The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-03-08

,of the evening be missed him from the
rooms. At this he was not surprized for
: there was something in Mr.. Berry's appear
T ance which testified that the midst of a
crowd of gay and fashionable people was
not the place where he could enjoy the
highest degree of happiness. Nevertheless,
his young friend rejoiced to see him there !;
rejoiced that he and his interesting niece
| had not been mortified by the neglect of
their wealthy relatives. His heart glowed
with kindness toward Mrs. Berry and her
daughters at this proof of their delicate con-
sideration for the feelings ofthose who were
apparently so far beneath them in point of
, fortune, If on no other account.
Music made part of the evenings en-
J tertainment. Miss Berry played and sang
and she did both with skill, and was fol-
lowed by other young ladies, who were
willing to contribute their part toward the
pleasure of the evening. Last of all, at the
request of friend, Miss Sumner took the
seat at the piano to sing" Are there Things
J She performed it with peculiar sweetness
) and effect; the music and her voice seemed
made for each other. Mr.. Parks was both
surprized and pleased; and turning to Mr..
Eaton, who stood near him, he said.
Miss Sumner plays and sings admirably;
and it takes me by surpize, for though her
manners are polished and gentle, | had In
some way formed the opinion, that her ed
ucation was very imperfect
1t is far otherwise said Mr.. Eaton.
Until the death of her mother, which took
place not much more than two years ago,
she always attended the best schools, and
in music, the French language, and studies
of that kind, she took lessons of the first
masters. But this that you have heard is
by no means her best performance. You
must hear her play and sing The Captive
Knight She feels that song. both the mu-
sic and words, more than any other person
have heard perform it,
AS he finished speaking, he made his way
to the piano, and made the request for his
favourite song, which was readily granted.
Mr.. Parks did not leave his station, but
he listened with fixed attention. The COM
bined effect of the music and the words was
thrilling; at times almost painful. He
was standing in deep abstraction, when his
friend rejoined him, after the song was con-
cluded, and abruptly asked,
Does she not play and sing it admira.
IblyP
Mr.. Parks started. for the last sad notes
seemed still lingering on his ear, and he
laconically answered, Inimitably!
i Just as every one should perform it,who
makes the attempt said Mr.. Eaton. NO
one ought ever TO NEEDLE with that song,
who has not head to comprehend and
heart to feel it,
Mrs. Berry's party passed off much like
other parties. There was about the same
amount of conversation, compliment, fiat
tery, nonsense, sarcasm, envy, display, ca
ting and drinking, as is usual on such occa-
sions and at the fashionable hour the
company dispersed. On his way home,
| Mr.. Parks very naturally reviewed the eve-
ming; and he thought be had rarely seen
so interesting young lady as Miss Sum-
ner; seldom one who, in yivacity and hu-
mour, excelled Diana Berry and nerer one
who, at all times, and in all situations, ap-
peared with such elegant propriety as Lu-
cretia.
Not long after the evening of Mrs. Ber-
RVS soiree, 1t so CHANGED that Mr.. Parks
was in the shop of Mr.. Berry two or three
times in the course of week and at each
of those times Mary Sumner was absent.
!, The uncle looked more weary and care
worn even than he ordinarily did so much
: so that, at his third call, Mr. Parks made
some remark on the subject.
, Il have a sick daughter, SIR said MI.
Berry.
, And with new anxiety. you have an
, increase of labour. Latterly you seem to
, be alone said Mr.. Parks.
f MY niece said Mr.. Berry, always
, seeks the post where she is most needed
, can do the most good-administer the most
comfort. She is now constantly with my
: daughter
; The conversation between the two gen.
tlemen proceeded, and at length Mr.. Parks
: made some observation concerning the sa-
t sacrifice it must be, for young lady Of
/ Miss Summers accomplishments, to engage
in active business, thereby relinquishing all
, opportunity for intellectual cultivation.
: Those persons who have thrift for
: knowledge, will find time to acquire it, sir.
said Mr.. Berry; and as he spoke he OPEN
ed drawer near which he was standing.
t which was filed with books. This said
he, = is my niece's library. We are not at
all hours of the day crowded with custom
: ers; and in the course Of the week, Mary
, finds more time to read than many young
; ladies of my acquaintance can redeem from
/ the labours of the toilet, though the embel-
lishment of their persons is their only bust
| ness lie sighed deeply as he finished
speaking, and in such manner as led his
: auditor 10 suspect that some personal trial
gave rise to his remark.
Your niece is a treasure to you, sir said
AIR. Parks.
, 'One of the greatest ever bestowed on
me by the Giver of all good said Mr.. Ber-
, ~, while his countenance betrayed deep
, feeling; but | must not talk of her; for
, thong h could hardly do her more than JUS
: tice.yet should freely express my thoughts.
it would sound to the ear Of listener like