The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-04-17

them, arrayed in her superb velvet cloak,
with feathers, &C., in the height of fashion,
The conversation at the party instantly recur-
red TO his thoughts, and he glanced at the
cloak of his companion. 1t was of plain dark
merino, and had evidently been much worn,
though every thing about her was so scrupu-
lousy neat, and her simple white hat so be-
coming TO her fresh complexion, that she was
Infinitely more attractive TO an intelligent
man. than the dashing Miss La Mode. To
test her feelings he remarked. carelessly,
THAT is beautiful cloak Of Miss La Nodes
No blush appeared on her cheek, as she qui-
city replied, 1T is indeed beautiful Mr..
Norton could not help seeing how superior
was this conduct to that of some young ladies
! who betray an uneasy feeling Of conscious
ness when they hear praises of another's ap-
pearance, which they know 10 be more brill
liant than their own. He continued TO visit
at Mr.. Harwood's and was always kindly re-
ceived but he was not one to decide to hasti-
ly on subject Of such vast importance, as he
! felt the character Of his companion for life to
be. 1t CHANGED, al length that he had a com
mission from an aunt in the country, for some
millinery, and although entirely unused to
make such purchases, he resorted TO the
most fashionable establishment Of the kind,
for the first time to exercise his taste in that
department. The milliner took him behind
/ a curtain which separated the two rooms, in
order TO show him some very recherche ar
ticles, and requesting him TO take seat upon
sofa, left him to search tor the important
box which contained the treasures. He was
beginning to grow impatient, when a sweet,
well known voice sent thrill through his
heart. 1t was Emily Harwood's voice. ap-
parently conversing with another young lady,
so close to the curtain that he could not
avoid hearing every word. Now he thought
| perhaps shall find the solution Of the mys-
terry No. said Emily, Il will not buy
such a gay hat as this. 1t would not suit at
all with my old cloak DO, for PHYS sake,
E,y dear Emily exclaimed her companion,
tell me why you have worn that same cloak
this winter. believe it is the third winter
you have had it. We have all wondered
why you did not get new one, and that spite
full Caroline Howard has talked about it at
every party this season.
i am very sorry,' replied Emily, laughing,
that Miss Howard has been at such a loss
: for subjects Of conversation, as to find moth
/ ing more interesting than my poor cloak
/ However, will tell you my motive for wear
I ing it, and | am sure, dear Helen, that you
will approve of it. But first promise me that
YOU will tell no one else. / should not think
of explaining it to any but you
Here Mr.. Norton almost resolved to show
himself He felt it breach of honor to hear
what was evidently secret; but his interest
in the fair Emily was so strong that he ex-
cused himself on that plea, and remained 81
lent.
Helen made the required promise, and
Emily proceeded:
You remember hearing OF the death of
my uncle Murray, last summer. He had
failed Just before, so that his family were left
quite destitute. Catharine, the eldest daugh-
ter, has been at Mrs. Wizards school for the
last year, and she was very DESTROYS Of re-
naming another term, after which Mrs. VIII
/ lard would engage her as teacher. She con-
sidcrs her one Of her finest scholars. But 1t
was not possible for her mother TO continue
such an expensu, and my father said that he
could not offer to DO it unless we would make
some retrenchment in our domestic affairs.
! Therefore offered TO wear my old cloak an
other season, and 10 give little Julia music
1 lessons, instead of her having teacher
| Now do YOU not think thai a sufficient mo-
tive? assure you | have felt more pleasure
this winter, in wearing that old cloak, than
should have done in possessing one even more
splendid than Miss La Modes, for now my
poor cousin will be able to support herself
| and assist he mother in educating her broth
ers and sisters.
That is just like yourself, Emily exclaim-
ed her friend, enthusiastically. j only wish
! could tel of it.. How ashamed Caroline
Howard would be Of all her ill-natured speech
EST
1t is needless to say that there was another
auditor who shared in the admiration OF Hell
en-. Mr. Norton was so delighted with the
simple recital of Emily, that he longed TO
clasp her TO his heart, and tell her that his
happiness depended on her alone. lie saw
the young ladies take their departure, and
few moments after hastened away, forgetting
his aunt and all her commissions, and leav-
ing the miiner lost in asIonlshment at his
abrupt departure. He reached Mr.. Har-
woods almost as soon as Emily herself and
astonished her by warm declaration OF his
feelings. She did not bid him despair, and
! it was soon after announced that Mr.. Norton
and Emily HARDWOOD were engaged, much TO
the astonishment of Miss La Mode and Car
oIine Howard. who could not understand why
she was preferred 10 themselves.
/ Mrs. Hinton was delighted with Mr.. Nor
toms choice, and predicted that he would
! have a pattern wife. She never forgot her
good resolutions, but her persuasions We're
; lost upon her former friend, Caroline, who
was. however, soon forced, by the failure of
her father, TO renouucc her extravaganza hab-
| its.
We must do Mr.. Norton the justice to say
that he had the candor to confess TO his wife,
soon after their marriage, the means by when
he obtained knowledge of her motives Tor
wearing the old cloak, which was ever alter
preserved as a precious relic. L can assure
nv readers that she did not blame him Sc
verely, and should this tale ever meet their
ewes, | trust they will both pardon the use
have made of the incidents related to me.
! nISTkJPI1TION