illumined. Lurid cloud
e loaded with flakes Of fire were passing incessantl
j over the city, while vast masses Of flames wer
/ spunging up to the heavens, and goods were pile
IN he street and confusion reigned over all. DC
easIonally an explosion shook the house to It's cen
tire, aud sent them trembling to each others arms
Two more hours passed over; Caroline at last hear
her husbands foot lie entered-but oh how di
ieren from the elegantly dressed the confident all
! happy bridegroom OF the evening
My poor Augustus exclaimed Caroline throw
b ing her arms around hs neck. lie needed her nu
e bu, stood gazing into the FIRE, an mage Of cal,
G despair.
Caroline, he said ia q low and sad tone i al
p ruined man -Four hours ago was worth half
million nov, not a cent. My fine store and re
goods are reduced to ashes, and the men who owe
= me are involved IN the " ide destruction: and wha
IL worse, have ruined you. Oh II lie that who
y rends my hear,--were but alone, | could bear