The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-12-28
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Unirersalist f. Ladies Repository
Che JtlIdge SrhooImaster.
BY MISS 8. c. EDGARToN.
Concluded.

Concluded.
The time passed so agreeably IN CONVEX
sation. in the examinat ion of books and
nictures, among which where Madeline S
drawings, that both of the young persons
we're quite amazed when Aunt Lydia enter
ed with the intelligence that the hour of
the Lyceum had arrived.
Having removed the white plumes, Mad
cline ventured this evening to wear her own
hat and cloak Just as they were leaving
the door, Uncle lothian appeared with the
design of accompanying them. Madeline
playfullv offered him her arm, but he shook
his cane at her, and declared he would
walk with none but his liege wife. She
was obliged, therefore, to accept the arm
Of Mr.. Waldo, who did not look at all dis
pleased with the arrangement
They found the school-house already full,
but by the courtesy of some of the gentle
men, the ladies were provided with seats.
Madeline felt herself to be the object Of
considerable attention during the short in
terva which preceded the lecture. But
when the little schoolmaster stepped upon
the platform, every eye was directed to
him. He BETRAYED some embarrassment at
irst-possibly his thoughts were upon this
beautiful Young lady who had recent lean
ed upon his arm-but having fairly entered
upon his subject, enthusiasm conquered
ali feelings Of restraint, and he spoke with
his wonted eloquence and effect. His voice,
without being musical, was capable of tones
and variations as electric as they were sub
DUNG. Madeline could not avoid regard
ing him as a striking illustration of what
mind and heart can do toward supplying
external deficiencies. Who thought his
features uncomely when lighted up by the
brilliancy of thought and the fervor of lofty
feelingl Who noticed the defect IN his
voice, when every nerve was thrilling be-
Meath its soul-swayed intonations? Certain
" not Madeline. She saw only the beauty
of his spirit, and heard the deep sweet mu-
sic of his thoughts. Nothing was to her so
fascinating as intellect. lnvoluntarily she
bowed down and paid it homage, no matter
in what form enshrined, or in what capaci
ty displayed. She reverend that little
schooImaster as though he were ofsuperior
CLAW to the crowd that surrounded him.
She was even willing that Aunt Lydia
should perceive her admiration, though she
very naturally desired to conceal its extent.
Madeline was not IN LOUe-she had too much
DIGNITY of character to form any sudden
and unwarranted attachment. We would
not therefore, have our readers imagine
that we have designed to convey this I'M
preston. We only pourtray faithfully the
influence which mind and heart can eXer-
else upon a kindred spirit, despite the pref
udices of education and conventional feel
ing. Madeline's imagination was excited,
her taste was gratihed, her feelings and SEN
timents met with an earnest and gentle re-
spence: was not this sufficient to justify
the admiration and reverence of young,
romantic and enthusiastic girl! Lore,
however, is Of less spontaneous growth. 1t
is nurtured on long and well-founded ap-
probation of moral worth, and spiritual
loneliness. 1t natures slowly; it endures
long and faithfully it is almost mvulnera-
BE to decay and death. Such was not the
sentiment Madeline now experienced.
On their return home, she hardly dared
speak in recommendation of his lecture,
fearing lest she might be unintenticnally
mnistering to vanity And yet she felt that
she wronged him by the thought; SO to a.
tone for the mental injury, she spoke out
even more warmly than she at first inten-
ded. She awaited anxiously for the effect,
fearful lest some CLEAN of gratihed vanity
should break the spell of reverence with
which she regarded him.
For some moments he was silent. When
he replied, his voice was tremulous, but
.1rvent. Il thank you from my heart, Miss
Bartlett. Your praise, if II be sincere, and
| will not doubt it, is gratifying to me for
ether than selfish reasons. L have father
"a kind old man who has been willing to
sacrifice much for my education, and who
is fondly looking forward TO my success as
the reward of all his cares and labors. You
Cannot wonder, Miss Bartlett, that for his
sake, applause is dear to me. 1t rs dear
own it. And from you it is the more val
liable, because | know you have correct
appreciation of beauty and of eloquence-
and Your appreciation is an earnest OF my
Igture success in higher and wider sphere.
lou must not think me ridiculous for re-
Telvmg your Communications so seriously;
nght and frivulcus as l may appear in my
urinary manners, the true element of my
'nsracter is deep and serious feeling
n, Madeline felt tears upon her cheeks
ne fall moon was shining in her face, and
were Henry Waldo's eyes. She was