Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-06-05
sure as am alive it is a woman! Bless my


sure as am alive it is woman! Bless my
stars, if it is not Miss Clara Stanleyn
Clara's first impulse was TO rush by him
and escape through the open door: her next
was to remain and prevent him from pursu-
ing Rose.
'Why, where is tho Pcdlar 2 cried he,
looking from side to side in amazcmcnt and
dismay. All, ha know what made the
old woman walk so fast. But I'll catch him
yeti
mo, moi exclaimed Clara, sprnging for
ward and holding him by the arm. you
can not be so cruel. lie is innocent, and
you might have his life to answer for
But it is as much as my place is worth TO
let him co. said the jailer, struggling to free
gers seemed gifted with wondrous strength.
ut is a cruel Office cried Clara, and l
would not wish to keep it. And if you do
lose it you shall have better one instead
My brother shall exert his influence, and you
shall not he blamed. Dear good jalcr do
not be angry, but remain quiet here. l new
er asked a favor of you before, and you have
said mother has been kind to YOU
so she has, and blessed woman she is,
replied he, and so have you too, as to that
matter; but what makes you take on so
about it : Is that young pedlar any kin OF
yours"
no. answered Clara, blushing, but l
knew he was innocent, and | pitied him.
Sorry indeed should be, if | could not be
kind to any but my own kindred
Clara continued her pleadings, and in
short, as the jailcr said, 'had such talking,
coaxing way, there was no getting away
from her. SO that she at least persuaded him
to let the matter rest, and suffer it to be sup
posed tina, the prisoner had broke loose from
confinement. lie promised, too, to say no.
thing about her agency, and to permit her
to depart unmolcsted.
But you must notgo barenecked through,
the damp air, said he, 'thc folks will think
you crazy. Stop till getyou a bonnet and
shawl of my wite's. | can get them withou,
disturbing her, and you can send them back
in the morning.
Clara thanked him for his consideration,
and the fear of being taken up for a crazy
woman, induced her to accept the oflor.-
But when he brought her wonderful look
ing shawl, lowered all over with beasts and
birds, and a straw bonnet which looked as
if it had survived a hundred fashions, she
feared the danger still existed, and that she
would lose her own indemnity in the various
transformations Of the evening. The good
natured jailcr laughed heartily. and said there
was good deal in things belonging to per-
son, and fitting them, after all for they be-
come his wife nightly
Clara showcred down her blessings upon
him, and returned home, while like Collins
Passions
by turns she felt her glowing mind,
Disturbd, delighted raised, refined.
How shall meet my mother p thought
she, when she reached her own door, and she
stood on the threshold pale and trembling
The cxutation of having performed gen.
crous action no longer buoycd up her spirits
with unnatural excitement, She felt that
she was a daughter, acting independently OF
mothers sanction, and she shrunk fromthc
tcrrors other penetrating gaze. A glance
through the window, from which the light
strcamcd in glimmering rays, relieved her
worst fears. She saw her mother quietly
seated at little work table, her Bible OPEN
ed before her, cntircl y absorbed by its sacred
pages. Clara was so much accustomed to
pass the evening in her chamber, for her alb
scencc to excite observation, and Mrs. Stan
ley usual y sat up TILL late hour, the tranquil
iiy of the night harmonizing with her cl,as-
tened and religious tone of character. Clara
stole softly up stars, hastily Invested herself
of hnr 81 ntt,ro aud .l;,,r Il
her disordcrcd looks, cndcavourcd to
compose hersclfto rest. But no slumbcrs
that night visited the couch of Clara. Her
nerves we're unstrung. The signing of the
window, made her start from her pillow
The clouds drifting over the moon, seemed
the shadows ofhorscmcn in the hcctncss of
pursuit.
The flight Of the Pedlar became a matter
Of three days wonder in town, during which
time active measures were taken to discover
the place Of his retreat, but in vain. Intel
ligcnce was received, just as they had given
up the pursuit as hopeless, that the real MUIR
dcrcr was apprchcnded, who, by voluntary
co iossion of his crime, had cxonerated the
young fedlar from the slightest imputation
of guilt ,-.wllo again made his appearance
in the village, the hero and lion Of the day.
BIT what was the establishment of the good
people, when it was reported that Clara
Stanley was actually going to be married at
her brothers where IA splendid wedding was
10 some distant place, where the Pedlar was
to give up ms profession, and try to pass of
for II gentleman. There was more reality