Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-08-14
THE TwO.BEDDED ROOM.

ssh in which Captain Arnold had fixed his
residence, was one Of those whom the pen Of
Cowper has inimitably portrayed:
"I'ehold the picture II is like-lke what7
The things which mount the rosrum with skip,
And then skip down again pronounce text,
Cry them and reading what they never wrote
just fifteen minutes, hldde up their work,
And With a well bred whisper close the scene!"
His horses and his hounds shared more
than his Pensioners or his family enjoyed.
lilo had been transferred from the academic
purlicus Of Oxford, where he acquired more
of the fashionable accomplishments of the
day, sporting and intrigue, than of classic
lore or sound theology, to the valuable living
he now held by the gift of a titled relative.
His lucrative bcnefice, together with his
hereditary patrimony, and handsome for
tune which he had received with his wife,
afforded him ample means to follow the pre-
vailing dispositions of his mind-to unite in
the inspiring "Halloo," by day, "ovcr noun
tains and through dales," and to join, in the
evening, the merry group. His manners,
however, were in the highest order GENTLE
manly towards strangers, and until intimacy
tore away the mask, they wore the most inn
posing front; while to the poor of his par
ish he endeared himself, if not by pastoral
visits and spiritual counsel, by literally sup
plying, whenever requested, their temporal
necessity.
An affair of importance, Of a parocha
nature, called for the presence of the min
lister and his military friend at distance.
The clergyman very politely requested the
captain would favor Inn with his company
in his carriage, to which invitation he with
something like violence TO his own feelings
gave consent.
The morning of the day on which the
Journey was TO be commenced, broke forth
with more than usual lovcliness. The vehi-
Gle drove up the smoothly travelled pathway,
and two leaders took their seats on different
sides of the carriage.
AS the shades Of evening were gathering
fast around, they reached small town, at
which they were under the necessity of re-
naming for the night. The coacllman drove
to the principal inn, where they alighted.
Rcfrcshment having been furnished, and
chcerfuIly consumed by the sharp appetited
guests, the landlord was summoned by the
vociteration of noisy bell, and informed Of
the intention of his visitorsto become his ten
ants for the night. Making low bow, he
assured them with assumed sincerity how
much he felt himself honored by their COM
pany, and how gratlicd he should be in serv-
ing them to the extent Of his ability. He re-
GREETED however, to inform them that his inn
did not afford them any other uncngaged ac-
commodation than a tUO bedtlcd room. 81
tmo beaded room" Numbered out the porty
rector; and declared he would not be ac-
commodatcd in that way. The inn-keeper
stood trembling before the guest, more
alarmed at the prospect Of losing two such
valuable customers, than at the sudden par
oxysm of rage into which Mr. W. had
fallen. Capt. Arnold noticed his trepida-
ton, and feeling for his friend, mildly dcSir-
ed the nn-kceperto withdraw, and in tone
and manner perfectly easy, observed as fol-
lows: "Mr w. do not disturb yourself on
this subject; have frequently, in the CAM
paigns in which have been engaged, been
obliged to be thankful for worse accommoda-
ton than this inn will afford. A blanket
and pillow in this arm chair will serve my
purpose-where 1 have no doubt of sleeping
soundly until the morning; you can, there
fore, occupy the two bedded room yourself,
and all difficulty on this head will be immc-
diately removed"
This was language and conduct, for which
MIR w was not quite prepared, and at
first felt half ashamed of his own expression
but presently recovering himself, "NO Cap
tain, am not to be beaten after that fashion.
We will share the room between u.s." This
was soon agreed on, and the rcjoiced land
lord speedily furnished them with guide,
who conducted them to their chamber.
The minister soon disrobed himself, not
outstanding his powerful objection to two
bcdded room. The Captain was not, how
ever, quite so expeditions, for difficulty
had now presented itself to his mind. His
invariablc habit, before he sought
"Nature's swec, rcstorer, balmy sleep"
was to read chapter in the Old or New Tes-
lament, and by solemn prayer commend him
self and family to Him "whosc eyes never
slumber or sleep" TO do so now, would
expose him to charge of pharisaism from
hir reverend friend, and not to do so would
be to wound his own conscience.-The con-
tlct was short-he determined to attend to
priority, and leave the result to the Judge of
principle. He accordingly drew from his
pocket his constant companion, New es-
lament, and sitting down, read a chapter
from one of the Gospels, after which he
bowed his knees before the Omnipotent De-
ity, duplicated with fervor his blessings, ac-
knowledged his kindness reviewed the mer-
cies he had received, and then retired to rest.
On drawing aside the curtain in the morn
ing, which surrounded his bed he was sur
prised to find that Mr. W--had already
left the room. By referring to his watch, he
found it was yet early. He dressed hastily
and after performing his morning dcvotions,
descended to the parlor, in which he supped
on the past evening. On entering, he was
struck at bcholdng the reverend gentleman
walking backward and forward with agtatcd
action, while his countenance bore evident
expression of residences and irritation.
Capt. Arnold courtcously wished him ga
good morning, and if he had not slep,
well9 "Slept!" vociferated his companion
"who could sleep while you were making a
fuss with reading and nravin0 all n;uh, q,