The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-10-15
VOL. ii. NO. 76.

II don't know but that you're ight, wife, at
length the old man said; | have thought over this
matter much Of late, and il has troubled me not
little Thinks ], coming home on my very last
cruise, will talk the subject over with Bess, and
get her opinion on it. hate to do it; not that it
will alter Nell's feelings toward US, that is, in the
way of loving US; but it will seem like breaking
natural tie.'
| Yes, John, | feel it will be as you say. Tho
little one that was early taken from us appeared
given back again when she came, and the love
which would have been buried in the grave with
the lost, revived anew in the poor founding. l
am sure yearn over that dear gin as much as if
my own blood run in her veins
A tear gstencd in the eye Of the speaker which
she did not attempt to conceal
And well may we love her, added the old man.
Has she not been ever as child to US. In sick
ness and health; in infancy and youth, we watch
ed over and cared for her; and what more could
we do for our own flesh and blood p
'fes, thank heaven, we have not neglected our
duty to her; and there is comfort in that And
though Nell's feelings may be- changed when we
tell her she is not our child, know her afIec-
l'onae heart too well to fear that her love will be
weakened
Il had some idea Of making il known 10 yourg
Irving during his visit, said the old man after
brief silence; but concluded it be. to wait un-
I'll they left and talk it over with you first
| m uln J,h. =. A.
have been doubly painful had she gone away know
| ing that we had no natural claims on her; and vet
| should like to be near her when she is told, and
hear from her own lips that she loves II, none the
less Would TO God if the desire be no, sinful,
that she were our own'
| Until late honr the wrecker and his wife sat
by the door conversing on the subject. How to
convey the information to Ellen was point long
discussed A letter might serve the purpose, bu.
the old man was averse to this channel of commu-
nicaon, for he felt that he could not enter so fully
into the details in writing as he should wish.
NO, no, wife, she shall have it from nv own
lips; and every circumstance connected with the
event that threw her upon our cnre. And more
over, Bess, AS You have always been confined to
this barren spot; not but that the place is peasau.
enough; as how can it help being with the great
sea forever rolling before US in all its majesty and
vastness; and have never been where the earth is
covered by the green grass like a carpet; and the
tall trees wave and rustic in the breeze, and beau
tiful birds build their nests and make mnsic in tho
branches; and bright flowers spring up everywhere
and fill the air with sweet perfume, inst us the
eastery wind brings in the scent of the sea; now,
Bess, you shall go with me and visit Nell and her
husband, and behold some ofhese wonders where
with God has blessed this world of ours. We will
accept their invitation, and when we are " it'll them
will make known the story
This point settled, the honest Old couple retired
10 rest, with minds somewhat relieved, now they
had come to determination on a subject which
had burdened their minds for long time.