The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-12-28
n. BELL, Editor and Proprietor.

glad, therefore, tHdt tnelr arrival at the
house precluded the necessity Of "a reply
but the kindness of her voice as she bade
him good night, was long treasured in his
memory, and never reverted to but with a
thrill of deep and mysterious Joy.
A few evenings after, the schoolmastel
called with his portfolio, which was hall
filed withsscolored miniatures-some done
upon paper, others upon ivory They were
mostly ilkenesses of his friends-but few
were copies from the engraved heads ofpo-
cts and distinguished men, Among others
he showed Madeline a prettily colored pa
per-sketch of Aunt lydia, which he had
painted one evening when he had too bad
Geld to read aloud, as was his usual Gus
tom, when paying her a visit One of the
mcst beautiful ofthe paintings was minia-
tare of his father, which Madeline admired
much for its fine expression, and the bland
ness and benignity of the countenance.
The countenance is a true emblem OF
the SOUL said the schoolmaster, earnestly.
Here are two-the faces of nv sisters,
Miss Bartlett. They are plain girls, but
good and intelligent / am sorry l have nc
I record of my mothers face-she died when
/ was an infant
What an enviable-art is this exclaim-
ed Madeline, warmly, which can transfer
to small surfaces the looks and lineaments
of those we love. How | wish it were
mine =
The young schoolmaster's eyes sparkled.
1t easily can be, Miss Bartlett. You are
already so practlsed in drawing, that few
lessons would be sufficient to initiate you
INTO the mysteries of miniature painting. If
you will not refuse so poor a teacher,
shall be very happy to employ some of the
coming evenings in giving YOU all the little
knowledge possess
Madeline was slightly embarrassed by
this proposition. That Henry Waldo was
fond of being near her, was fact she could
not disguise from herself and though she
had but very pardonable degree of vanity,
she did verify believe that farther and ia
mlllar intercourse would increase this fond
ness. Ought she, believing this, to encour-
age his visits +! Could she, without injury
to her own and to his feelings, decline
them!
cannot refuse so kind an Offer she
replied, IN voice that spite of herself fall
tered; but am quite sure you will find
me dlscouraging pupil. mi ght possibly
learn to copy painting or engraving; but
fancy living flce would appal me-.
That | should suppose would depend
upon the character of the face-certainly
some countenances are not appalling The
schoolmaster said this with a look of such
earnest admiration upon the sweet face be-
fore BIN, Madeline was fain to turn away
to hide the blush that mantled upon her
check. As she did 50, she met Aunt Lyd-
las roguish smile, 'Ah,' thought she, Aunt
Lydia sees that even a schoolmaster can
have power over me. How ridiculous in
me to blush SOP
We need not say that Henry Waldo was
punctual in his hours of instruction-that
Madeline was jealous and patient pupil
and that her progress in painting likenesses
was not more astonishing than the facility
with which she learned to overcome her
preIudlces against schoolmasters
One Saturday afternoon, for these seasons
were also appropriated to the lessons, Wal
do brought with him fine antique head
which he wished Madeline to copy.
We will both take the picture, Made
line'-he had grown to call her Madeline,
now and see which can do it most accu-
rately.'
Having given her few instructions, they
went about their task, chatting merrily as
they sat opposite to each other at the little
round table. Aunt Lydia was near them
a mere copyist. She felt the inspiration Of
the art; and her pencil had not been long
at work before her face became all radiant
with thought and feeling Four or five
hours the young artists! sat steadily at their
tasks. AT length Aunt Lydia told them
they should not confine themselves any Ion
ger, but should 90 out for walk while she
prepared tea for them. The young master
eagerly seconded the proposition. When
Aunt Lydia left the room, and Madeline
was tying on her bonnet, he held up before
her the picture on which he had been EN-
ployed. Instead ofthe copy she expected
to see, what was her surprise and embar-
rassment to discover beautiful likeness of
her own animated and expressive face
why Henry she exclaimed; What
have you donel 1t was not generous in
you to take advantage of my unconscious
ness. You must give the picture to me-
Indeed, Madeline, that is asking too
much. If not generous in me to take it, it
is not generous in you to require it of me.
You must allow me to retain it
Madeline did not speak, but laying her
hand gently on his arm, looked at him en-
treatingly with her fearful eyes. Henry
blushed deeply. His own eyes were suffu-
sed, and he laid the picture carefully be-
tween the leaves ofher portfolio. There
is more perfect and beautiful likeness in
my heart, which You cannot take away,
Madeline he said in low, earnest voice
But pardon me, he added, in calmer and
more indifferent tone, turning at the same
time toward the door: shall we walk nowP
Once out in the pure bracing air, their
agitation was soon forgotten. They talked