The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-03-08

he found Miss Berry at the piano, practising
song which he himself had recommended
to her notice. He felt pleased, fiattered,
particularly at the deep and conscious blush
which sufiIsed he: cheek, when she turned
her head at the sound of footsteps, and met
his eye. He begged her not to be Interrupt
ted by his entrance. Music was Just what
be needed. He was to leave town the next
day, and he could never part from friends.
in world so full of vicIssitudes, without
painful sensations music would at once
soothe and cheer him.
He made long call longer than he would
have done, had be not found Miss Berry
| quite alone. Her conversation entertained,
her music charmed him; and had lie not
have been by nature a reserved man, he
probably would have uttered some things
bordering on the tender. Miss Berry plea
sed him. Her person was very agreeable
to his taste; her manners were elegant
she was accomplished, at least IN the ordi.
nary acceptation of the term; and the
rectitude of her principles he inferred not
only from her conversation, but from her
selection of books. During the whole of
his visit. there was 4 constant struggle be-
twiXt his natural reserve and his inclination
TO express the admiration with which she
inspired him. Particularly warm was the
conflict, when at the moment of parting
they stood near beautiful myrtle. He laid
MS finger on branch, was on the point of
breaking il of, and presenting it with SUI
table remark concerning the similitude be-
tween lis unfading verdure, and unchang-
ing regard; he was on the point of doing
this, and of begging branch in return :;
but, Tessrre gained the victory, and ne went
away an unPledged man.
MIR. Parks had gone but few rods from
The house, and his thoughts were still full
of Miss Berry, when he met Mary Summer.
She was walking as if in great haste. Her
cheek was flushed by exercise, but on her
brow was an expression of sadness and anx>
iety. Notwithstanding the occupation of
his thoughts, an appearance SO unwonted
on that bright and cheerful face, brought
back to his memory the intelligence he had
! that morning received from her uncle he
stopped to inquire after the health Of her
cousin. but she passed him so quickly, that
he had time only to say, Good evening"
This casual meeting with Miss Sumner
! seemed to break the current of his thoughts
! and led him anew to contrast the situation
| of herself and her uncle with that Of their
more highly favored relatives. The one
family seemed 10 know nothing but ease,
health, peace and prosperity while the
other was singled out for variety Of disci-
pline. Much as his admiration was AVA
kened, nearly as it approached TO love. for
the favoured daughter of fortune, all SYM
pathics were alive for the accomplishing
sufferers. He went on his way, repeating
mentally The WAYS of Providence are
dark and intricate but that which we
know not now, We shall know hereafter
Mr.. Parks was absent from town three
weeks. The day after his return,as he wa:
passing Mr.. Berry's the thought of hi;
daughters illness REQUIRED to his mind, an6
ne went in to inquire after her health. Mis-:
! Sumner, alone, was behind the counter and
her pale and melancholy countenance, and
mourning garb, answered the question be
was about to propose. He had met this
young lady but once in company; but he had
so often seen her in the shop, that he felt
her to be an acquaintance. After making
the compliments of the morning, he re-
marked.
Your dress, Miss Sumner, unfolds tale
of sorrow. Your laboIr of love was una.
vailing.'
Mary bowed assent.