Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-09-23

did, she remembered her early happiness
but as one recalls lovely dream. Yet the
man who destroyed her peace, and ruined
the fortunes of his children--who robbed his
old mother and inbece sister of their daily
bread, was one Of those whom the charitable
world styles "Oniy his arm cncmyw
"What became of Mr. Liston 2" asked
Charles who had listened with the greatest
interest
''lIe went to the South, and assuming the
character Of a clergyman, which his brilliant
talents enabled him to support with great
ease, for little WHILE he preached in many
of the churches, and as have since heard
actually received an invitation TO preside
over a congregation. But, becoming wea-
RED OF the restraint, he went TO Havana, and
there married young creole, whose large
fortune was her chief attraction He lived
with her just long enough to become master
Of her wealth, and then under pretence of
visiting New Orleans on business, he freigh-
ted ship with his most valuable effects and
babe her adieu forever What then became
his course of life is not known, but five
years since, when Charles Haywood visited
South America in search of health, one of
the first men whom he met in Brazil was
Edward Lison. But the beauty of his
person had given way TO the bloated look of
habitual intemperancc, and his graceful
manners were now changed for the coarse
and oyerbearing arrogance Of the task-mas-
ter. He was living in aiiluence and luxury,
but indulging in every vicious inclination,
and Mr. Haywood in vain endeavored to a
rouse in his supplied mind some sense of
duty towards his long deserted family. He
had too long accustomed himself TO mere
self qualification, and now the very idea of
making restitution for past errors, threw him
into a paroxysm of rage, he was sunk deep
in the mire Of sensuaity, and thus he died
seven as the beasts that perish" Not
word Of rcmorse or affection ever arrived 10
solace the unhappy wife-not one iota Of his
ill-gotton wealth ever became the heritage
of his neglected children. Deliberately,
while he lay on his death-bed did he appor-
ton his fortune among the associates Of his
llcentious career; but no provision was
made FOR those whom he had so cruelty de-
prved of ALL He died as he had lived,
a voluptuary and an n6del. ft-
Can you wonder, Charles, that, knowing
these things, should have strong and in
surmountable prejudices against these on
whom the world besiows the praise Of good
koartc6aess in lieu of virtue. Dearly as ]
love Susan, believe me, could with more
calmness resign her 10 the keeping of the
cold grave, than give her 10 the arms Of one
who is "noLody's tnemy but his own."
Mrs. Wharton's voice faltered as she ut
tered these words, and she hastily retreated
from the room to conceal her tears
Dear brother" said Susan, as the door
closed, do you know whose story mamma
has been relatingl'
IL am afraid | can con lecture, Susan !
knew she had been unhappy in her married
life, but did not dream that such history
could be unfolded"
"We must not again alude to it, Charles,
because it always overcomes her even as il
has now done. But she has given us a pic
ture of her own suilerings and trials, which
| am sure we shall never forget. Her own
sad experience has taught her that the man
who makes amusement the highest aim of his
existence, degrades the dignity of human ma
ture, and make himself bondslave to vice
and folly. Her precepts have led me to be-
/ leve the truth of the beautiful remark OF
your favorite, Madame de Stael, "God in
creating man the first, has made him the no
/ bicSt of his creatures /; and the most noble
creature is he who has the greatest number Of
duties to perform.
81 heartily agree with you sister, but I
would go one step beyond the gifted woman
of genius, and say, that the noblest of God S
creatures is he who, haying the greatcst
number Of duties, performs them the most
oonscientiousiy and .fmtluly."