Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-03-17

unwilling prisoner. Time had softened her
grief, and she was beginning 10 regain her
natural cl'eerfaIness Of disposition. How
happily were the days past BY all but Frank,
who had been compelled to be absent at
distance from home, during all the latter part
Of the time which Helen had been residen,
at his mothers. In the month of roses
two events we're TO take place calculated to
render all parties happy. Franks return
home and Maria's marriage.
Every thing was now hustle and prepare.
ton for the joyous occasion, and Ned's hap.
ny face grew still more sunny in the expres.
sion, while Maria's countenance sometimes
assumcda shade of,hough ,as she con-
tempaied the new sphere of duties opening
before her.
1t was the night previous to the bridal
when Frank returned, and the warm recep-
ton he met with more than repaid him for his
long absence. Helen's suppressed exclama-
ton OF involuntary delight was not lost upon
tho ear of one who loved the tones Of her
voice more than the sweetest music.
II was the bridal night. The splendid
rooms we're filled with the gay and fashion,
able friends of the beautiful bride, who was
perfectly radent in love,ness. Every one
seemed happy and many fcl. so. In the
midst of the crowd, however, there was one
whose thoughts were far away from the gay
pageant before her. Helen was thinking of
that dear brother, who, il he had been living,
would that day have completed his fifteenth
year. His birth day had been wont to be
celebrated by joyful festival, while his father
lived, and thought was busy among the olden-
memories. Her emotion became too much
for her, and quietly stepping out on the pi-
azza, whose flower wreathed pillars cas-, sl,ad-
ows in the brilliant moonlight, she descended
the steps which led into the garden and pas
sing down IA secluded path, entered her ia.
vOrite bower of roses, to give "A few moment.
TO the memory Of her brother, undistnrbed by
the gaie,y around her. But her retreat wa.
noticed by Maria, and calling Frank, with q
merry glance Of her bright black eye, she
badc him seek her and request her to return
Franks step was so light that it disturbed
not the fair girls reverie, and he paused ;
moment ere speaking to her.
'Arhnr, dear Arthur = she exclaimed ,un
conscious that any ear heard her, your plac,
can never be supplied to me-
As Frank stepped into the arbor, Heller
started up in surprise; but Frank begged hc
no, to fly at his approach, saying a, the same
time, his sister had sent him for her. Il wa.
notaware,' said Helen, blnshing deeply, tina
my absence was remarked; but i! is dear Ar
thurs birthday, and sad recollec,ions cam,
over me. compelling me, to retire for few
moments to subduc them in solitude. Shal
we return =
Pardon me if dciain You onn moment.
said Frank. gently taking htr hand in I,s.-
r You spokS bnt now of ri,at dear bro,Ier VIII,
is gone; may moi Venture to hope that |
may fill his place in your hearth
Helen was silent ii moment, from surprise
and embarrassment, when Frank again ear.
ncs,ly entreated her, in tones of most clio.
quent persuasion, to b. his, and as the SOUND
of distant footsteps were heard approaching
he entreatej her to give him one word-ont
sign
Helen hastily snatched half open rose
bud Of crimson hue, and placed i, in hs hand
The language of flow rs they had studied to.
geter; he knew its meaning.
What more need say, bu, that the hes
} Of sisters became the hest Of wives.