Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-01-10

integrity OF his character, all their affections.
The fatted calf was killed, on the occasion
Iof the return oil the wanderer,& his presence
increased the joy and gladness Of the happy
family.
1t was but natural that james should step
over TO Deucon Williams the next forenoon,
to inquire after Harriet's health, and learn
il she had suffered any Inconvenience from
her fright ofthe previous evening Indeed,
politeness alone, would have dictated this
course. 1t is not improbable that Harriet,
herself expected something Of the kind, for
she met him at the door, with a smile that
would have sohened the iron in the bosom
of an anchorite-and was dressed as neatly,
and looked as prettily, as if she had just
crept out Of handbook The interview
was, apparently, a pleasant one to both
and James afterwards declared, and doubt
not truly, that he would rather pass one sue h
hour, in pleasant room. by the side of a
cheerful fire, and in lively chat with virlu-
Gus and intelligent girl, than TO, pass Two
hours on the weather main-top-sail yard
arm, hauling out the weather ear rings for n
close reef in snow storm, on the winters
coast
James afterwards had long talk with
his sister, about Harriet Williams
He had known bot little of her for some
years. He heard that she was as good MS
she was beautiful-was dutful and ahec-
tionate daughter. and faithful friend-and,
whispered he to himself, such girl would
surely make an excellent wife. But said
his sister, smiling and with shake OF her
finger, as she left the room, take care, James,
don't fall in love with Harriet-there are
many suitors for her hand"
The caution, however, came too late. Gu.
pid's bird bolt had already flown. James
could not contend against Harriel's laugh
ing black eyes, musical voice, and captiva-
ting smiles. He had already made up his
mind 10 surrender at disc reton, but he no.
ped she would be prevailed upon 10 grant
quarter. He had been so long accustomed
to the ungainly forms, rough language and
rugged features of his shipmates. on the pre-
vious voyage, that a woman, young and
blooming, with cultivated mind, like Har-
riet Williams, seemed to him like superb
or being, sent by benignant Providence,
10 wait him TO happiness.
James was not induced TO change his de-
termination by his sisters remarks. He
surrendered at discretion. but humbly sued
for quaner--and Harriei's looks correspon-
ded with her characteristic was not cruelty
disposed.
One evening, after be had been at home
about ten days or fortnight, as the family
were seated around the supper table, his faith.
err turned towards his son, and said abrupt
y-
James, how should you like 10 get mar
ried ?"
James started as liza bullet had been lodg-
ed in his lhroax-"Married sirl" repeated
he.
"Yes, married. But it is too late now
TOO late 2-marred2 Father, do not
understand you"
"Why." replied the old gentleman, 40
morrow is Christmas day, and for 20 sue
cessive years there has been wedding in
the Campbell family on that day, which
seemed TO give zest TO our rejoicings, and
aid US in celebrating the happy day which
gave 10 the world the Savior of mankind.
These marriages have always prospered.
Last year your cousin Jonas was married !;
the year before that your sister Elizabeth I;
but this year, among all your uncles, aunts
and cousins, not one is ready 10 be married
on Christmas day. / hope that your sister
Maria will be ready by next Christmas
and | did at one time hope that that slow.
moulded mortal, Zenas Blackwood would
have arranged matters with your cousin
Helen, so as to be married tomorrow. |
can't conceive what the numbskull has been
about. According 10 the present prospects,
they won't be married these three months,
at least feel quite provoked with him.
'Tis loo bad TO have no wedding on Christ
mas day"
Father" said James, and roguish
smile played about Maras mouth as he
spoke, Il would do any thing to give you
pleasure. wish had known this before.
AS you say, fear it is too late now-for |
am told il is serious and sometimes dif-
fcult thing to get married 10 ones liking.
But who knows what may turn up. Per.
haps there may be "a wedding in the family
yet before tomorrow night"
The old gentleman laughed heartily at
the conceit, and James took up his hat and
went OUT TO take a walk"
In about an hour after this James was
costly seated by the side of the blushing
Harriet Williams, and eloquently urging
many arguments in favor of his startling
proposition that she should become bride
on the morrow
"James," said she, laughing, but evident
ly somewhat flusiered. this is The most rdic-
ulous thing ever heard You surely can't
h Ia