Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-05-28


cheeks died with conscious bushes.
Il dare not speak of the ring thought she,
TO Gertrude now. If she has such magn-
ficcnt views for me, she will be doubly dis
pleased at the presumption of the gift
With her thoughts strangely confused be-
tween the blending images of Washington
Grsham and the pedlar, she turned towards
the woodland, and continued her walk alone.
There was one favori,e spot, where the
turf seemed grcener, the sky bucr, and the
trees bent their branches more lovingly
towards those who sought the shadow Of their
leaves, than any other; and ththcr Clara
directed her steps. She had concealed the
ring in her bosom, resolving to inquire at the
earliest opportunity the route the pedlar had
taken; but the opportunity was much nearer
than she imagined, for when she reached her
favorite resting place, there the identical
young gentleman was reclining, leaning on
his red morocco trunk, his hat lying on the
grass, and poctical-looking book in his
hand.
Clara started back in alarm and shame, at
thus suddenly finding herself alone with one,
whose presumption the restraining presence
of her mother had failed to check. The
young man sprang upon his feet, but his
manner, instead of being bold and careless,
was modest and respectful.
Pardon me- said he, 'if | have intrudcd
upon aspot, which perhaps is by right ap-
propriated to yourself If SO forgive the
sympathy which drew me hi,hcr.'
Clara's alarm subsidized at the difference of
his address, buther embarrassment renamed.
Il have no right here. sir replied she,
beyond your own. But since meet you, so
unexpectedly, | would wish Here
Clara stammcrcd, for in restoring, she knew
not how to avoid wounding hlsfcclings, with
out compromising her own dignity. She
drew forth the paper, which she had conceal
cd in the toldings of her dress, and handing
it towards him, with look Which she intend
ed to be cold and severe, added, 'This ring,
which | found on my table, believe must
be your property. l was wishing for an OPP
porlunity TO return it, as it appears to be of
value"
DO you then scorn my offering 2 said he,
drawing back with an air of deep mortiiica-
ton; was | too presumptuous, in daring to
leave this little token of the admiration with
which you had inspired me? know my
condition is lowly, and those, who look upon
wealth and station as what constitute the
man, may regard ME with contempt but
there is something in your countcnancc that
encouraged me to think you were above the
false prcjudiccs Of the world. No! madam
cannot take back the gift, worthless hence
forth, if refused by you. 1t shall never en-
circle anothcr's finger: but lie in the grass
beneath our feet, to mingle its pearls with
the dcws of night
Poor Clara assailed by naltcrv, breath
ed in practical higl-ilown language, such as
she had read in books, Tut never expected
to hear addressed to Observation-Disclosures in
the midst of her confusion, at meeting with
so romantic an incident in her hitherto unc-
ventlul lic--shc could rot rcpusc with
harshncss her humble admirer.
'lt is not from scorn that lrcfilsc your Gift
answered she 'but you must be conscious
of the extreme improperly ofmy permitting
such freedom in a stranger. Your conduct
is very strange, sir-very unathoriscd.'
is it stranger" said Rover, without SEEM
ing disconnected by her rebuke, 'to admire
what is beautiful, or Unauthorized to wish it
our own? In my somewhat Idle and waii-
lering life, have had leisure to cultivate
Inc taste and imagination nature has gwen
me, and think can say, mine is of no vul-
gar stamp. Books are my constant compan-
ion, poetry my passion, and nature my study
and deli hit. | am sure speak what is
true, and your own heart can bear witness
to t-therc is something congcnial to your
own character in mine. Two kindred souls
can read each other at a glance, while dis
rordant spirits may remain strangers for
years.
He accompanied these words by "a glance
such as Clara never met before, and il made
her heart throb, and her cheek kindc.-
There was glow, too, manting his own
dark cheek, an eloquent commentary on the
warmth of his language. She cast down her
eyes, and they rested on the hateful trunk
The badge of the Pcdlar-and her mind all
at once took in the ridiculous position in
which she was placed. a pedlar for her To-
yer ! A stranger whom she had never seen
but once before, and then her mother, gen.
lie as she was, had shut the door in his face,
ncenscd at his familiarity. Then the vision
Of the proud Washington Graham, such as
Gertrude had depicted, came in dazzling
contrast, to increase her mJrtiica,ion.-
These thoughts, so chilngt to romance, gave
ler sufficient composnrc to speak, and rcso-
luton enough to speak as She ought.
Il cannot forgive myself for continuing
his conversation so long. feel more and
more sensible of It's improperly. Since you
cave no other alternative, you force me to
ay your treasure where the dcws of night
will indeed dcface its lustrc'
She said this in answer to a dcprocatno
motion of his hand, as she again extended
The ring, and dropping it on the grass, she
turned TO depart, g!orying in the conquest
she had made, over the weakness and vanity
which tempted her to lingcr and accep, an
incense as novel as 1t was pleasing. Rover
crushed the ring under his feet, and his eye
flashed scorniully.
Il sec am mistaken. Every woman is
a slave to opinion, and fears to follow the
dictates of her own heart. A fine coat and
a fine cqnippagc are the only passports to her
favor, and provided the world approve her