The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-05-03
III. BELL, Editor and Proprietor.

his house IN the city, on the following day.
Proud of having done good action, the
garrulous hostess took advantage of the cir
cumstance to deliver an immensely long
harrangue to the young lady. on her new
duties, and on the dangers to which youth
IS exposed in large cities. The girl heard
her benefactress with modest thankfulness;
but more minute eye might have seen in
the countenance of the girl quiet firmness
of expression, such as might have induced
a cutting short of the lecture. However,
the landlady's lecture did end and toward
evening of the Gay following her arrival at
the Goat and Compasses. the youthful rus
tic found herself installed as house. maid, in
the dwelling of the rich brewer.
The fortunes of this girl. it is our purpose
to follow. The first change in her condi-
ton which took place subsequent to that re-
lated, was her elevation to the vacated post
of housekeeper in the brewers family. In
this situation, she was brought more than
formerly in contact with her master, who
found ample means for admiring the pro-
perty OF her conduct, as well as her skillful
economy of management. By degrees, he
began to find her presence necessary to his
happiness and being a man both honora-
BILE and independent mind, he at length Of
fered his hand. 1t was accepted and she
who bit four or five years before, left her
country home BARE footed, became the wife
of one of the richest citizens in London.
For many years, Mr.. Aylesbury flor such
was the name of the brewery and his wife.
lived in happiness and comfort together
He was man of good family and connex-
ions, and consequently of higher breeding
than his wife could boast of; but on no &C.
casion had he ever to blush for the partner
whom he had chosen. Her calm, Unborn
strength of character. conioIned with an
extreme quickness of perception made her
fill her place at her husbands table with as
much grace and credit, as if she had been
born to the station. And as time ran on,
the responsibility of Mr.. Aylesbury's posi-
ton received gradual increase. He be-
came an alderman, and subsequently sher-
if of the city and in consequence of the
latter elevation, was knighted. Afterwards,
the important place which the wealthy
brewer held IN the city, called down upon
him the attention and favor of the King.
Charles l., then anxious to conciliate the
good will of the citizens; and the city
knight received the further honor of baron.
cy.
Lady Aylesbury, in the first year of her
marriage, gave birth to a daughter, who
proved an only child. This daughter had
only reached the age of seventeen. when
her father died, leaving an immense fortune
behind. 1t was first thought that the Wild
ow and daughter would become the inner
itors of this, without a shadow of dispute
But it proved otherwise. Certain relatives
of the deceased brewer set up plea, upon
the foundation Of a will made in their ia
vor, before the deceased had married.
With her wonted firmness, Lady Ayles-
bury Immediately took steps for the vindi-
cation of her own and her child's rights
A young lawyer, who had been frequent
guest at her husbands table, and of whose
abilities she had formed a high opinion, was
the person whom she fixed upon as the le-
gal asserter of the cause. Edward Hyde
was indeed youth of great ability. Though
only "a years of age, at the period referred
to, and though he had spent much of his
time in the society of the gay and fashion,
able of the day, he had not neglected the
pursuits to which his family's wish, as well
as his own tastes, had devoted him. But
it was with considerable hesitation,and with
a feeling of anxious diffidence, that he con.
sented to undertake the charge of Lady
Aylesbury' s case; for certain strong, though
unseen and unacknowledged sensations
were at work in his bosom, to make him
fearful of the responsibility, and anxious "a
bout the result.
The young lawyer. however, became
counsel for the brewers widow and daugh.
ter and by striking exertion of eIoquence,
and display of legal ability, gained their
suit. Two days after, the successful plea
der, was seated beside his two clients. La.
dy Aylesbury's usual manner was quiet and
composed but she now spoke warmly Of
her gratitude to the preserver of her daugh-
ter from want, and rendered fee muni6>
cent to the occasion. The young barrister
did not seem at ease during Lady
Aylesbury's expression of her feelings.
He shifted upon his chair, and changed col
or. Thinking only of expressing her own
gratitude, Lady Aylesbury appeared moi
to observe her visitors confusion, but arose
saying. SIN token that hold your service
above compensation in the way of money,
;, / wish also to give you memorial of my
gratitude, in another shape" AS she spoke
thus, she drew bunch of keyes from her
pocket, (Which every lady carried in those
days,) and left the room.
What passed during her absence between
the two parties whom she left together. will
be best known by the result. When Lady
Aylesbury returned, her daughter met hel
with averted eyes, but her hand was within
that of Edward, who kneIt on her mothers
entrance, and besought her consent to the
union. Lady Aylesbury was not long in
I giving the desired consent.
"Give me leave, however" said she, te
the lover, ''to place around your neck the
memorial intended for YOU. This chain,
n 1t was OF superb gold, twas a token Of
gratitude from the ward in which he lived