Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1836-07-08

must mar my wedding feast with such gloo
my an,icipatiohs. Let the world 60 as it
will, we will be happy here
| The sentiment found universal approba
tion and glasses were 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 retreating to the other end ofthe room,
beckoned him 20 follow. Granger, aston
| ished at the interruption would have refus
ed, but there was something Sd appalling in
the pale face and dlsordered dress of the
young man whom he recognized as his head
clerk, that he arose and was soon engaged
in a 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 al the gentle
men had gathered in a group Something
extremely agitatIng seemed to be going for
ward, end the cheek of The bride blanched.
A stiffness reigned over the table which had
so lately echoed to their ga ETY.. The tolliog
Of the bells and the tumult in the street
became louder. The gentlemen had near
" all left the room, when the door again
opened, and one Of them returned.
Come, Granger said he, you have not
a moment to lose, il you would save your
papers. Half the Town is on FIRE! So dread.
ful sight have never seen: where it will
end, heaven only knows
Augustus approached the bride-his lips
quivered with emotion but he 81 ruggle for
composure. NV love I must leave you
even on my bridal night. if would save
you from ruin-my all is at stake! But
keep up your courage, and hope TO re-
turn ere long"
so soon to part she exclaimed, and for
moment the head Of the bride sank on
her husbands shoulders; but raising herself,
she added. away dearest, sou will find me
worthy Of you; whatever happens | will
bear il with fOrtitude.'
He sprang from the room followed by
the remainder Of the gentlemen, and the
bride sat surrounded by her friends. hour
after hour, awaiting their return. At last
one arrived. His accounts Of the tremend,
Gus confagration, and destruction of vaIu-
able goods trodden under foot, made them
sick at heart.
Thank heaven he said my store il out
Of danger. II it were not, / should be a
poor man, indeed but have locked it up
and here is the key
He had scarcely finished when servant
opened the door, followed by a gentleman
Mr.. Allerton. he observed, Il am commits
stoned by the mayor to request the key Of
your store for the purpose of blowing il up,
as that il the only means which can be
used to stop The raging element, which is
devouring the city. Engines are ofno use,
the hose lays like Z frozen serpent on the
ground
Mr.. Allerton gazed a few moments on
his wife and daughters: but the next hand
ed the key TO the gentleman 1T is for the
good Of the community. All am worth
in the world is in that store.'
Sir, you act like a Christian, and doubt.
less will receive your reward
, Come wife. come girls, continued Mr..
Allerton, when the gentleman had depart
ed, let us 60 and take one more look al
your home-heaven only knows how long
it will be ours
The carriages Of the other guests soon
after arriving, they all departed, and LEFT
Julia and Caroline alone. Mldiight haC
passed, and for two dreary hours after, the,
were wandering from window to window
in hopes of seeing Mr.. Granger return. -
a But it seemed to them as if the world was
on FIRE, and they we're alone left TO strug.
gle with the devouring element. The
, heavens were illuminated. Lurid cloud.
loaded with fakes Of FIRE, were passing in.
cessantIy over the city, while vast masses
of fame were springing up 10 the heavens
: and goods were piled up in the street, ant
, confusion reigned over all. OCCASIONAL,
an explosion shook the house to its very
. centre. and sent them trembling TO eacl
others arms. Two more hours passed over
q Caroline at last heard her husbands foot
H. nj ou-hNt oh ho,u 1,A foo . h.
elegantly dressed, the confident and happ,
. bridegroom of the evening!
My poor Augus'us!' exclaimed Carolin,
h throwing her arms round his neck. H,
y needed her not but stood gazing into tn
Are. an image Of calm despair.
is Caroline said he in a low and sad tone
"a Il am q ruined man /! Four hours agn
. was worth halfa million now not cen,
; My fine store and rich goods are reduced t
of ashes, and the men who owed me are in
volved 10 the wide destruction and wha
N is worse, have ruined you. Oh! It is thu
which rends my heart-were | but alone
could bear it better.
lf Dearest Augustus, do not grieve for me
ID you know can live on a very little wit
II you
a. Bat l have not that little to offer-yo
y mDst now beg for living
a, Beg! oh no, can work. am stron
n and healthy and will work for you. Ho,
-, many women support themselves by III
a. labor of their hands, and why cannot p
ID Augustus pressed her TO his breast, 8
/. have not lost all, migrate that am! 70,
=, my dearest treasure, are left. IT'S tru
4 my earnings are gone; but can go
~ work again, and may be able to keep yc
q from want
lie Caroline, by her soothing manner ar
he dauntless confidence, aroused her husbar
he from his dependency and inspired new Ii
n. into him. This costly furniture said sh
in must all be sold. for palmer will suit o.
,Ii fortunes better; two rooms we can reser'
n for ourselves, but as you have lost yo
a, store you shall have the rest. This fro
hv room will make q very nice Office, al