Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-12-20
ERMONT. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 90, 1914


Some of my best friends belong to the
same class as that of the old lady. and God
forbid, that should ever cut their acuuain-
tancp.'
None cared TO question the earnestly ex-
pressed opinion of one, whose talents and
character had placed him among the most
distinguished members Of the bar in his ma
tive state, and who, though young man,
had seat in the national legislature. The
party therefore proceeded in silence.
To Clara, Aunt Sally's arrival was an
event Of the highest Importance. She could
no, explain, she did not know how it was,
but she felt that her old friends presence
gave her mind all its former health and
peace, so that she at once found herself able
to follow her sense OF right with strength and
serenity.
The current Of her bitter feelings seemed
TO become instantly clear and untroublrd, as
it ever had been in Minden. The old lady
consented to remain several weeks. Clara
took the first opportunity to give full ac-
count of her purpose with respect to Francis
I Hayden, and received the warmcst approba-
ton and encouragement. Aunt Sally was
deeply affected with the story. and entered
into Clnra's plans with all the earncsiness of
a warm and pure heart.
Go on in the right way, child she said,
'lor it is the best way. Poor boy who
would have thought that Mr. Hayden could
act such d heathenish part towards his own
flesh and blood. But You mus, be prudent,
Claa. lie that handlclh a matter wisely
shall find good saith the wise man. Try to
soften the old mans heart. Who knows
what yearnings are locked up in his heart,
because his pride fnrbiis HIM to utter them.
Oh! pride, and will, and hatred, are dead
(nl things You will be loser in this worlds
goods Clara vet, Better is "A little with
righteousness, than great revenues without
right
Clara now began to be almost impaiien,
to hear the result of Dr.. Seely's inquiries
One afternoon the Doctor entered, and re-
qucsted an interview with her. Taking her
hand in his he led her to seat and then be-
) gan
My dear Clara | have intelligence. But
first tell me--do You still persist in your pur-
J, pose? Is there no hesitation p
, How can | hesitate to do right, especially
N'ific " 10 81 'tNtSSdi W NY "" u IledN L.
Tell me-, what nave YOU heard 2
, 'One question more, Clara. What say:
= Mr. Whiiney?'
What can he say9 mentioned the mat
ter to him, and he only laughed and caIlct
= me a would be- hrroinc.'
/ 'Yon are well assured then, that what 20,
purpose To do, will not affect YOUR relation:
With him 2 Pardon an old friends blunt
ness
: why should it7 can scarcely pario,
you for INDUCING the thought
= 'What are you about to do, Clara, MAY
entirely change your position and prospects
9 in life. Would you perscverc if You knew
Y beforehand that such would be the consc
: quence 2
I oh, Doctor, you should be friend to en-
., courage and strengthen me. | am resolve,
at any rate to follow the first movement of m,
r heart. Evil spirits have whispered, and vii
E you aid them ?
mo, will not wished to ascertain
= whether you had fully considered the s,cI
! you arc about to take. Your heart is rish
noble one, and if YOU ever want "A friend d,
e not forget old Fred Srclv. Well, then,
e friend of mine who resides in Paris, ate
e much patient inquiry, has learned that Fran
;. els Hayden and his wifi. are dead. Thri
X two Youngest children are still living, AN,
, since the death of their parents have bee,
. dependent on their mothers relatives in Eng
= land. Now, my sweet heroine, what shall
= be done 2
Send for them Immediately. Aunt Sail
q Collins will give them "A home until Cal
= prepare place for them in the heart of thei
grandfather
e But to begin speaking Of them to ,|lei
:, grandfather she found to be more dillicu
), matter than she had anticipated. For som
time, Mr. Haydon's health had been declin
: ing and now he was an invalid. His gloom
misanhropy returned and he would tolera,
G the presence of none but Clara and Dr.. Secl
f Clara watched for a favorable opportunity
= hut could find no moment when it SCENE
= wise to introduce the subject. At times sh
= delberated whether it would not be better I
: wait for the children's arrival, and then tax
II them into his presence and introduce the,
by leading them to speak of their parents.
: For some years past, Mr.. Hayden ha
u cultivated "A taste for literature, and now hi
u only enjoyment seemed to be in listening t
q the clear, sweet tones of Clara while she rea
d to him. One day when he had been NOR
e silent and thoughtful than usual. she en,ere
! his room, seated herself by his side, and be
e gan examining package of new books
IS which the servant had just laid on the tahl,
She drew out volume of Tcnnvson's Po
j. ems, and, without much thought. began t
II read aloud the beautiful dyl of Dora. Sh
;, had never seen j, before and any one VIII
d has read that exquisite production of Tenny
$. son and felt its simplicity. tenderness an
n palhos, can understand her agitation, as sl
!. went on, not daring to look up or stop, unit
she came to this passage:
n "There was silence in the room,
= And all al once the old man burst in sobs -
;, l have killed him-but love hm-my dear son
i May God forgive mel"
Here she stopped, overpowcred by he
, emoions-and there was silence in tina
room for moment, when deep yroa
bust from the old man and his hand graspe