The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-04-05
WI or "a L - IA d R eIigiOus
AN ABSENT BROTHER AND SISTER
BY CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH.

BY CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH.
In the last work Of this popular writer, which
has been re-publshed in this country ARE fine
passages. The object oflhe work is to show the
superiority of religious over aooridiy and sinful
pleasures, and the following passage closes with
sweet thought. Two gay and thoughtess girls
call upon Laura, young lady OF pety and of ele
giant accomplishments, but who seldom went into
company.
The young ladies commenced las soon as the first
reserve wore eff, with EXPLANATIONS of pity and in
dignation at her being SO immured; assuring her
that she ought at this moment to be doing the hon.
ors of the table TO her brohers visitors. Laura
mildly replied that she under restraint
tina: her mode of life was precisely what she wish,
ed; and that it was the greatest possible kindness
In her brother to indulge her wishes go, suppose
you have not got over that shocking affair of your
fathers death yet; and wish to be retired longer
while out OF respect 10 his memory WE'LL nobody
can blame you for that, but you will never get up
your spirits by living like nun in cloister"
"I do not deny, answered Laura, "that should
under any circumstances " ish to remain, you
say, retired for some time longer but l will no,
make false excuse. 1t never and hope
or will be, my desire to mix in those parties Of
pleasure that you have just been describing"
"And why not, may ask? Is il not natural at
your age to like pleasure?"
"My idea Of pleasure, said Laura,"is something
that plcases me;and can fancy nothing but fatigue
and restraint in round Of visiting and dressing.
have noticed that among those who live in what
the world calls pleasure, there is great difference
of opinion and taste, as TO what it really consists
in; only on one point are they all agreed, it must
be something that drives from their minds al
thoughts of God and eternity"
"And no wondei," remarked the girl who had
spoken the least; "such gloomy subjects would
damp all the enjoyments of life
''Very true, Bell said her sister ,"but one thing
is to be said for Miss Keith:she has never been out
She is like person born blind, who has no idea
how pleasant it would be to see. Poor thug | am
sure that pity herr and il cooped up as she
Is, dare say should be fond of thinking ofdeath,
to get rid Of such miserable existence"
Laura took no notice of this speech; 1t panied
her, as implying censure on those whose memory
was most precious to her The young ladies' pro-
ceeded to look what was lying about, and see
ing some music, Bell inquired, "Don't you think it
wicked TO playa" then opening the volume, "Dear,
dear! protest, Rate, heres nothing but that fus,y
old Handel The bare thought of his noisy cang
splits the drum of my ear
Having criticised the rest OF the music, they turn
ed away with shrug, Kate saying, "Do you draw,
Miss Keith7''
ga litlle'
'sAnything besides churches?'' asked the young
lady, with look so responding, that Laura could
no. forbear smiling as she replied, ''My drawings
are chiefly sketches of the surrounding country but
will show you portfolio OF very fine prints"
After looking at two three, Kate suddenly
called out go, Bell look at this head is it the very
image of FredericK?" B ell agreed, and they APP
peared to forget their afectation, and everything
else, in the delight the engraving afforded them
t'You must know, Miss Keith Frederick is our
brother; great deal older than we. He was quite
father TO US, for we lost parents very young;
and you cant think how very dearly we love him
1t is now six years since he went TO India; aud he
is on the way back with large fortune, and he
will settle a; home and take TO live with him
We reckon on il, talk oft, dream about it. The
friends we live with well enough in their way
but so different from our own brother
eve have fifty disagreeable things to pu. uE
WITH said Bell, "but we comfort ourselves by
thinking how different il will be when we liv,