Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-04-21

ner alone IOr any IeuSuI vi uHlc' tut tWO
nights remained with her myself, not wish
ing to trouble any one else, and being in the
hope every day that she would get much bet
ter. Yesterday found myself so much fa-
tigued from loss Of rest, that was compel
led to seek for some one who would relieve
me. Accordingly called upon several
young ladies and asked their assistance
But some, like Martha Green, had their
hands so full in making up dresses for this
evening, that they could not possibly sit up
while others we're AFRAID that the loss Of
nights rest weuld entirely unfit them to en-
joathis pleasant COMPANY Any other time,
one and all would have come forw ard cheer
fully for the sake of old Mrs. Bender. With
feeling of discouugement, called in to see
Ellen, and found her busly engaged on one
of the sweetest dresses have ever seen. 1t
was to be worn this evening.
Busy, too remarked as sat down by
her side, with feeling that my search for a
sitter up would prove fruitless.
Il am busy, Mrs. Hinton was her reply,
but not so busy, l hope, but what can
oblige you.'
Instlnctively. it seems, had she perceiv-
ed, from my tone of voice, that had re-
quest to make, which her heart prompted her
at once to grant, if in her power
l am rather afraid, Ellen, that you are
too much engaged for what wish you TO do.
This beautiful dress is for tomorrow eve
ming, l Supposed
Yes
'And is just commenced, I see.'
YES
And, Of course, will keep you busy to.
night and Tomorrow
Il shall not, certainly have much time to
spare was the reply. But what is it that
you wish me TO dol?
Il did wish you to sit up with old Mrs
Bender, who is very ill.,
Tonight =
yes. have been to six or seven young
ladies, but not one can go. have been up
for two successive nights myself, and feel
quite worn OUT
is Mrs. Bender very i'll = she enquired,
in voice Of sympathy and concern.
For a few moments Ellen sat thoughtful,
and then said, with cheerful smile,
l will 60 over tonight and sit up with
her.
But you cannot finish this dress, and do
so,' | said.
Il know that, Mrs. Hinton. But Mrs.
Bender needs my kind attentions great deal
more than l need this dress, much as have
desired to appear in it tomorrow evening,
and much as l need genteel dress for such
an occasion. But l had rather go with a
calm consciousness Of having done my duty,
than, without it, 10 appear in the attire of a
queen
The dear girl spoke with an earnestness
that made her cheek glow and her eye bright
en-. | thought had never seen her face
wear so lovely an expression. True to her
resolution, she went over to Mrs. Bender's
and remained with her all night Her dress
could not, of course, be finished, and that
was not all. An attack of sick headache
was the consequence, the effects of which,
upon her appearance, you all observed to-
night
Admirable girl murmurcd Alton to
himself as Mrs. Hinton ceased speaking
How far more beautiful is truly good, self.
sacrificing action, than all the exterior graces
that art can put on
As he SAID this, he looked up, and his eye
fell upon the belle of the evening, Martha
Green. But, like magic, faded all her exte-
rior loveliness as he compared it with the
moral beauty of the other. He sought moi
her side again, and left the company as soon
as he could do so with propriety.
The next evening found him at the dwell
ling of Ellen, in whose very look and tone,
he now perceived new attraction, and in
every movement new grace. He soon
yielded his heart to the power of virtues un.
perceived and unfelt before; virtues, whose
bloom and fragrance time nor change can
steal away.