Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1843-12-22

ity and good iaith she would have been the most
ungrateiul of women not TO acknowledge them
now. But, in tac poor Margaret did acknowledge
them, and in the simplicity of her nature had
mingled in her daily prayers tears of gratitude 10
Heaven for the blessing which had come to her
in the form Of one so fathery and good. In the
meanwhile where was Michael? AT home-at
work-under The Surveillance OF parent who had
power to check and keep in awe even his turbu-
lent aud ouIbreaking spirit. He had taken kindly
TO the occupation which had been provided for
him, and promised, under good tuition, to become
in time, proper man OF business. He had heard
OF the Widow Mildrod-her unbounded wealth.
her unrlvaed beauty. lie knew OF his iather
daily visit to The favored cottage, but he knew no
more nor more would he have cured 10 know
had not his father, with the DEVILS cunning, and
with mach mysterousness, forbidden him to speak
about the lady, or TO think Vt visiting her so long
as she remained among them. Such being the
nlerdict, Michael was OF course impatient TO seek
ont the hidden treasure, and determined TO behold
her.
Delay increased desire, and desire with him
was equal to attainment. While he was busy 10
contriving method for the production Of the
lively widow, his father who had watched and
waited for the moment that had come, suddenly
requested him 10 accompany him 10 Mrs. Nlldred's
house-to dine with that good lady, and 10 take
leave of her before she departed from the neigh
borhood forever. Michael did not need u second
TO the first was true Joy for Abraham. Marga-
ret, be it understood, had not invited Michael
The first year of her wido who'd was drawing
to close, and she had resolved at length 10 e.
move from the retreat in which she had been 80
long hidden from mankind. Her youthful spirits
had rebounded-were once more buoy
tude had done its worlS-the physician was no
longer needed. That she might gradually ap-
proach the busy world again, size proposed, for
time, small and pretty town. well known 10 her,
on the eastern coast The day was fixed for her
removal, and Just week before, she invited MIR
Alcra senior to a farewell dinner. She had not
thought il necessary to include in the invitation
the younger gentleman, whom she had never seen,
albeit his fathers constant and unlimited encom-
iums had made the CONAN less unwilling TO re-
celye than TO invite The youth, in whom the graces
aid virtues of humanity were said TO have their
residence. And AlcraIt was aware of this too
For his head he would not have incurred the risk
of giving her offence. With half an eye he saw
the danger was not worth the speaking OF. When
l saw that Michael never eat less food at q meal
In his life-never talked more volubly or better
never had been SO thoroughly enIranced and
happy-so lost to every thing but the conscious
ness OF her presence, Of the hot blood tingling oil
his cheek-Of the mad delight that had leaped
into his eyes and sparked there, it will scarcely
be requisite to describe more particularly the effect
OF this precious dinner party upon him. AS fer
the lady, she would not have been woman had
she Jailed 10 admire the generous sentiments
the witty repartees-the bran: passages with
which the young mans taste and memory ena.
bled him TO entertain aud charm his lovely hostess.
AS for his handsome face and manly oearlng-but
these, as we have already sad have their price
aud value always. Allcrait senior had the re-
markable facility Of observing every thing either
with or wthout the assistance oil his eyes. During
the whole of dinner lie did not once Withdraw rs
devils vision from bis plate, and yet he knew more
OF what was going on above il ihun both The indi-
viduals together, whose eyes it seemed had moth
ing better 10 do Than just to take full notes of
what was passing IN the counlenance Of either.
Against this happy talent we must set off serious
failing in the character of Abraham. He always
had nap he said, the moment after dinner
Accordingly, though he retired with the young
people 10 the drawing room, he placed himself 10
nm easy chair, and quickly passed into deep and
long enduring sleep Margaret then played sacred
airs on the uano which MieirueI listened to with
most unsacred feelings. Fathers and mothers !!
put out your children's eyes--remove their toes
cutoff their fingers. Whilst with a lightning look,
hair-brealh touch they can declare, nuke known
the love, that having grown too big for the young
heart, is painting for a vent-you do not lose your
pains whilst ye stand by to seal their tremulons
lips Speech Fond lovers did never need it
yet-and never shall. What Margaret thought
when the imprisoned youth turned her pages
over one by one, land sometimes Two and three to-
gether,) and with hand quverng as if it had
committed nurder-what size felt when his liquid
eye gazed on her, thanking her for her sweet
voice, and impIOrlng one strain more, l cannot
tell, though Abraham Allcrait guessed exactly
bobbing and nodding, though he was, in sumber
most profound.
Your talking and susceptible men are either al
summer heat or zero. Michael, who had been al
animation md garruiity from the moment he be-
| held the widow until he looked his last unuttera
| BILE adieus, became silent and morose as soon a
he turned his back upon the cottage and lost sigh
as he believed of the divinity forever. liz screw.
ed himself into a corner ofthe COACH and there he
sat until the short homeward journey was com
| pleted, mentally chewing, with the best appetil,
| he could the cud of that days delicious feust
Judging from his frequent signs, aud the uneas,
shiitings in his seat, the repaSt any thing bu
savory. Abraham said nothing. lie had buI
| few words to utter, and these were reserved fol-
the quiet halt hour which preceded the usual hou
| Of rest.
Michael" said the sire, as they sat together in
| the evening.
"Father," said the junior partner.
"Two hundred thousand clear. She'll be
| duchess"
A sigh, like current of air, flowed through tn
room.
"She deserves it Michael sweet creature:
coronel might be proud for her. Why don't 20,
answer Mike~
"Father she is an angel"
"Pooh, pooh!"
"a heavenly creature!"
81 tell you what, Mike, if were royal duke
and you prince, should be proud TO have he
for daughter. Bur it is useless talking so.
sadly fear that some designing RACIAL without
shilling in his pocket, will get her in his clutches
and who knows, perhaps ruin the poor creature
What rosy lis she has You cunning dog,
saw you ogle Them"
"Faiher!"
"You did, sir--donl deny it ; and do you thin
wonder at you, Mike? Ain't your father, an
don know the blood Come, 60 to bed, sill
and forget il all"
: "Do you, father, really think it possible that
do you think she Is in danger? l do confe,s sb
is The loveliest, the most accomplished woman n
The world. lfshe were 10 come to any HARM