Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-02-23

manly ideas-nothing more elevated as
rule of action than the simple, vulgar desire
to become the amanuensis, and now, sup
pose, the schoolmaster, of the whole vii
lsge."
Gould there be any higher or more man.
ly desire, than that of doing good, Isabella
bthink not. For my part | am learning ey.
cry day to estimate actions by new stand.
ard-tbe standard of usefulness to others
And | feel glad to think, that experience
as lively pleasure in doing good to a
ploughman or daiymaId, as to so-called
lady or gentleman"
but see where it will end, brolherw
THAT | am yet unable to see, and would
be very glad if my sister would enlighten
me-"
"Then ] can tell you in very few words
The end will be this Your position, and
my position, will be broken down in society
We will be respected neither by the high
nor low; the one will avoid, while the other
will trespass upon and annoy u.s."
Fear no such consequences. We pos
sess an antidote to to all this"
"And what is that, Frank ?"
1--WE are, brother and sister, alone in the
world, and were there not some taismanic
influence at work, should long since have
passed from the eye Of general observation
and from the point Of interest"
"And, pray, what wonderful power is that
which makes us hold our rank Z"
"That power is money, sister We have
been left rich by our parents, and herein
lies the secret Of our estimation. Thou
sands are passing their lives in obscurity,
with better hearts and better principles, and
more extensive knowledge than we. What
makes the difference Money! 1t is not
our WORTH then, that gives us consideration
but our money. For my part. am learn
ing every day to despise this groveling esti-
nation. would not give the single express
siye look Of gratitude on the face of an old
unsophisticated farmers wife after | have
written for and read to her a letter to her
absent daughter for it ALL"
Isabella could not satisfy her mind as to
the kind of reply that she should make to
this, and so remained silent. Frank re-
sumed the study of his book, and the sub.
ject was dismissed for that evening.
For several days in succession, Frank
Beverly's study was graced by the welcome
presence of Fanny Lincoln. Her simple
manners, and righteousness, pleased the
young man more aud more every time he
saw her. But he was more pleased at wit
Messing the remarkable progress that she
made in learning to write.
One morning, about a week after she had
commenced taking lessons, young Beverly
was disappointed in not seeing her at the
usual hour. He knew not how deep an in
terest the simple hearted maiden had awak-
ened in his bosom, until, by her failure to
come at the regular time, the real strength
of this interest became apparent.
On the next day he looked for Fanny at
the usual hour of her visit, but she came
not. Her failure to appear on the third day
determined him TO call over at Mrs Grand's
and see what detained her. As he came up
the walk that led to the cottage door he
caught a single glance of Fanny's face at
the window, but it was instantly withdrawn.
1t was some moments before his knock was
answered, and then he was admitted by Mrs.
Grand herself, woman of many exceIlen;
qualities, not the least of which were good
sense and an afiectonate disposition. She
had often seen Frank, and knew him very
well, although he had no recollection of her
face, for she had resided in the
village but few years.
"Mrs. Grand, believe? Frank said, with
a bow.
"That is my name, Mr. Beverly. Will
you walk in, sir ?"
"For a moment or two, if you please
have came over" he resumed, after he had
taken chair, ito have word with you
about Fanny Lincoln. You know, sup
pose, that have been teaching her to write
For the last few days she has not come as
usual, and as she makes such great progress
il is pity that she should not keep on until
she can write well. 1t is to talk with you
about this that have dropped in"
Frank paused, and Mrs, Grand remained
silent for some moments, in the effort to col
lect her thoughts, and then raising her mild
eyes to the face of the young man, and look
ing steadily at him, she said
Fanny is an nnocent-minded, simple
hearted, good girl, and did not imagine, un-
til suggested it to her, that there was any
in one of her age visiting regu-
larly, at his room, young gentleman"
Mrs. Grand paused here, and let her eyes
fall to the floor, while Frank smiled good
humoredly as he replied
81 certainly respect your sentiments, and
now that my thoughts recur to the subject,
must own that you are right But am sure
Fanny came to me only under the impulse
Of genuine innocence of heart"
"In that you are right, Mr.. Beverly" Mrs.
Grand replied with warmth. 81 know Fan
ny well, for, from little child have been
10 her mother, and she the gentlest and
most allectionate Of daughters. She is pure
minded and innocent as the snow-drift."
81 am sure of that, Mrs. Grand Frank
said and then after brief pause added,