The Northern galaxy, and Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1843-1844, 1843-11-29

strength by exercise, united with fine form
and very handsome features, made him in
personal appearance as well as in solid lear
ming and real worth of character, far superior
to his early friend. They were no longer
friends. The intimacy decayed from the
moment that Edward put on his green glasses
and assumed those airs which superficial schol-
ars too often affect, and which observers adj
mlre, wonder at, or despise, according to the
strength, or weakness of their own character,
and their knowledge of the coxcomb's.-
George knew Edwards perfectly, and the
latter sensible of this, dreaded his scrutiny ;
from dreading he began to avoid and hate,
and finally envy of the superior beauty of
George, and envy too of his superior knowl-
edge,-for when with him Edward still felt
his lnferlority, contributed to nourish and fix
in his heart deteStation which, being COM
pounded of many passions it was difficult 10
name, or describe but no injury could have
caused aversion more rooted, or anger more
inveterate.
The friendship of George for Edward was
from ITS commencement, as much more sin
cere as his strength of mind was superior to
his companions, and it was long before he
could believe that the latter had entirely with
drawn his confidence and even when the
weaknesses and Inconsistencies Of his early
friend were too palpable for excuse or con-
cealment, he still retained the kindly feeling
OF pity, but it must be confessed it was pity
mingled with contempt. Jealousy completed
his alienation. Julia Ware returned from a
celebrated school at Troy, where she had
spent nearly two years for the completion of
her education, about the time when Edward
arrived from New York. George had loved
Julia from childhood. At school she was
his favorite,-how his heart would beat when
he could obtain seat beside her, and his
nerves thrill, when his heart touched hers =
lie had never told his love, for he had all the
dilfdence that attends the tender passion
when most delicate, but he fancied she knew
his attachment, and hatiered himself she en-
couraged it, and every plan of future happi-
ness was connected with Julia She was too
beautiful to be perfectly free from vanity; vet
had sufficient intelligence and principle to
despise cOquetry; and besides, she loved
George dearly, and had no intention of ma
king his term of probation a long one. But
Julia was very romantic, and had such pre-
objection for heroes, that at times, the idea of
marrying plain farmer appeared humilia-
ting, almost disgracelul.
She was moreover, an enthusiast in her
country's cause; and to her ardent imagina-
ton the rhodomontades of Edward Barring,
were patriotism, and true courage. lie had
a set of fine speeches and quotations, LEARN
ed and couned by rote," which for short
time, impaired TO his conversation an air of
sprightliness and information, that did not be-
long to his character, and when he saw that
his attentions to Julia gave uneasiness TO
George he was stimulated TO exert himself to
obtain her favor. Julia knew this well, for a
woman is seldom insensible TO the manner by
which she has obtained her power over the
heart of her admrer, and she often determin-
ed to discard Edward yet still, when he talk
ed Of battles and sieges, which he did as often
as Othello, only tmat Edwards feats were
prospective, she listened. and when he quoted,
in the true Sheridan style,
None but the Jr0re deserve the fair ~
she smiled and never would give George; al
though she saw he was half frantic with love
and jealousy, an opportunity of explanation.
And thus the trio were situated when George,
by appointment, called on Julia, determined
to know his fate, as he felt the agony of sus-
pcnsc TO be no longer supportabfe. lie found
her sitting in the porch and Edward beside
her, his arm resting carclessly on the back of
her scat, and both conversing with gaiety and
apparently with much satisfaction. George
regarded them a moment in silence, just bow
ed TO their enquiries, turned on his heel and
had reached the step leading from the porch
with resolution, little short of vow, never
to seek Julia again, when the messenger from
Macomb appeared in sight. George went di-
rectly to the village; his father, as he had
predicted, was willing nay anxious that he
should Join the troops, and before the NOR
ming sun shone, the young volunteer stood in
the fort of Plattsburgh. 1t is unnecessary TO
detail the events of the battle; it is sufficient
for my story to record that not a soldier he
meath the American standard fought with
more determination than George Hopkins
lie was one of the brave fellows stationed at
the ford, and he was among the first that
Joined in the pursuit of the British when their
fight was discovered.
From that hour he was not heard of. All
the soldiers who marched from : . =,
returned, except George; and the distressed
and anxious enquiries of his friends, and the
exertions of Macomb, who had particularly
noticed the ardor of the young soldier, could
not ascertain his fate. But there was report
ed to have been discovered in the woods, the
body of "a youth corresponding in dress, &c.
to nlll- slOt anu Scdlpeu suppose 10 ne inc
work of some Indian that followed in the train
of the enemy.
Julia was inconsolable. The parting had
shown her the true state of her Affections
She found that she cared little for Edward,
while the danger to which George would be
exposed, deprived her of sleep at night and
peace by day. But when he returned, she
would meet him with smiles, and remove by
her frankness all his doubts, and with her love
repay all his tolls. These generous resOlu-
tons came too late; he had died, and died
while thinking her unworthy his esteem and
in the bitterness of self reproach she wept his
fall and her own folly. till her cheek was col
orless and her fragile form seemed suking to
the grave. To avoid affecting her grandpa
rents. she tried to conceal her sorrow, but the
struggle was greater than her spirit was fitted
to endure, and she felt that earth would not
long be her abiding place. Yet another trial
awaited her. Edward Barring was in love,
and if she refused to marry him, his life must
he sacrificed. After all the young men in the
village had marched for Plattsburgh, Ed
ward found that his charauter for consistency