Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-03-17

nus hopes, what pure affections, what lofty
aspirations after the good, the beautiful and
The true, were 10 perish with that noble
young heart We may see the old man
standing on the verge Of the grave, with his
venerable white hair, and the calm and quiet
chcerfulncss resulting from well-spent life,
and feel that it is well he should thus wait
for death; but when the destroying angel
calls away youth in its fairest morning, we
cannot but l,cave the sigh of regret, and shed
the tear of disappointment.
The Doctor had just returned from visit
to distant patient, when hurried messen-
ger summoned him to the cottage. He lost
not a moment in Fastening ihilher, Tor he fell,
deep and strong interest in the inmates of
that lowly abode. Helen me, him at the
door with fearful eyes, which grew somewhat
brighter at the sight of him, for in his skill
she had great confidence, aud his kindly
sympathy had won him place in her heart.
On leaving the room after attentively cxam-
lining his patient, with n countenanco from
which lie strove to Danish all dscouraging ex-
preston, for he felt that Hclcn's eyes were
rivited there, he told her she must take the
utmost care of him, for he required all her
attention. Blu, the quick eye of affection is
MOI TO be- deceived, and in spite of the doc
tors caution, Helen read in his expression
the deeper meaning he would Ciin have con-
cealcd. She became deadly pale, as the
thought flashed upon her that the beloved be-
ing so cntwned about her heart might be ta-
ken away, and she would have tainted, had
he no, supported her. But with strong cf-
/ fort she recovered herself, and then gently
but firmly insisted upon knowing the worst.
With the gen,lencss of father, the doctor
told her it was doubtful if her brother ever
recovered !; his constitution was frail, and
wonld not probably be able to resist this Sec
onl attack, brought on by again taking cold.
All that was in the power of man should be
done, and it might please Heaven TO avert
the stroke which, threatened her. Helen sue
ceeded in gaining an apparent checrfnness,
rs in silent prayer she returned to admins
ter the necessary remedies to her brother.
The Doctor called on his way home, to
tell Maria of her friends situation. He found
her jus, preparing to attend splendid party
at fashionable acqua,ntancc's. But all her
sympa,hies we're aroused with regard to Hell
on, and, turning her fine eyes. filled with
tears, on her scarcely less agitatcd brother,
she begged him to tell her if she should moi
go to her instantly.
Follow the dictates Of your own warm
heart, my dear sister. and you cannot fail ia
do right was his answer. And in very
few moments she had exchanged her costly
apparel for palmer dress, and the brother
and sister proceeded rapidly on their way to
the cottage. This ready kindness was more
ine., could bear, and leaning her head o.,
Maria's shoulder, she wept freely. Frank
cazed in,pn,ly and mourniully upon her, and
.!hcnght.nf the h'cch hopes so soon TO be Dc:
stroycd in this world forever.
The good doctor came very often, and
brought with him the most skIlfu Of hi,
brethren, but no earthly aid was al lc to save
the Young and noble form from sinking rap.
, idly into the grave. Without suffering yer,
great pam. he gradually wasted away, Will,
the uncarihly lus,rc of his eyes, and the bril-.
liam, flush on his cheeks, BETRAYED too lrul,
the insidions progress of his disease. liz
had requested to know precisely what wa
I,s situation, and Helen nerved herself tc
; tell him the fearful truth. Arthur bowed hi
face in his hands, and after momen's ST.
lencc. said, in n low voice. Gods will b,
done. Leave me, my sister, IA few moments.
Striving to repress her anguish, Helen lief
him, to pour out her soul in prayer to tina
Being who orders all things wisely and well
) When she returned, Arthur looked up, OF
her entrance, and said, while beautiful
smile iIlumined his features,-'It is m,
Father, let Inn do what seeme.h good t.
Him.
Helen sat down by him, and taking hi
: thin hand in hers. they held long and pre-
c,ous communion concerning Righteousness
i and the life to come.
: Many an hour did Frank and Maria pas
> in that chamber Of sickness. and there learn
I'D lessons more precious than any earthl
" knowledge. Oh! il was indeed beautiful, T.
" see the perfec. and child like faith, the cain
resignation, and the joyful looking forwar
d to the better land, Of that Young and nobl
y heart, and though many tears were she
II round his couch, they could not be tears {
10 bitterness.
IL
1t was midnight. and the last hour of Al
e thurs life drew nigh. His friends were a
: with him, and that dear sister, who had n,
!" left him for many days, with a countenanc
at pale with watching and grief, was still 81
p tin! by him, his almost Transparent, han
clasprd in hers. Deep stiffness was aroun'
~ unbroken bu. by the faint ticking Of ii
lie Dra,h-wa,ch, or the suppressed sob Of II
IN gricf-s,rirken group. Arthur had been lyir
t. for some time very quiet, and breathing gen
s. y as in sleep. Suddenly he sprang up. an
ia exclaimed Beautiful, beautiful j while h
r. kindling eyes seemed to be gazing on son
object invisible to the rest, but to him of so
d, enhancing beauty. Hush! hush ! he col
ng tinued, that heavenly harmony! II fad'
he fades away" and as he spoke he sa'
ad slowly hack, and the light of his brilia
u eyes wen, out in the darkness ofdeath. II
IS sister felt his hand relax its grasp, and risi
MS she bent over him, closed his eyes, kissed l
ng pale forehead. and with the single axcam
he iion-'l, is finished = the highly wrong