Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-08-30


the world less scene Of sorrow and tempta-
ton. Yet before leaving her, desired to
secure for her some earthly friend that she
a1irht not be thrown without guidance upon
| its tardy charities, and TO you alone of all
whom remembered as once dear to me,
was willing TO confide my precious legacy,
] had casually heard much Of you, that the
tide of prosperity which had flowed upon
you had borne away none Of the sterling
virtues with which your youth was ennobled. !
Never doubling what | so gladly learned, |
came hither, that at my death You might be
near at hand. Often you protested the az
fiction Of brother for me, aud so often
urged me to claim its Offices now do So
For myself ask nothing Resigned wholly
TO the will Of Him whom have ever sought
TO serve, look forward to the home he has
prepared for me; but in His name | con-
lure you to belriend my beloved Alice. II
is not from the physical discomforis of pow
erty | ask you to save her. To them she
has been accustomed, and TO continue de-
pendent on her own exertIons may give
salutary strength to her character; but it is
to the moral evils TO which an unprotected
+ state might expose her, which causes my
solicitude. Guard her from them, if through
the agency Of others; watch over her il it
shall be needed You will do it, Henry
my heart tells me you will and secure in
, your integrity, have triumphed over my
last and strongest human fear,
, Mr.. Stafford returned to the drawing room
f with the letter, and pointed out the passage
we have quoted. 1T is I, Alice said he, TO
whom that appeal is addressed. Your
mother was the truest friend Of my youth
I was an orphan, without sister or brother,
t and the master of fortune, such as often,
! to the young and inexperienced, proves rath-
! er an evil than blessing. 1t was she who
a formed my character, ipcited me to virtuous
I aims, and thus secured for me my honor,
the prosperity and happiness have since
! enjoyed. The gratitude which | was never
! privileged to testify to her, is due TO her
t daughter. From this hour regard me as
your protector. Whatever you please that
: will be to YOU He took her hand, with
r look that again startled her, and surprised,
: confused, not knowing what to say or think,
G she hurriedly arose to leave the house. Mr.
r Stafford took his hat and attended her in
v silence
0 Alice had intended 10 call on Helen,
r after this visit, and beg her 10 assist in OBJ
4 tanning such situation as she had desired,
a but now she felt too unsettled TO fulfil her
design. She sat down in her chamber and
: reflected earnestly on her position. She
: could not see that it was much changed
: II Mr.. Stafford, she thought, had not scru-
l., pied to address her with looks of tenderness
i aud acts of gallantry, while he held her
:, mothers letter in his hand, he was a person
TO whom she wished TO be under no obliga-
e tons Then instead of going, she wrote to
Y Helen.
r The next morning, earlier than her usual
It time for calling, Helen made her appearance.
IS We'll, Alice, have found place for you
d charming one said she, with a gayety
e painful TO Alice, as il seemed TO be caused
j. by the approach of separation; come
r quick, and get on your things | have a
= carriage waiting, and we will go and see
J. how you will like it,
;, Alice complied, and entering handsome
y private carriage, they were driven to the
d house of Mr.. Stafford, where Helen made a
d movement to alight, requesting Alice to ac-
company her ill.,
Excuse me, Miss Archer-if you please,
,, | would rather not said Alice, timidy
why so 2 asked Helen, looking so GU
$ rously in her face, that, having no clear rea-
J. son to give, and wishing to avoid any ques.
g tioning, Alice thought it best to follow her
re Helen led her into the library, and snatched
II off her bonnet after she had thrown aside
y her own. Now congratulate me, said she
for was married this morning. Papa hac
u, opposed my choice so decidedly and sc
"a openly, that though Mr.. Stafford, few day:
e. since, reconcied him toward it, we con
+ cluded to spare him disagreeable com
G promise Of his dignity by pretending TO max,
a' a runaway match of it. But did not dream
of its being so soon until yesterday, wheI
y Mr. Stafford insisted on its being done
u that he might make me mistress Of ceremo
Y MES, here and thus, at once, afford you
Is home, and my matrorly superintendence.' =
Mr. Stafford had entered while she spoke.
- He is extremely good faltered Alice
= 'and trust he will believe me to be grateful
~ but while | can earn Iivelihood-while
. have health aud strength for the exertion,
- should think myself censurabe to depen,
= on the generosity of any one. Your kind
ness have taxed too long, but | shall make
every effort to obtain some employment fo
- which | may be qualified, and until car
H. H. do that have no doubt Mrs. Lennox vii
!, continue TO favor me with her protection
ha Shame shame Alcep exclaimed Hell
o. en- Mr.. Stafford has been muni6cent Il
q me beyond all desert, yet would blush Il
III be guilty of the false pride of rejecting hi
or benefits Besides, you are to earn you
g. good quarters you are to assist in doing
ID the honors to instruct me to be steady, in
4, dustr;ous and neat-handed and this gen