The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-10-03

amidst shrubbery and trees opened the coach door
and said-''This is where Mr. Harden lives" As
soon as Mrs Sinclair had allighted, she saw beau
tifu girl fastening down the gravel walk to welcome
her.
"My dear aunt Mansfield" said she, holding out
her hand, show glad am that you have not disnp
pointed me.''
''Shall set your trunk just inside the gate mad
amp said the driver, before she had time to inform
Florence that her name was Sinclair.
eff you please" she replied in answer TO the dr-
yer, and again turning to Florence, was about to
make explanation, but at the moment she was going
to commence, Florinco again addressed her US aunt
Mansfield, and expressed her regret that her father
had been obliged to leave town few days previous
on account Of business and would probably be de-
tanned several weeks. This Information suddenly sug
gested the plan of suffering the family take her for
Mrs Mansfield: from her they had nothing to hope,
she imagined they would be likely to assume viz
tue they did not possess. She did not repent the
plan she had decided upon, when she entered the
parlor; she received a very cool welcome from Mrs
Harden and her daughter, Melissa.
''IIave you dined to day, aunt" said Florence find
ing that her mother did not seem likely to make any
inquiry of the kind.
81 have not,'' she replied son account of being
overloaded arrived late at the hotel where the
passengers usually dine, that il gave so little time
only few attempted to eat anything"
GAS aunt Mansfield has not dined," said Florence
to her mother in low voice, chad not better put
slice Of ham upon the ,able!'
"Certainly, if your wishes it, she replied in
voice which she took little pains to suppress "but
| = IL t.-u.. -F-l--
| table,
'I would not have you depart from your usual
custom my account,'' said Mrs Sinclair. sT don't
wish for better meal than can make upon bread
and bu tier and tea.''
Melissa and keep very plain table when Mr.
Harden is absent, and what save in that way we
appropriate to charitable purposes. Perhaps, howev-
err you of those who do not think it proper
to give to the poor less should encourage pauper-
sm''
ga widow" she replied, who has nothing but
what she with her hands, may oftener
possess the will than the of relieving the des-
| ttute. have, however, sometimes, in humble
way, been able to impart relief, so as to leave
smiles on those faces which I found dimmed with
tears.'
girl now appeared at the door, and requested Mrs
Harden to step into tho adjoining apartment as she
wishek to spead with her.
well, speak,. said her mistress; am ready to
| hear what you have to say
The girl blushe, and hestated, and then approach
| ing her addressed her in a low voice.
| Il SUPPOSE said she, 'as you have got company,
must put the tea and the gilt china on the
table,
| 'And suppose you must do CHI thing said
Mrs Harden in peulant tone Of voice, tho SO low
| she imagined il could not reach the ears of her un
| welcome guest. 'Let one piece be broken, and the
wkoe set is spoilt. .a,
well, don't know what to make of your moth
er, she is full of wbms said the girl Florence
who was assisting her, sshe told me the other day to
put the gilt china tho table whenever any real Ia
| dies and gentlemen here, and If that aunt Of
yours isn't real lady, am no judge gel
When they were seated at the table, Mrs lIar-
den filed white china cup with u broken handle,
resting in blue and white saucer, with tea, and
handed it to Mrs Sinclair. The other cups and sau-
GERS were of similar description, being evidently
the relics Of several demolished tea-sets. } s-
Mrs Sinclair requested Florence, who accompanied
her to her chamber, to furnish her with writing
terals and before she retired to rest she wrote
| planatory note to Mrs Mansfield, To prevent hel
from forwarding her baggage and to request her leave
to make use ofany articles of clothing contained il
her trunk watch she might need. '..
Mrs Sinclair had been in her few minutes
vixen Mrs Howell who lived exactly opposite the
Eagle Hotel, was approaching the house Me-
LISA ran and met her at the gate
| you cannot think how glad mother and I were
when you coming said she, sfor soon after
then we saw beautiful carriage s. pair of elegant
chestnut horses drive by, and we expect they went
to the hotel, we thought you might possibly know
something about them.
| .Yes, l have gathered few PARTICULARS she re-
piled, (which have come purpose to tell you.'
Mrs. Harden appeared at the door, and wei
coined her with great cordially