Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-11-15


| Pll tell you all about it, madam and
Cephise began her simple tale. as M
After leaving your employment, my
brother and had been about two years at
our little housekeeping, when he was seized
with an illness which threatened his life =
Alas tremble to think of the result We
were orphans, without money or friends
richer than ourselves. My tears were Of no
avail-they offered no relief knew not
what to do, when an old and charitable
neighbor who assisted me in the care of my
brother, told me that lady travelling with
her daughter-to whom she had recon-
mended me-desired me to wait upon her
at the hotel That day my brother was
worse. felt the necessity there was for
exertion on my part, and summoning forth
tude, fastened TO the hotel. They showed
me many handsome dresses, and explained
what they wished done. | tried to listen to
their orders without betraying my emotion.
/ thought Of my poor dying brother, and in
spite of my efforts to repress them, tears
rushed TO my eyes. The lady looked as
lonished, and kindly inquired the cause of
my anxiety. | told her all. She ordered
her carriage, and bidding me enter it with
her, drove to the humble habtation of my
suffering brother. She endeavored to cheer
and encourage the invalid, and at her de-
parture left us gold yes, gold TO supply
the many wants Of my poor brother He
at length recovered. and It's TO that angel of
goodness | owe all my present happiness
the Baroness Decourcy, she whom ! shall
now work for with so much pleasure. o.
take me with you when you go with the
dresses, will you, dear madam Dumas?
Surely. surely, if you wish it, said
madam. Il have promised the dress by
twelve o'clock tomorrow you shall accom-
pany me them
| AT this moment, voices were heard out
side the door, as if in warm discussion.-
Cephse's heart beat as she listened in fear
full expectation of hearing the sound of his
voice. Her anxiety was quickly relieved
when she heard the we'll known tones Of her
brothers voice, speaking to fellow work.
man and companion Of his.
Madam Dumas, with kind good morn
ing took her departure as Richard en-
tered and passed her with apolite salntation
He threw himself into chair His coun-
tenance appeared flush. Cephise took his
hand, and kindly inquired what had dis
turbed him.
Nothing, nothing, dearest sister; see
have brought you ritie; It's your BIRTH
day'-and taking from his bosom small
casket, displayed to her view necklace and
bracelets.
Dear Richard said Cephise, you will
quite spoil mel III should ever get a hus-
band he would never be so indulgent as you
are
Richards brow lowered-'do you think
of marriage, Cephise? Are we not happy
as we are?
Yes faltered Cephise, very happy
Tell me, Cephise, will you promise never
to leave me-never to marry, if take a
VOW of ceibacy! You shall be mistress of
our little domicil. The purse and myselfP
'And would you, dear Richard, be con-
tent to devote your life TO your sisterP
Hear me, Cepbisc. am not the dis
interested brother you think me there is
much of selfishness in my affection. IT'S
my happiness fear to lose, in losing you
IT'S now nine years since our mother died I;
you we're then scarcely more than child.
Her dying words were-'Be a father to
your infant sister, The week after she
died, | set TO work with the hope of gain
ing sufficient to educate and provide you
with a marriage portion. laid by some
thing from week to week. In few years,
you grew too pretty to remain longer at the
Milliner's. procured home, and here
we have lived happy in each others love,
and in you and this little home is comprised
all hold dear on earth Judge then the
vacuum your absence would create
| ~ -. l. 4. 4 asxwk el,f
thought Of Edward. But If a good and
honorable man, dear Richard, loved me,
would you then object to my marrying =
and she listened for his reply with an anxiety
she could i'll disguise. i4p edw
No, no, not if you t0ished it. But
pshaw you are not in love yet'-Cephise
bent her head to conceal blush-'so there's
no chance of marrage-love, dinner, dear
est. dinner must back to work.
Their little table was soon spread, and
they prepared to despatch their frugal meal.
'Ol BY the by said Cephise, allow for
our sex's characteristic curiosity and tell
me what was the subject of your discussion
with Julien, on the stairs, as you came inp
we were speaking of circumstance that
occurred this morning. Julien and were
left in charge of the shop, when two young
men of fashion, came in to examine some
pistols; while making choice, third
fashionable joined them, and with the voice
of hunter, cried aha, Count Chevalier,
how are you I! and with a hearty slap on
the shoulder of the one he called count he
continued-'m dear fellow, how comes on
your little amour with the pretty semp
, stress ?-Have you ended the romance, or
do YOU still act the disguised namorato.'-