Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-02-16


genco.
But all these things we're observed in mucl
less time than is required for the description
of them, and | was turning away with ar
expression of the mingled feeling that hao
been excited by the picture, when my at
tenlion was excited by the fxedness of Mrs
L--'s attitude. Changing my position
so as TO obtain a view of her face, | wa
startled by the extraordinary change which
had taken place in her appearance. Will
her tall figure drawn up to its full height, We
shrinking back as if alarmed; her arms fol-
ded tightly on her bosom and her hand,
grasping the drapery of her shawl, as if tc
veil herself from the eyes bent down upon
her from the canvass, she stood entrancet
before the picture. Her face was ashy pale
her eyes dilaled and vacant, her lips parteo
and almost livid in their hue, and her whole
countenance bore the impress of intense
horror. Alarmed at her appearance, adj
dressed her, but without attracting her no.
tice attempted to draw her away, but tc
my surprise felt her arm as rigid as stone
beneath my touch, while her whole attitude
was that Of one who is subjected to catalep-
tic influence.
Gradually the spell which bound her fac
ulties seemed to dispense, and as she slow
y and shudderingly turned from the picture
she fell almost fainting into my arms.
Let us go-quick-let us go;' she gasp
ed, and terrified by her unusual agitation
hurried her into the carriage. Duling onr
ride she did not utter word, but when we
reached her door she exclaimed, Do not
leave me ; | would not be alone just now; )
and drawing her veil over her face she hur-
ried up to her apartment. AS soon as we
we're alone and safe from intruders, she flung
herself upon couch and violent flood of
tears seemed somewhat to relieve the dread
ful tension of her nerves. 1t was long be-
fore she recovered from her excessive agita-
ton, and all my attempts to soothe her were
utterly useless until she had exhausted her
excitement by Indulgence then, when her
emotion had snbsided INTO the deep calm
which comes from utter feebleness of body,
she uniolded to me one Of the slrangest
moods of mind that it had ever been my
fortune to discover.
How long were we at Mr.. -'s
room this morningH she asked.
Perhaps quarter of an hour was my
reply.
And how long did l stand before that
dreadful picture 2
Not more than five minutes
'And yet in tina, brief space the events
of whole life passed before me-
'Your Thoughts must have travelled with
speed like that which transported Mahom-
ct to the seventh heaven, and restored him
to his couch, before the vessel of water
which had been overturned in his ascent had
lost one drop Of lis contents
Nay, this is no jest; it is to me sad and
sober earnest Let me tell you E, my
ideas on the subject of pre-existence.'
My dear friend, you are nervous and ex-
cited we had better not discuss such matter.
you think me a little agaree-you mis-
take my nerves have been shaken, but my
mind is perfectly unclouded. Ever since |
have been able to look into my own nature,
have been convinced that my present life
is only the completion of an earthly proba-
ton which was begun long, long since
what do you mean! You are surely moi
in earnest
i never was more so in my life, and vel
| scarcely know how to explain myself tc
you. There are persons who live and die
with natures but half developed circum.
stances call forth one set of feelings and fac.
ulles, while others are left dormant. Such
believe to be the case with the great proper
ton of men and especially of women in thi
world, and therefore it is that | have mucl
charity for those who fall short of my stan
dard of goodness, since there may be an in
finite deal of latent virtue hidden in thei
hearts. But there are others among mar
kind who seem TO have the use of only hal
their souls; not from the want of develop
ment, but rather from exhaustion Of the fac
ulies. Among the latter class rank my
self. | am calm, cold and passonlcss; neve
violently excited, never deeply depressed
kindly in my feelings and warm but not ar
dent in my affections. Yet do often fee
within me the faint strings of a wild an
passionate nature a throe of the spirit whic
tells, rot of repressed emotion, but rather O
half extinct capacity for suffering. In
word, believe that in a former state of Ell
istence Ihave outlived my passions
you are surprised. tell you my life
full of vague memories of a dark and trou
bled past. | am as one in dream tn
things which surround me in actual life ar
entirely dislinc, from the objects that ar
daily presented to my mental view as form
ing par; ofmy existence. Often that strange
painful consciousness of some past scene
precisely resembling the present comes owe
me, and can scarcely determine whether
is the reality or the vision which most iul
pressed me. My very affections seem to m
rather like old habiiudes of feeling, and whe
L look upon my children or listen to the
merry voices, dreamy consciousness of ha,
ing, years since. heard the same sweet di.
cord and gazed with mothers pride upo
creatures as far and as dear, makes me doul
my own identity.
THAT which is vague is always terrible
and my thoughts have gone out fearfully il
to the dark, cloudy past, seeking vainly
comprehend the wild memories that so d
/ turb my present tranquility. But to-day
to-day-l have seen vision which has sa
ished my quest. had wandered lis,less
about Mis- rooms this morning, thinl
i a Al -. a 4