The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-04-13

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altogether charity bestowed; and among the Latter
class there was particularly one whose rounded
symetrical person, fair and blooming face, and IN
telligen; and sweetjy expressive countenance, all
stri.ingy contrasted with the drooping forms, plain
features and passive, unmeaning looks OF most oil
her unltractve companions.
Just the last rays of the sinking sun were fad.
ing from the lofty summit Of the distant Kearsarge
the word was passed for the people 10 leave work
and return TO their BONUSES. AS The company were
promiscuousy, though IN their usual quiet and IN
socable manner, retiring from the field, one of the
men, n dark eyed, compactly built young fellow oil
about twenty zone bearing large basket of apples
upon bis shoulder, conuiYed to cross the path oi
the young Quakeress just described. While do.
ing this, and when directly before her at few
yards distance he made a seemingly accidental mis-
step, which suddenly brought his basket to the
ground, and sent its contents rolling over the
grass around, till they net the feet Of the approach
Ing maiden, who instantly paused and smiled al
the little mishap which had thus oddly interrupted
her in her course. The youth immeda lately threw
himself upon his knees among the scattered fruit,
"a If intent only gathering il up; but, willis his
hands were busily employed for that purpose, Bis
eyes turned with quick, eager look upon the face
OF the girl. .
at the elm tree, Martha" he said in a low,
hurried tone, "neet me at the elm tree, at the low
er end, of the orchard, Immediately after worship
at is OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES, Seib!'' replied The
maiden, slightly colnring, and casting an uneasy
glance around her.
"Now do beseech thee, Martha" he persisted
impioringly; al have matters of moment to impart
10 thee, and it may be the last tme-yea, il will
be, It thee refuse me now. Will thou not come,
thenP"
"Perhaps,' answered the GIRL after hesitating
pause, in which she threw n look of inquiry and
concern upon the youth, but seemed TO suppress
the question which rose her to lps-"pe-haps, III
can get from the bindings unnoticed But thee
need not have spilled thy apples for so poor pur
pose, Seth" -f ...
So saving she hastily turned away, and with
qnickened steps pursued her course after her
treating companions, while the other now proceed
ed in earnest TO pick up his scattered apples. This
being completed he was abou. TO rise, when look
ing aroucd him, he encountered the gaze of man
peering at him irom under the low hanging branch
es Of neighborIng apple.tree glance sutfced
10 apprise tho young man of the character and OBJ
ject Of The neloper; for in the thick dumpy figure
little hooked nose, whitish, goating eyes and III
mened countenance of the man, he ut once recog-
nized one OF the leaders Of the society," and the one
Of all others whose notice at this juncure he would
have been most anxious ~ avoid
"Well, make the most OF it, thou vile seeker of
accusations" Indignantly muttere1 the young man
between his teeth, as, with n look of Defiance he
shnuldered his basket and proceeded homeward
followed al a short distance by the object of his
version, who did not seem inclined to make any
immediate of such discoveries as he might have
made with his eyes, for the distance pIecluded the
possibility of bus hearing word that had been ui~
icred
But, before proceeding any further with our sto.
y,
tie particularly Of the different characters we
have introduced, AND avert TO such circumstances
OF previous occurrence as may be necessary for
iull understanding Of the situation in which they
re atyely stood towards ench other al the time co
sen ioI their introduction.
Seth Gilmore had been an orphan almost from !
his childhood. AT tho death ofhs last remaining
pareut, he taken home by uncle, old
bachelor of considerable property, TO which it was
supposed the boy would eventually succeed. But,
~ riie course of year or two, another, and much
older nephew was taken home; and, being of a sci
fish. intriguing disposition, he soon con,r'ved en-
trely to supplaDt the former in the affections Of
the changeable uncle, who, not long alter, was in
duced to give the unoffendng little Seth TO the
Shakers of the establishment of which we are
speaking. Here continuing to remain, he became,
as he grew up, noted among the family for his
activity and capacity orbpsness; and
before he had arrived at the age OF twenty, he was
ackno lodged by all tn be one OF the most sklliui
aud efficient hands OH The farm. So far nothing i'm
portant had occurred TO vary the dull monotony of
the Shaker life. But about tins time Seth began
20 think for himself, and become DESTROYS of acqur
ing international very great error he was taught
10 believe by the leaders, who hold that Ignorance
is the mother of devotion" and that the youth and
all the common members Of the family should yieid
to those who are gifted to think aor them
and instruct them in all that is necessary TO be
known. The young man, however, wilfully per.
sisted in his notions; and, by the promptings of
this heretical spirit, he sought the acquaintance OF
Two three yoiag snea Of the ,oorld (as all with
out the pale of the society arc termed who occa-
sionaiy visited the establishment for the transac.
ton of business from motives of curiosity. Be-
ing eager orinquiry and quick to comprehend, he
soon gained information from these which showed
him the falsi,v many of the strange ideas and
Impressions he had here imbibed respecting society
1t large, and otherwise afforded him the means of
Judging from which he had been wholly debarred;
or il is the settled policy Of the leaders of this peo
pie, in order 10 make faithful and contented sub.
ects, not only 10 insu into the minds OF their
youth the greatest possible abh6rrehce OF the world
which is counted and represented as dishonest, Ii
,entous and every way corrupt, but to guard with
intiring vIgilence every avenue of inioi mi ton
Ina. might have tendency to undermine or dimn
sh the preiudices and opinions thus inculcated.
Seth's mind, however, when once called into &C :
ION, of cast not easily to be thus trammeled .
md the doubts which his own reason at first sug
rested, being constantly strengthened by the facts
gathered in his intercourse with these young men,
md the books that he borrowed Of them and secret
y read, in spite of his masters spiritual and tens G
,ora he at length became confirmed disbelieVer
n the creed to which he had been brought up, and
,egan seriously 10 mediate the expedence of c
und ering the ties VIII ch bound him to the society
But before his views had become very definitely J
ettled these subjects, any plan OF future nc-
10 Al