The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-05-30

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ed with unconscious warmth But this is working
day world, and life has realities which often force US
from the lonely localities, which hang their beautiful
drapery over the machinery OF our existence Lelia
had one serious of anxiety the midst of her
new felcity-her Uncles coat; she could not bear TO
see his diSnhed figure clothed by such rusty gar
ment She was at first troubled that Charles should
be so uuch better dressed than his father fearing that
tnge OF selshness furnished the lustre of his vir-
tues; but her Uncle had removed the fear, by acct
dcntaly mentioning that the wardrobe of Charles was
replenished by friend, to whom he was willing to
be under obligations, trusting that he would be able
to repay them, by the exercise of his own talents
when he was established in the world Her
Aunt Phis was in high state Of preparation for a
large entertainment in honor of Mr. Banks and his son.
Leila was distressed at the thought of her Uncle
Clements appearing at it, in his shabby suit She
would have begged her father to present him a new
one, but remembering the about the bed cham
Der, she dreaded similar refusal
'What shame, thought she, shat Uncle Banks
should be revellng in aucnce, and suffer his brother
to wear such poor apparel! should think pride limo
better feeling would nce him to more generous
conduct
An unexpected circumstance favored her secret
wishes. Her faher had promised Emira and herself
sett ofjewels when they first appeared in the raj
| ments of womanhood The fulflment of this prom
Use had been deferred from time tome, though FL
mira often remed him of it. Leila, in the compare
tive sccuson Of her life sighed for no such decora-
tons, and now her mourning dress precluded them.
Mr. Manners, finding himself in muniGcent vein in
consequence ofthc brilliant prospects opening through
his rich brother law, gave them each the money
requisite for the purchase, and telling them make
their selection left them, that they might consult
their Aunt upon the occasion.
Leila followed him with blushing earnestness.-
Dear father, said she, Il thank you than l
express for your kindness Yet dare ask for adj
ditional proof of your goodness Would you be dis
pleased if should devote this money another pur
pose than the jewels. am in mourning now, and
would rather not them. Yet If is gift to me.
and am permitted to use it as 1 would wish, you
will make very happy.
'Who ever heard of young girl who did not want
jewels before p exclaimed Mr. Manners, half ncredu
ious of the correctness OF his hearing
sWhat other purchase do you wish to make ]
thought your wardrobe was well supplied
sAnd so it is replied Leila, twisting her fathers
guard chain round her trembling fingers, for she fear
ed he would question her too .cosely-'but-ify you
will allow me to employ the money in the way like
best, ] will make unworthy of it. will do
nothing which your heart will not approve. Say yes,
dear father and do not ask to tell you any thing
more'
Leila had such beseechng way with her it
impossible for any but Aunt Phis to resist her.
Mr. Manners was touched by her disinterestedness.-
Perhaps his mind caught glimpse Of her purpose and
being ashamed that he had not anticipated her, he
forebore to ask her further questions.
sYou are a strange child, said he, smiling, shut l
believe | must trust you this time. Do what you
like with it. 1t is your own
Leila threw her arms round his neck and gave him
at least half dozen kisses; then running to her I'm
cles room here he usually sat reading at that hour
she knocked for admittance She did not realize the
indelicacy of her office till she stood before HIM,
with hue deep that of convicted guilt ,dyeng her
cheeks.
.What petition or confession do those h'ushes
herald p said he. laying down his book she enter
ed.
ut is, indeed a petition, Uncle, but know not
how to word it; fear you will be offended, and L
could not brook your displeasure.'
Il do not think possible for you to do any thing to
offend me taking her hand in both his-nor do think
could refuse any petition you might Offer were
it half of my kingdom
sThen take this triAe,' said she putting the paper
which contained the money in his hand, and clasp'rg
his fingers tightly round it, and let me see my dear
Uncle at Aunt Phs grand fete, as she calls 1t, IN
new suit which he must wear in honor of his, per-
haps too presumptuous niece
She dared not look in his face, and as he did not
sneak Immediately, she feared he was offended, and
that the pride poverty rebel'ed against the oernR'
lint tear which fell upon the hand that clasped MS
convinced her that his silence was not that oil haush-
Il can say with your iavorite Miranda that fm
fool TO weep at what am glad OF, cried ne at 'ehs"
Cor do prize your gift, my Leila beyond all WORDS
Not that attach much value to new coat a''ea a'
bu, the feelings which prompted the act sanc'"y '"e
Offering in my eyes. know that you VIII not 'o'e
me more than you do, in this old suit which inuS
wrap up in lavender and sweet smelling shrops' as
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