Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1842-05-10

before him. All was dark
sThev have gone to bed, said he after survey
ing the unilluminated mansion; Il might have
known it if l had thought moment Of the habits
of farmers wonder which is her room Per-
hans this low one with the rose-tree beside it.
perhaps that in the attic. Whichever it be heav-
en- bless her, and angels watch over her innocence
and beauty
How happy Biddy would have been in her lit
tie attic could she have known, while its prisoner,
that such prayer, from such heart, was breath
ed so near for her. But she slept in unconscious
ness that she had friend in the world who cared
for her How her heart would have bounded to
know she had one devoted lover, and he The youth
whose image had occupied SO much of her thots
since she first beheld him. and which always FORM
ed component of all her dreams Of coming hap
pinessl Little would she thought of flying from
home in the morning if she had known the hand
some Young fisherman was lowering around 1t.
Edward gazcd long while at the house. walk
ed all around it. and dwelt in Imagination upon
the loveliness of her who might be Sleeping with
in its walls
Yes he at length said fervently,I will see her
tomorrow, and if she is still worthy and will
marry me, I'll make her my wife
He turned to leave the spot when Bruin, now
first conscious of the presence of an intruder,
sprung towards him with an angry growl. He
started back and then spoke to him in low au'
lucrative and fearless tone The dogs menacing
approach was instantly exchanged for one more
friendly, and coming slowly up to him he scented
round his feet and then stood still beside him.
Noble fellow said MorrIs,who had checked his
ierceness by speaking to him in the tone in which
he was accustomed to address his own dogs; doubt
less if you had speech you would relieve many
doubt for me. Now, good night sweet maiden 7
he said, looking towards the house tomorrow |
will see thee and thou shalt decide my destiny, for
thou alone hast it in thy keeping
With these words he turned and walked tow
ards home Brun trotted gravely at his side, as
if to escort and see him quite off the premises
At the bars the sagacious dog stopped and watch
ed him till he got out Of sight across the meadow
and then turned and walked slowly back to the
house, wondering, no doubt, what that stranger
could have wanted about the farm house at that
time Of night About four or five hours af,er-
wards he saw Biddy herself appear with bundle,
when, doubtless, his sober wonder was very much
increased His affection for her, however, led
him to follow her away without making any re-
mark about the singularity ofthe circumstance.
Edward safely reached home, and went TO bed
to dream ofapple-trees and haymakng girls in old
straw hats After breakfast the next morning, he
sauntered along the creek across the meadow, no.
ping he might fall in with Biddy. Although
"There be little spirits to aid lovers in extremity,
none came to Edwards assistance in the shape of
Biddy, and he finally came very near the farm
house without seeing any one. There seemed to
be . good deal of hustle there, and two or three
neighbors were outside the door, talking loudly
and earnestly with Mrs Woodruff and her two
daughters, who stood in it. Approaching nearer
with curiosity, he heard one of the women saw
'Sarved you Just right, Mrs woodruff The
4 1-~1 l. L. =
to the neighbors'
yes, indeed 1t has, echoed another one
'Sbe was lazy trolope, and as sassing as a
lady, said Mrs Woodruff, lifting her voice in de-
fence of herself
She had city beaux and thought herself above
common folks, said Miss Euphrosia
Eyes, and shouldn't wonder if she'd run off
with one on 'em, jss for her treatin her so onnat
aral,' said the first speaker Biddy was a good
gal and every body liked her.
YES, said another neighbor, 'and for my part,
hopes, Mrs Woodruff, she'll stay away till you
can learn to act like human mother towards her
Shell bring shame and disgrace on the family,
said Miss Euphrosia, weeping
Your treatment to her has brought shame and
disgrace on it alreadymss,' said one of the neigh
bors sharply Come folks, let's go home, and
not trouble ourselves no more about the matter |
I'm glad she's gone You may go to the other
neighbors and hunt, as we'll as to our houses, but
I reckon she's better looked out for herself than
to let you lock her up again very soon, as David
Woodruff says you did, all day yesterday, on
bread and water
tits a lie shrieked Mrs Woodruff after them,
as theytuned away.
YES father, lies said the gentle Miss Euphro-
sia ; I'VE didn't lock her up and Bddy lies if she
dare tell any body SOY
what seems to be the difficulty, good women
said Edward to the neighbors, whom Sallys ac-
count of Biddy's flight, on going in search of her,
had brought over to Mrs Woodhulls house, were
passing the place where he stood by the gate
"Why, it's Mrs. Woodruff, our neighbor, here,
SIR answered one of the most forward, 'who has
always treated her daughter Biddy, nice pretty,
and good girl as ever was, iist like slave! And,
yesterday, because somebody said how they saw,
two months ago, a city young gentleman sit and
talk withher under the old apple-tree in the mead
,Ow, when old David was asleep beneath it, what
must she do but lock her up on bread and water
The internal hag,' exclaimed Edward, with
indignation.
Pm sorry to hear you swear, sir,but it is pity
~ ,a1- a. bo- L