Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-06-05


The shades ofevening came on, and Clara,
in her robe of unadorned white, with the
bridal rose wrca,hcd in hair, was waiting with
FACILITATING heart the anticipating summons.
She was already at her brothers, in an apart
mcnt adjoining the drawing rooms, which
were fast filling with guests.
Il am proud of my sister, exclaimed Ger
trudc, kissing her chok, now pallld from
agitation.
BE not angry, dear Clara, though have
pleaded the cause of Rover with all the in
tcrcst so romantic love could inspire,
cannot but feel for my cousin; Washington
Graham is here, returned once more to de-
vote himself to the task, Which | once dared
to promise him would prove successful
Never, never mention his name to me
again. cried Clara, nor seek to raise in me
emotions which sometimes triumph over my
better nature. have been the child of va
nifty, and once sacrificed even my integrity to
vain display and heartlcss ambition. And
now, when have hecn struggling with my
indwelling enemy, in the strength of disin-
tcrestcd love alone, and feel as if | had come
off conqucring, let not your hand, Gertrude,
supply my vanquished foe with new arms to
rob me of my victory
The sudden unfolding of the doors pre-
vented Gerrudc's reply A flame Of light
poured its enulgence into Clara's dazzlcd
eyes, and every thing swan in confusion be-
fore her gaze. The room appeared to turn
round with a circular notion. and cvcrv fl
cure to blend together in strange confusion.
She was only conscious otbeing led forward
into the centre of tic room by hand that
trcmbled as much as her own, and of hearing
a buzzing sound around her like the murmur
of many voices.
BE not dsmayed, dear Clara said the
bridegroom, in low voice in her ear.
your generous confidence shall never be
betrayed "a
Clara, who had been gradually raising her
eyes from the floor, as they recovered the
sense of vision, perceived that every face
was turned towards the bridegroom, with a
stare of amazcmcnt. TWAS more than Gu
riosity. twas wondermixed with incredibly.
Involuntarily following the direction Of their
glanccs, she raised her own to the face OF
him on whose arm she was leaning, and a
wild exclamation escaped her lips. 1t was
Washington Graham that supported her.
Washington Graham, with all that high
bred elegance of dress and manner, which
distinguished him from all others. The wav-
ing hair carelcssly shading the brow ofmarbc
whitcncss, the complexion, the air, were
Washington Graham's; but the dark, lus-
trouSeeyes, whose glance had so often thrilled
tnGcr very soul, and which were now bent
Down on her pale, bewldered countenancc
were the eyes Of Rover.
Clara, dear Clara cried he, the hue OF
the Gypsy, the garb of the peder, alone arc
wanting but the faith of the lover, the vo VS.
of the bridegroom, remain. Forgive the
deception have practsed in concert witt
my romantic cousin here, whose guardian
genius has been constantly exerted in my
behalf. to prove whether | could be loved
for myself alone
Yes added Gertrude, turning towards
the company, with inimitablc grace, and
thus diverting their attention from Clara's
undpnquerablc emotion, suffer me to finish
tbs-eSplanation. know all our friends arc
Interested in hearing. My cousin came hther
Disguised with recent proofs ofthe trcachery
of those who were attracted towards him by
the mere distinctions of wealth and fortune
and, laying aside their gaudy trappings, he
assumed the disguise of poor and lowly
man.
But what upon earth made him think OF
passing off for Pcdlar' exclaimed an old
lady who had been rubbing her spectacles
half a dozen times, TO ascertain if she could
see distinctly. Every one smiled at the sud-
den interrogation.
Il had written to him. reioincd Gertrude,
'of Clara's history, and of her invinciblc
horror Of the very name; and he, in the
proud confidence of his own unborrowed cx-
ccllcncc, resolved to encounter the most OBJ
duratc prejuuices, that he might have the
glory of conqucring them. How he has sue
cccdcd, your own congratulating hearts can
now bear Witness
But can't for my lie Think continued
the pcrscvcring old lady, why she did not
find him out. know nobody could have de-
ccivcd me in that way
Gertrude spoke in a low voice to WASH
ineton Graham, who, gently Withdrawing
from the trembling hand that clung to his
arm for support, smiled and left the apart
mcnt. Clara followed him him with her
eyes, as if she feared he was about to vanish
like the phantasmagorla of dream, and
there was dead pause in the whole assem-
bly,. In few minutes the door re-opcned
and ayoung man appeared, dressed in IA plain
suit of the darkest green, his hair combcd in
shaded waves over his darkncd brow, his
complexion tinged with the same Gypsy die
Rover exclaimed Clara, and sprang for
ward with bound of irrepessible delight
Every remaining doubt vanished, and she
wept in the fulness of her Joy.
The old lady put on her spectaces, and
looking close IN his face, declared she would
never known him from Adam-onIy there
was IA sort oflook out of the eyes, that was
like nobody else in the world but himself
There was now general rush ofcongrat-
ula,ion towards Clara, and she was almost
smothercd with caresses from those, who, a
few hours before, thought it would be DIS
grace to visit her again. The bride of
Washington Graham was very different
a.. At L