The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-06-11
MORAL & RELIGIOUS.
From the journal of Commerce.

The MEMORY Of The DEFARIED.
About three years since, while residing i'll the
village Of N, was first introduced to Miss
L.. She was the orphan daughter of the late
General l.. IA distinguished officer of the U. S.
Army,) and the only child Of her widowed moth
err. When first saw her clad in the weeds she
wore for her recently deceased father, 1 was
partially struck with her personal loneliness and
beauty. The charm of'rosy cheek and ruby
lips were distinctly marked upon her lovely face
while her full bright eye bespoke unusual in
telligence of mind g. amiableness of heart and
her dark hair parted plainly over her beautiful
forehead, gave soft finish to the striking con-
tour of her features
Mrs. L. and daughter had come to make N
their permanent winter residence, and more mi
mute acquaintance discovered that Miss l.. was
not dependent solely on her personal charms to
recommend her to admiration. She was indeed
beautifu-but more than this she possessed n
highly gifted mind, which had been carefully
cultivated No pains or expense had been spar
ed in her education, and her aainments were
already quite superior: for, though at this time
but 10 years of age she was familiar with seve
raj languages, reading was extensive, and
SHO was ohiliCV III ulduy VI lDc SItSdub
piishmens. Indeed one needed but short &C
qnantance with her to be assured that for solid
ity of character, intelligence of mind, and lowell
ness of temper, as well as elegance of manners,
Miss l.. was destined to shine in every circle
which enjoyed her presence. 1t was not strange,
then, that she wns the pride and JOY of that
widowed one, who chung to her as her earthly
all. Often have looked upon that mother and
daughter, so happy in their mutual affections
the former so blessed in the child who
seemed to realize her fondest expectations,
and the daughter SO devoted, so confiding; and
have said to myself!surely there is domestic bliss
even for the widow and the orphan!
Two years passed on. Miss L. was the more
beloved she was more KNOWN! but best es-
teemed by those who knew her best For
while she mingled occasionally in the social cir
cles of N-and was universally admired and
carressed the greater part of her time was devo-
ted to the happiness of her mother, and to the
continued Improvement of her own mind. My
distance from her such, that could not of
ten see her; but always met her on the sacred
solemn day" in the sactuary; and her meek and
solemn aspects, her fixed and careful attention
to the instruction of divine truth, caused me to
hope, that with all her gettngs, she seeking
that wisdom which cometh from above. The
sequel of her history encourages the belief that
was not mistaken. She was still sometimes
seen in the gay and festive hail. and in those
scenes OF amusement to which her station in life
and her early associates had led her, but now
there was all expression her countenance
which said, her heart was not there.
About year since, 1 met her in company
with few acquantances, at the house of q
friend. She was not well. A cold had occa
stoned an unpleasant cough, which still a fleet
ed her. 1t was not, however, regarded as a Sc
rous indispostion, and excited little apprehen-
sion, save in an anxious mothers heart. l saw
her in the spring. She was better but not we'll
The rose had faded upon her cheek, and hel
face was thin and delica.e. But it was believed
by her friends that the warm weather would re-
store her: The summer was spent travelling g.
visiting her friends, and in September she re.
turned to N. / soon called to see her, She
was, better, much BETTER except that little cold