The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-07-03
MISCELLANEOUS.
From Graham's Magazine.
Poor Gemeiv@v@o
BY JAMES X. PAULDING, AUTHOR OF 1.-THE

Il W(OU WIG lWGlVGV9o
BY JAMES X. PAULDING, AUTHOR OF 1.-THE
DUTCHMAN's FIREsIDE," ETC.
Shortly after the conclusion of the late war,
gentleman distinguished as a schOlar,a wit,
and pollution, who stood high in the walks
of literature, and had risen to the most digni-
fed Offices by his talents and worth, was pro-
ceeding up the Mississippi in one Of the first
steamboats, that had evor piled on the bosom
of that mighty stream. He was self-made
and a self-sustained man, somewhat past the
period of blooming youth; but his person was
striking, his countenance highly intellectual,
his manners polished by intimate intercourse
with society," his voice exceedingly melodious.
and his eye capable of discoursing the most
eloquent music. During the course of the
voyage which was not in the most favorable
season of the year, he became gradually in
disposed, and finally got so i'll that at his own
request, he was put on shore at one of those
little old French villages, between the mouth
of the Ohio and St. Louis, whose size bears
no proportion TO their age, and whose growth
is so slow that, like the current OF a stagnant
stream, it is next to impossible to tell whether
they are advancing backward or forward
| The agitation of removal, and the heat of
I
was bilious fever, that he became partially
delirious, and being without a servant, might
have Jared but iudifferently, a stranger in
strange place, had not an elderly lady, who
happened TO be looking out at neighboring
window, been charitable enough TO have him
conducted, or rather carried, TO her house.
| Here he was placed in bed and Immediately
attended by physician, who administered to
him so successful that the next morning
his delirium had subsidized into one Of those
| low desperate fevers SO harrassing to the con-
stituton, so difficult to cure.
His returning consciousness disclosed TO
him the form of one of those ministering an
gels called women, sitting at his bedside, as if
awaiting an opportunity to present his medi-
cine, or perform some kind office. The sick
traveller at first took it for vagary of his
BRAIN but after rubbing his eyes and gazing
awhile, recognized female with cap such
as French attendants, generally wear, a plain
gown, and black silk apron, with a sweet,
gentle and expressive fa;e, apparently bear
ing the impression of deep solicitude. Per-
ceiving him to be awake, she inquired in a
voice of exquisite melody, if he wanted any
thing. Instead of answering the question,
the sick man whom ] shall call Hartland,
though that was not his real name, asked two
or three others, in low, feeble tone.
"Where am land who are voul"
"You are in ST., and am poor &C.
nevieve, your servant-can | do anything for
you sir?''
o, a nurse they have provided for me, |
suppose, thought Hartland. l shall therefore
stand on no ceremony with her. my good
girl, | will thank you for glass of something
to quench my thirst-I am burning up, L be-
lieve -
Geneyieve took bis hand, and after holding
it little while, laid it softly down on the bed,
saying as if 10 herself, sit does indeed burn
like fire." The touch of her hand was so soft,
that Hartland could tell that she pitied him
with all her heart. At this moment the physi-
clan came, and our traveller recognized him
an old acquaintance, a senator whom he had
known at Washington, and very eminent
man in his profession. He felt extremely
grateful at having so gentle nurse, and so
able physician. Yet his recovery was SO
slow that it did no great credit to either nurse
or doctor, for it was nearly six weeks before
his fever was fairly broken.
During that time he relapsed more than
once, and there were periods when all, and
himself among the rest.despaired of his recov-
cry. Day and nig ht Geneiveve was his at
tendant, we might almost say his guardian
angel. II he opened his languid CLASSY eyes
in the day, she was sitting by his bedside, and
if he asked for anything at night, he was ad-
ministered to by her gentle hand, and sooth-
ed by her gentle voice. At such times he
was occasionally puzzled by vague percep-
ton that he had seen her somewhere before;
but it passed away, like dream, when, with
all his efforts, he could neither recall the time
nor the occasion. More than once he thot'
he saw her wipng tears from her eyes, as be
awakened from his miserable intervals of par
tial oblivion; but he ended in being convinced
that it was a mistake, since what was she to
him or he to her. Genevieve had said she
was his nurse, "Poor Genevieve," she was
therefore hired for her services, and her at
tentions were to be repaid in money. Still
his soul could not resist the sacred impulse
of gratitude, and he promised before his Ma
ker that, whether he lived or died, he would
make her ample amends.
At length he became convalescent, and, in
proportion as he recovered, Genevive gradu-
: ally relaxed in her attendance, which was now
supplied by male servant. Hartland was a
little hurt at this, and indeed seriously missed
the soit voice, and gentle, compassionate look
OF Genevleve. 81 suppose her month is up,''
thought he in pet, sand she is waiting to be
engaged Tor another" Still Genevieye came
sometimes, though not so often as before; d
Hartland being now recovering from state of
almost infant helplessness. began TO study
her little more attentively. There was some
thing about her that puzzled him. Though
dressed like waiting maid, her appearance
and demeanor did not seem to belong to that