Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-03-05

ITOIn his room. DHc HStcIeu IL was HIS
He was deeply engaged in prayer. He con-
tinued for some time, and then ceased.
As Lucy lay awake upon her pillow, her
mind reverted to the events Of the evening,
the arrival of their guest, and his acquain-
lance with Charles. There was something
in his frank and open manner that pleased her,
and in his mild and benevolent countenance
that won upon her heart. And then, too, he
had spoken of Charles as brave and gallant
officer, and that had endcared him still more.
Such thoughts occupied her mind until she
gradually sunk into the arms of sleep, to
dream Of him who was far away.
CHAPTER II.
Lucy continued wrapt in the quiet and
peaceful slumber Which health affords, until
somewhat past eight, when she was awaken
ed by noise which seemed to proceed from
the room of the stranger. She arose and
listened: il was groans of one in extreme
pain. She listened again: it still continued,
and recolccting that he had complained in
the evening of not being will, she immcdia-
tely surmised that he must have got worse.
Gliding softly from hor room, she proceed to
that of Mrs. Fortescue, which was on the
opposite side Of the house, and, awaking her,
made her acquainted with what she had heard.
The good lady Immediately arose, and arous-
ing one of the servants, sent him to inquire
what was the matter, and whether she could
be of any use to the gentleman. He return
cd, and stated that he was very sick |; and
that if Mrs. Fortescue pleased, she might
step in his room, and perhaps she could do
something to relieve him.
She Immediately proceeded thithcr, &
found HIM in burning fever, which fatigue
and riding thro' the sun the preceding day
it being an uncommonly hot one had brought
upon Inn. Calling in Lucy to her aid, they
administered some soothing medicine, and
after short time, the stranger sank to
sleep.
Lucy remained by his couch, whilst Mrs
Fortescuc retired again TO rest. She bathed
his burning brow, and famed him while he
slept, with all the tenderness of daughter
1t was morning when he awoke, somewha,
refreshed, yet the fever still burnt in his
veins, and Lucy would not leave him until
she again administered the medicines, ant
saw him sink TO sleep again. She then re.
tired, and left Mrs. Fortescue in her place
1t was past noon when she again entered
the sick chamber, and the stranger had jus
awokc. She sat down by his bedside, ant
inquired kindly how he felt. lie answered
somewhat better;' and, and, taking ;
small pocket bible from beneath his pillow
asked if she would add to her other kindness
SEES by reading from it a few chapters. She
acquiesccd, e. when she had finished, knel
down in prayer.
All that night she again watched by HI
bedside, and next day, when he was so mucl
better as to be able to sit up in a chair, sh
again read to him from tina, holy book.
Two more days passed away, and thu
stranger guest had become we'll enough t.
prosecute his journey; and on the morning
Of the fifth from that on which he arrived, hi
horse was brought to the door, and he pro
cceded to bid them far well. After he ha,
taken leave of Mrs. Fortescue, with man,
Expressions Of gratitude and thankiulness, h,
turned to Lucy, and, drawing from his poe
ket the little bible, presented il 10 her.
"Acccpt this, my dear Miss" said he, a
he put it in her hand 'as token of remem
brance from one who never will forget tn,
debt Of gratitude he owes Mrs. Fortcscuc ant
yourself. Sometime, if it ever lays in hi
power he will attempt to repay it; if not thu
only return he can make will be to offer up
next to that for the salvation of his country
a humble prayer IN your behalf. Farewell =
| lie dashed tear from his eye US he utter
ed the las, word, and mounting his nob
,teed, rode away.
| CHAPTER III.
Several weeks had passed away since tn
departure Of the stranger, and the worth
Mrs. Fortescue herself was laid upon be-
of a sickness and pain. A malignant fever
by no means uncommon in that portion O
the country, had seized upon her and sh
was now suffering under its baleful influence
At times, her mind would wander, and sh
would call upon her deceased husband, all,
upon her son, in tones oflove and affection
then again reason would resume its sway 70
a moment, only to be overthrown again b,
the poignancy of her pain. But she had
faithful and tender nurse IN the person of tin
gentle Lucy, who endcavorcd, by kindncs
and attention, TO repay the debt she owe,
her; who, though unconncc,cd by the tie
OF blood, had kindly given her home whe
her own had been dcsolatcd and DESTROYED
| VIC c'cH'iiS, WHcn NlTS. OTU'SCuc HAT
fallen into a transient slumbcr, which some
times succeeded those fits of derangcmcn,
Lucy took the opportunity of escaping from
the confinement of the sick chamber, an,
placing domestic in her stead, she descend
ed to the parlor. As she entered, she tool
the little bible which the stranger had pre-
scented her, and began to read. She had
however, scarcely commenced, when TIN
tramp of horse was heard approaching tin
house, and in a few moments the hall-doo
was burst open, and young man in the un
dress of an American officer rushed into tn
room.
r "Lucy !"-"Charles !" were the excla
nations, and the lovers were locked in eac
others arms.
"Charlcs, how glad am you've come y
she exclaimed.
"Yes, Lucy but must soon leave you
by daylight must again be in camp"
"Why, Charles :"
!, "Beca,sc have stolen away unknown
But hope soon to return, to leave YOU II
more. We are even now on our way to Wi