Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1839-10-01
The stranger.
AN INTERESTING rALr on NAL Lirr.

On the road between Shrewsbury and Market
Drayton in Shropshire England lies the beautiful
and picturesque village of Hoduct. II consists but
Of one the declivity of the sunny side of
NIL the principal, rather the only Inn in the
lacc, is the Blue Boar il is situated nearly oppo-
ste the public market hall or place. in which all
! nris OF meetings arc held being alternately con
svted into dancing school, theatre, a methodist
aapel, ballroom, &c. occasion may require.
The church is little farther off, and the parsonage
s, as usual, white house surrounded with trees a,
one end ofthe village stage coach passes through
the village three times week and one evening in
the month OF FEBRUARY It stopped usual at the door
OF the Inn, and strange gentleman wrapped in a
blue travelling cloak aghted the driver handed
aim porimanieau and the coach drove on The
hrangcr entered the Blue Boar, was shown into the
arlor, and desired the landlord 10 bring him pint
q wine. The order was quickly obeyed the wine
se upon the table, and the host proceeded rouse
The sumhering emters Of the fire, renarking al the
ame time that il was cold raw night. His guest
assenied with nod-theh said inquiringly, you call
as village Hoduct, do you not Yes SIR said
tie host, and prettier little place is no, to bs found
IN all England so have heard said the stran-
ger and you are not upon any Of tho great roads
believe you have the reputation of being a primi
iy, and unsophiscaied set of people. Why, as to
that sir. said the host, Il cannot exactly speak but
II there is no harm in ii, dare say are But
YOU see sir, I'm only winner, and don't trouble my
head about these matters. SO much the better,
said the stranger, smiling. you and shall become
better friends | may stay with you for some weeks
perhaps months In the mean time lie, m have
someiang comfortable for supper, and desire your
wife TO prepare me clean good bed j will sir,
said the host, and making OF his profoundest
bows, retired 10 give the requisite orders, inspired
with the deepest respec, for his unexpected guest
The next day was Sunday. The bells of the vii
hge church had just finished ringing, when the
stranger walked up the aisle, and entered AT random
apew which happened TO be vacant Instantly ev-
cry eve was turned towards him, for new face
was too important object IN Hodnci to be leit UNI
noticcd. WIN is he When did he come With
whom does he stay How long will he be here -
DO YOU think he is handsome . These and a thou
sand other questions flew about IN whispers from
one 10 another, whilst the unconscious object OF all
tins interest cast his eyes calmly, vet penetraiingy
around upon the congregation. Nor was it at ali II
De wondered al that his appearance had caused
sensation among the good people OF ioduct, for h'
was no, that kind of person whom one meets wit
every day. There was something both IN his face
and figure that distinguished him from the crowd
You could not look upon him once, and then MI
away with indifference. When the service wa
over the stranger walked out OF the church alone
and remained seated in his paror al the Blue Boar
The remainder Of the day As may be supposed
speculation was husy at work, at more than on'
ea-iable al Hoduci that morning, and conjecture
were poured out with the tea, and swallowed wit
sise toast
A few days elapsed, and the stranger was almos
forgotten, for there was subscription assembly n
hoduci, which entirely engrosscd tle minds OF III
villagers 80 important an event not having take
place Tor nearly hall a century before Great prep
araiions were made, aud al length ,he imporan
evening arrived al nine O'Clock, which WIS consid
cred fashionable hour. the hall nearly full an
Inc frs, country dance for quadriies no, the
Known 10 the villagers Of ilOduci) was led on by
e6esi son OF the squire Of ihe village, who conduc
ed the chosen divinity ofhis heart the only daughif
81 one Of the JuSrcs OF the peace FOR the county
Shropshire, gracefully through ~ nazes Enio'
nehi was a, ~ height, when Suddenly the merr
men, checked, and more Than usual hustle pc
sadea the room. The stranger bad entered II an
there was something different In his looks an
manner from any OF the other male creatures pre-
ei.i, that every body surveyed hirn with renewed c,
mostly, which was Al hrsi unciured with awe.
Who canh he - was the question that instant
started up lake a crocus 10 many mai1en's tlIo
bng bosom lie knows nobody and nobody knos
ham surely he viii never think IT asking anybo,
10 dance
f0s long time the stranger stood slooi nom 4