The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-11-07
st. JOhnsbury, Vt. November 7, 1913

est gratitude irradiated her face. She held docu-
ment with a seal, which looked like some official
commission Two or three members of Congress,
who had apparently accompanied her, present.
On behoding the group, drew back; but was too
late to escape unobserved The President called up
on me by name to enter, and Miss Smith, turning at
the same moment, greeted me NTH inimtabe grace
"a call Of the Housel' exclaimed Jenny Grant
in his gruf voice, thrusng his head abruptly into the
room, and as quickly Withdrawing it.
"The sergeant-nt. arms will be after u.s." excaim-
ed ono Of the representatives.
"We are wanted ut the capitol" said another
"Wil you not accompany us, Miss Smith, since we
cannot return 10 your home with your -
"liero is one to whose care you may confde me.
May they noi'" said Miss Smith, turning to me.
OF course acquiosced, with many blessings upon
Jenny Grant for scattering Congressman.
Introducing my friend to tho chief magistrate,
gave my arm to the lady, and we took our leave.
When we were seated in tho carriage, sho ex-
claimed, pressing the parchment she held to her
heart; "At length have succeeded Thank heaven
have succeeded! An explanation is due to you;
for you are one Of the few who have respected nv
secret, and evinced no idle curiosity. DO not look
as II were on the of revealing some mystery for
my story is very simple one, and be told in a
few words. | am from small and obscure village
in the upper part Of New York, where lived with
my husband, young lawyer, until he was visited by
pulmonary affection, (which excited my constant anx.
iety. The physicians said there was safety in flight
TO tropical cline. Our means were too limited TO
allow of such removal. At my suggestion my hus-
band visited Washington, and made strenuous exer-
tons to procure small post under government in the
West Indies. lie failed, for he had never been
politician, and Of course political capital would
crue to the administration by his appointment. had
read in universal history, well as in that of the
dynasty, ofthe influence of woman in affairs of
state. persuaded my husband to dispose of our
little farm and accompany me to Washington. We
came. From the circumstances of his inessI could
not well appear in society otherwise than did-as
single young lady. / acquainted myself with the
most prominent members of Congress them
sharers of my confdence-interestedt them in my be-
half, and this day succeeded in procuring my poor
husbands appointment to excellent post in South
America. lie is now at Geofgetown, and has no
hopes of my Come and be a partaker of
happiness
Her eyes flashed with her elated feelings. An ex-
preston full of triumph and hope beamed from every
lehtuTe' NeNeT sne seetneu naii SO DeauliluI
The carriage stopped and we aIighted A physi-
clans chaise was at the door, My companion did
not TO notice it, but up the steps in front of
the house, and eagerly rang the bell. Never shall
forget his face and figure. she turned to me, while
impatiently waiting answer to her summons and
exutingly shook in her extended hand the parchment
commission. The door is opened. What an ex-
preston Of grief and commseraton is in that facet
1t is Mrs. Boutwell,. My companion pauses sudden.
y, and gazes several moments, without speaking in
her eyes, Too well she read their story The parch-
ment drops from her hand; and with the moan Of a
breaking heart she sinks back insensibly in my arms
The commission had come too late! The subject
Of it had been appointed to higher post than any
which human power could have established.
But what became of the unknown belle - Alas!
never again was the bright saloon made brighter by
her presence Never again were her sylph-like feet
to twinkle again in the may dance! Never again did
that beautiful form (more beautiful than young sculp
tors picture in their dreams) attract the admiring
eyes of a festive assembly, Such was her devoted
affection that she followed its departed object
to the happier land, where pure souls find their last
ing reward. Fashion missed her, and asked ''Where
is she ?''-but forgot the question it was ans
wered.