The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-07-15

This pissed at moment when the attention Of iht
company present drawn to some engaging OBJ
jec Never before had Ferris received any evidence
of Anne's love, save from her tell tale eyes. The
flower was placed next hs heart aud he left the up
partmeut. He had pro cecded but few steps from
the house when he was nccosled by poor mendi-
cant clothed in rags, who was exposed at that late
hour Of the night to the inolemency of the season.
'Prny, sir said the heggor tc Ferris, 'cnn you
give me II lrinc am nearly starved and chilled
through by this night air.
Ferris after a few moments conversation with the
beggar, ((or his not the heart TO turn away from
the sulerngs Of fellow creature,) was convinced of
his worthincTs and handing him his purse cont lining
five or six dollars, he urged him to seek immediate
shelter and food. The beggnr blessed him and pass
ed on
a few nights subs equent to this, the occasion on
which Ferris had received Of Anne an ackno Wedge
meht of her affection for him, in the beautiful Ian
gunge Of Fora's kingdom, he again at her fathers
house. Mrs Il, Anne's mother, received him
as she did most Of her company, with a somewhat
constrained and distant welcome. Being woman
OF no conversational powers, she always retired quite
enrly conducting her converse with society in the
most formal manner. Ferris was much surprised
that MIR II had taken no particular notice of
his intimacy at his house, for he very sednm saw
him, and when he did so, he would the old mans
eye bent sterny upon him in anything but friendly
inviting spirit. In this dilemma he was at n loss
what course TO pursue heretofore he had des paired
of ever gaining Anne's acknowledgement of affection
for him, and now that he had happily succeeded
in this object, he equally distant from the goal Of
his hnt inIg tnlI III,
the consent of her parents TO their union could never
be obtained.
On the occasion he had taken his leave as usual,
when he was met by the beggar of the former night,
who again solicited arms, declaring he could find no
else to assist him, and the money that he had be-
slowed upon him had been expended for food and
rent of "A miserable cellar where he lodged.
Again Ferris placed his purse in the poor mans
hnnds at the same time telling him that he was him.
sell poor and constrained to the practice Of rigid
economy in tho support OF those dependent upon him.
lie left the beggar and passed his way. happy
in having contributed 10 the alienation Of human suf-
Gcring
Not long subsequent this Ferris called one even
ing at the house of Mr.. H fortunately found
Anne and her father alone, the former engaged upon
a piece of embroidery and the latter poring over
volume Of ancient philosophy. On his entrance The
old gentleman took farther apparent notice Of him
than inclination Of the head and "good evening"
SIR lie took chair by Anno's side and told her
Of his love in low but arden, tones, begging Of her
permission to speak to her father upon the subject.
'Oh, he would no, hear a word of the matter, lam
Sure,' said the sorowful girl no longer since than
yesterday he spoke to relative TO a connection
with R, but I can never love but one, Ferris,
said the blOe-eyed beauty, giving him her hand
Ferris could hear this suspense longer; in fact
The hint relative TO her alliance with another, spured
him on to action. lie proceeded boldly to that part
Of the room whence Mr. H BAT, and after a few |
Introductory remarks, said,
'You have doubtless observed, sir, my intimacy |
N your family for more than a year past, and must
nave ascrbed it to some motive. From the fact that |
iou have not objected to my alterations to your daugh
er, have been led to hope that it might not be |
wholly against your wishes May ask, sir, with |
lue respect, your opinion in the matter''
q have often you here replied Mr. II, |
and have found object your visits sir
Indeed, SIR you very kind. l have neither
ortune high rank offer your daughter but still,
'mboldened by ardent love, now ask you Tor her
land.'
The old gentleman laid by his BIO ok, and removing |
his spectacles, asked,
'Does the Indy sanction this request''
'She does
Have you thought well of your pioposali'
Il have
'And you ask-?'
'Yuur daughters hand
1T is yours said the old man.
Ferris sprang asonished TO his feet, saying-'I
hardly know how to receive your kindness. sir; had
ooked for different treatment
LISTEN young man. said the father; do you think
should have allowed you 10 become intimate in my |
Anily without first knowing your character? Do you
hnk should have given this precious child (and as
lie spoke he placed her hand in Ferris ~ to you be-
ore had proved you No, sir; out of Anne's ma
" suitors from the wealthy and high in society, l
ong since selected you as the only one in whom l
ould feel confidence The world call me cold ca
ulaiing man; perhaps am so; but had a duty to