Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-04-28

tnat was COmpelleu 10 seek LOT 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 pos
sibly sit up-while others we're afraid that
the loss Of nights rest would entirely unfit
them to enjoy this pleasant company. Any
other time, one and all would have come
forward cheerfuly for the sake Of Mrs. BEN
der With a feeling of encouragement,
called in to see Ellen, and found her busiy
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 sitter up would prove Ruthless.
81 am busy, Mrs. Hinton" was her re-
ply, "but not so busy, hope, but what |
can oblige you"
"Instinctively, it seems, had she perceived
from my tone Of voice, that had a request
to make, which her heart prompted her at
once to grant, if in her power.
81 am rather afraid, Ellen, that you are
too much engaged FOR what wish you TO
do. This beautiful dress is for tomorrow
evening, suppose 7"
"Yes."
"And is just commenced, / see."
Eyes"
"And of course, will keep you busy to-
night and tomorrow"
81 shall moi, certainly have much time to
spare" was the reply. "But what is it that
you wish me to do p
81 did wish you to sit up with old Mrs,
Bender, who is very ILL.,"
Tonight p
eyes. | have been to six or seven young
ladies, but not one can go. have been up
for two successive nights myself, and fee
quite worn out"
SIS Mrs Bender very i'll I" she inquired
in voice of sympathy and concern.
| "For few moments Ellen sat thoughtful
and then said with cheerful smile,
IL will 60 over tonight, and sit up will
her."
"But you cannot finish this dress, snc
do SO" said.
81 know that, Mrs. Hinton. But Mrs
Bender needs my kind attentions grea
deal more than need this dress, much as
have desired TO appear in it tomorrow eve
ming, and much as | need a genieel dres.
for such an occasion But had rather q,
with a calm consciousness Of having don,
my duty, than, without il, to appear in tn,
attire of queen"
"The dear girl spoke with an earnestnesl
that made her cheek glow and her ey,
brighten. though; had never seen he
face wear so lovely an expression. True I,
her resolution, she went over to Mrs. Bend
er's, aud remained with her all night He
dress could not, Of course, be finished, an,
that was not all. An attack of sick head
ache was the consequence, the effects o
which, upon her appearance, you all oh
served tonight"
"Admirable girlp' murmured Alton I,
himself as Mrs. Hinton ceased speaking
"How far more beautiful is truly good
sei-sacrhcing action, than all the exterio
graces that art can put on"
As.he said this, he booked up, and hi
eye fell upon the belle of the evening, Mar
tina Green. But, like magic, faded all he
exterior loneliness as he compared il wit
the moral beauty of the other. He sough
not her side again, and left the company a
soon as he could do so with propriety
The next evening found him at the dwell
ing of Ellen, in whose very look aud tone
he now perceived new attraction, and i
every movement a new grace. He 500
yielded his heart to the power of virtues ur
: perceived and unfelt before, virtues, who's
bloom and fragrance time nor change ca
steal away.