Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-10-02
not afraid of relapse of those fearful ago

are not accustomed, as / am to scenes like |
this. Go sit by the window, and draw your
thoughts away from sickness and death. |
Come, my friend you are very pale--come |
with me to this window for moment.
THERE'S not all bright and beautiful abovel
Tears and pain, and grief are not there
sickness can never pass the stars, but Caro-
line can, and she will be at rest soon. The
struggles Of her spirit arc nearly over-be
patient, and we shall find her soon Free"
How soft and heavenly sounded that gentle
voice 10 the heart Of James Aston. Over
pored by contending emotions, by grief, and
smuggling faith, and all conquering love, he
leaned his head upon her shoulder and wept
bitterly, yet swccty, sweetly wept She
moved not, she spoke not, for she felt that
his grief was holy; but her frai form shook
with the emotions of her heart-and she Sob
sobbed convulsively, although there were
no tears. For a few moments they
stood together thus, in their grief and unspo-
ken love-but groan from the sick one
aroused them.
"Forgivc me, Lily" half murmured
Aston as ho turned his back to the bedside
of his sister. She had awaked, and was in
violent agonics.
For two hours tho two watchers hung al
most breathless over the dying girl, using CIV.
cry exertion to alleviate her suilerings; but
in vain were all their cares, all their kind
ness. Ere morning came, she was in peace;
for she slept in the shcltcring arms of DEATH
The mother came from her restless bed to
imprint farewell kiss-Jamcs and Lily re-
ccivcd a low breathed blessing, and all was ov-
er with Caroline for ever.
Months passed away, and James and Lily
met not save at church or when occasionally
the sweet girl called at his humble home to
carry consolation to his mother. lie met
her there, but it was as they had met in ear
licr days. He had called her "love" once,
but he dared not or cared not to repeat it.
Sometimes his heart beat quick and violently
when he met her soft eye fixed tenderly upon
his, and when he observed faint blush steal
over her cheek while he addressed her, a
CLEAN of sunshine would pass far down into
his soul, and he almost suffered timid hope
to plant itself within his love.
Meanwhile, Lily was silently and slowly
forming esoluton, upon whose results
were to depend the happiness and peace of
her after life. She resolved on an interview
with James Alston-upon an explanation of
feelings and of houes, which lay amid the We
~ fountains Of her being. Judge her not
not harshly, gentle reader. Lily acted al
ways upon the pure impulses of pure heart,
and though she sometimes passed needless by
the rules and restrictions of female etiquette,
yet never, on any occasion, did she cast
shadow upon the pure native delicacy which,
characterized all her thoughts and deeds.
She knew that she was bclovcd--she knew
that she loved in return. She also kne "
that until that love was uncquivocally reveal
ed, James Aston would feel his own to be
hopeless. Why, then, should she not cast
aside that maidenly reserve which was the
only intcrdict uponhcr happiness Lily fcl,
this to be her duty, and waited only for IA
vorablc opportunity to execute it.
One day she tied on her bonnet with more
than usual care, and directed her steps to
to Mrs. Alston's. The poor woman had
been suffering from severe indisposltion for
several days, and having recovered sufficient
ly to leave her bed, had sent for Lily to come
and sit with her. Lily was very grateful for
the opportunity. 1t was a joy to her to be
comfort to others. James was absent and
did not return till evening; but the afternoon
was pleasantly passed in reading and quiet
conversation. Mrs. Alston's nerves were
tranquilzcd by the soothing tones of Liy's
voice, and the sentiments which it uttered OF
peace and Christian consolation.
"What blessed friend you have been to
me Lily, since my dear Caroline died." said
the invalid .cnderly, to her gentle young
nurse; "your have been sweet angel tC
watch over me and cheer me with peasan,
words of hope. Heaven will bless you, and
grant all your prayers"
"Dc you think so, Mrs. AIston!"
eyes, dear, lam sure of it. One so good
must be favored by Heaven"
"Amcn!" softly uttered voice that wen,
far into Liy's soul. She looked up and met
the bright heams from pair of soul filled
eycs--eycs that expressed the glandness that
her presence instantly inspired.
"Good evening, James, she said timidly
soft blush stealing over her cheeks.
Good evening, Lily" he responded-a
flood Of JOY and tenderness half bearing away
his heart. $50 it seems you have been act
ing the guardian angel in in my absence. And
| have been fortunate enough to return in
season tie feel the inspiration of the heavenly
presence"
"You are complimentary to night"
"No, am merely serious, and-frank."
The conversation became less personal,
and they gradually recovered from their mu-
tual embarrassment. James was very enter
taining-Lily deeply interes.ing-and Mrs.
Aston was quiet and thoughtful. Lily rose
at length from her seat.
81 must return home, for mother is alone,
and will be watching for me-"
Not so soon, Lily, pray not quite so soon.
Il will return before long"
"Do, dear girl, and God bless YOU"
The evening was fne-the moon unwont-
eddy radiant. James drew Lily's arm some
what closely in his as they stepped from the
door. They walked on little distance in
silence.
"lt is very lovely evening"" said the
maiden.
avery"
"And is that all Have YOU nothing