Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1839-11-01
nom the Ladis. Companion
vlClssITUDEs.

and | seldom entered the CABIN oil one oil the
little steamboats,, without finding some sub
jects for speculation among the passengers.
| was particularly struck with the appear
ance OF lady, whom often met at an ear.
ly hour in the morning. Her dress, which
generally attracts lady's notice first, was
slightly outre in its character; she looked a s
ifshe might be an Englishwoman and yet,
she shade Of difference between her costume
and that of others, was so slight as to be I'M
definable, though quite perceptible. But my
eyes did not linger long on her dress, when
il had once fallen on her exquisite fare. II
was not the beauty of which painters and
poets dream. but living and breathing love-
illness such as seldom greets The sight in this
dreary world Apparently abouitwenty.fiye
years ofage, her figure was small and sym
netrcaI, her complexion ofthe purest white,
her cheek colored with most delicate rose
tint, her mouth exquisitely chiselled, aud her
eyes OF the deepest blue Contrary TO the
prevailing fashion Of the time, her dark hair
was drawn back from her broad, white fore
head, falling on her cheeks in long ringlets,
and her small hat formed,as it were the fra me
ofthis sweet picture, She was always alone
and appeared to be quite unacquarled with
the people among whom she lived, for she
never exchanged the slightest sautation. with
any one. My curiosity became so much ey
cited, that found myself noticing every tri-
fling peculiarly in her appearance and man
ners. | soon found that she was by no
means the child OF wealth, for her dress,
though always neat was evidently indebted
TO her own hand for its attempt at fashion
Her dresses were not made by modisie, nor
L.. nj
capes and handkerchiels lacked that supera
bundance ofFrench embroidery and Mechlin
lace, which ladies' then affected, and upon
the whole. 10 the eye Of one OF the initiated,
she had the appearance ola woman who had
more taste than fashion, more beauty than
fortune, and more interlect than either
would have given any thing to discover who,
she could be- twas most tantalizlng to my
curiosity, to see her so often take seat beside
me, and sit in perfect silence, with her quiet
sweet face, Enlightened by smile OF recog-
milton.
One morning observed that she carried
with her small, faded looking port folio.-
this was new subject of speculation
What did that port folio enclose 2-not mu-
sic. for il was too small--perhaps prints
perhaps drawings. But my conjecture af
iorded no insight into the TRUTH; and was
forced to see her turn one way, while pro-
ceeded another, without learning what her
portfolio had TO do with her history. From
this time, L never met her without If, and
one cold morning in December my curiosi.
~ seemed in fair way Of being graliied.-
She was wrapt in large shawl, and as she
was stepping out ofthe cabin door, her foot
struck the sill, while, in striving TO regain
her balance, she dropped her port folio 1t
had been imperfectly closed, and fell open on
the floor. stopped 10 pick it up, and saw it
contained paintings in water colors, OF fruit,
flowers. and small landscapes She thanked
me with quiet smile as replaced the pic
lures and handed her the book, and we again
parted. From that time saw her no more
in the steamboat.
had long ceased 10 meet with her, and
but that her surprising beauty had formed
one ofthe loseliest pictures in the chambers
ofmy imagery. should, probably, have for
gotten her, One day. as | was entering
Stewards a lady glided out Of the door, and
stepped into splendid outrage. while clerk
handed in small parcel which, from the ex-
IRENE politepess Of his parting bow, l took
to be of considerable value A rich velvet
cloak concealed the lady's figure, and blond
veil shaded her face. but the transient
glimpse which / obtained. convinced me that
l had seen her before Not long afterwards,
l was visiting collection of paintings, and,
seated before remarkably fine Magdalen.
Iscarcely noticed that some person had ia
ken seat beside me- AT length / turned,
and saw again the purple velvet
cloak and veil. but the face was no longer
concealed, and, 10 my surprise, beheld the
lady Of the PORTFOLIO. There was no mista-
king that countenance, but when l remem-
beredihe iittlestraw bonnet and coarse shawl
could scarcely believe beheld the same
individual There was a half smile on her
beautiful lips as she caught my eye; she
probably guessed my thoughts and turned
toward Inc, as if half inclined to speak,
but my companions coming up. she
rose and proceeded 10 another part OF the
room. While was still thinking of her
my husband approached, and introduced to
me his old friend, Charles WilIeston. of
whom had often heard him speak as col.
,lege friend. They had not met in several
years, and had entirely lost sight of each
other when they thus accdenlly met in the
picture-gallery. After few minutes con-
versation, Mr.. WlIeston said, You do not
know that have been as lucky as yourself,
and among my other successes, have obtain.
ed a wife perhaps Mrs will allow
ms 10 make her acquainted with Mrs, Will
leston.' So saying he crossed the ROOM
and Immediately rtturned with the ladu ofl