Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1839-06-14
VOL. XTTT-.No. 6Z5

would drive me mad after all have dared
to dream tonight. ] might perhaps. live
without her. but ! could not live TO see her
married TO another. Fool credulous foo,
that was, TO believe that do,nrd's prom.
ecv.'
He ga, down again in the chair, which
Clara had left. and throwing his arms
across the table, bent his face over them,
and remained silent.
Alas my SON., cried Mrs. Stanley, 4
feared 1t would be so. Mr.. Morton feels
| for you The tenderness of father but
Mr.. Morton did you say' cried Edward.
starting up again. at The risk OF upse,ing
chairs, tables, and lamps--'I believe | am
out Of my senses and is it Fanny Morton
who - gong to be marred!'
The sudden change in his countenance.
from despair to composure, quite electrified
Mrs. Stanley. She could not comprehend
such great and sudden self control.
Mr.. Morton tells me- she continued.
that Fanny ia addressed by gentleman
Of wealth and responsibility. and one who
is every way desirable connection. He
has learned from Fanny, that no engage.
ment subsised between you, but he seemed
apprehensive that your affections were
deeply interested, and wished me TO soften
the intelligence as much as possible
Edward smiled Tell Mr.. Morton I
thank him for his kind consideration, bat no
one can rejoice in Fanny's prospects, more
than do
Mrs Stanley was bewildered, for she had
not dreamed of his present nfatuation.
i cannot understand how resignation
can be acquired so soon. especially after
such burst Of frenzy. ! fear it is merely
assumed to spare my feelings.
i cannot felgn, dear mother, though
may conceal. Dismiss all fears upon this
subject, for were Fanny to live thousand
years in all her virgin lovelness-i if nature
permitted such a reign to youth and beauty
she would never be sought after as the
bride Of your son.
He kissed his mother, and babe her a
hasty good night anxious to avoid explens
alton on a subject which had already agi.
ta'ed him so much.
The next day. when he reflected on his
extraordinary interview with the old lady
of the stage coach. and her incredible prom.
ises in his behalf he became more .han ev>
er convinced of her mental haucination.
Yet there was too much method in her
madness indeed existed. to allow him 10
slight the impressions of her words He
was now independent and hopes that before
seemed presumptuous, now warmed every
pu saton Of his beng.
Shall even now follow the SYPHILIS coun.
Sel,' said he to himself, as he bent his
steps at evening towards Mrs. Cliton's
door, but the moment he entered her press
ence, Aunt Bridget, her promises. and The
world itself were forgotten. She met him
with smile, but there was burning glow
on her cheek, and hurried glance on her
eye. that indicated internal agitation. She
attempted to converse on Indifferent topics.
but her thoughts seemed 10 wander, and
she at length became silent.
i saw q friend of yours lost night said
he, with much embarrassment, for he knew
not whether his confessions were revealed.
She is very singular, but extremely inter.
cstlng in her eccentriclties. Is she with
you vel?'
She is, and will be with us whenever
you desire. Yet would first speak with
you, Mr. Stanley, and communicate an in.
tcllIgence which trust will not cost mo
the withdrawal of your friendship. You
have known me rich, surrounded with all
the appliances of wealth and fashion, and,
as such, enved and admired. My fortune
has been transferred INTO he hands of an.
other, and you see me now, destitute Of
tina, tinsc glare, which threw radiance
around me, which was not my own. Plat
lerors may desert me, but frends-i trust
may RETAIN
She extended her hand with an invoun-
tary motion, aud the glow forsook her
cheek.
! Your fortune gone exclaimed Edward
and nine restored
The next moment he was kneeling ct
her feet. In no other attitude could he
have expressed the depth of that passion
he now dared to utter. What he said he
knew not-he only felt that he was breath
ing forth the boarded and late hopeless
love of whose extent he had never before
been fully conscious.
Am then loved for myself alone" cried
f Mrs Clifton. by one, too, from whom l
have vainly waited this avowal, to justify
my preference"
She bowed her head upon the hands that
Edward was clasplng in his own, rs II her
soul shared the humility of his devotion.
Who would have recognised the gay and
brilliant hciress. who once revelled IN tho
, cold halls of fashion, in this tender and pas
slOnate woman?
'Oh ! exclaimed she, when the feeling
Of both became sufficiently calm for expla-
nation, Were still the child Of aillnence,
| might have vanly looked for the lestimo-
nv of that love, which the vassal of love
was SO long n rebel to, to truth and to ma.
turc. And now added she, rising, 'let me
! -, 81. I,,ln Of
forget your old friend who Is waiting. no
doubt, with Impotence, to greet you. You
: VIII probably be surprised to learn that she
r is the lawful nherltor OF my fortune, and
! that all have been 50 proiusely avshlng,