Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-11-15
THE sUNSMITH OF ORLEANS,
OR THE
DEAD WOMAN'S SECRET.

ny aas. ELIZA SHERIDAN.

In an humble street in Paris, occupying
the third floor Of respectable house, lived
the hero and heroine of the present tale,
Cephise aud Richard NORM.
They were Orphans; brother and sister !;
Richard was some years the elder, Cephise
having Just attained her nineteenth year.-
Their mother, on her dying bed, bequeath-
ed the sister TO the brothers. care, with an
earnestness that long left its impression on
the heart of Richard, and that he faithfully
adhered to his mothers appeal of protection
for her daughter, will be seen in the events
which follow.
After his mothers death--hs father hav-
ing died while he was yet very young, Rich
ard found situation for his sister with re-
spectacle milliner and dress-maker, with
whom she remained until she had learned
the business in all its branches Richard
then took the apartments where himself and
Cephise now resided she, attending to their
little household arrangements, and doing
needle-work for the store of Madam Dumas,
while he was engaged as journeyman gun
smith, by a master whom he had served for
eight years, and who thought highly of him,
both as man and workman. Indeed, the
two Orphans possessed amonR their friends
and neighbors, high characters for virtue,
honesty, and industry.
Cephise sat at work in the principal room
Of their little domicil, every thing around
her bespeaking neatness and order. A small
workable stood at her side, on which lay
all the implements requisite for her occupa-
ton. The manufacture of some dresses
were to be completed by the following day.
There was restless anxiety in the hur-
ried manner of drawing forth her needle to
the detriment of the thread, which broke at
every stitch or two The clock struck the
hour of three, and as the last stroke rever-
berated through the apartment, she threw
down her work, rose hastily from her seat
and listened as if to catch the sound of a
step.-'Some one ascends the stairs Tits
Edward, perhaps "A pause of second
and the footsteps passed on to the floor a
bove. With the same air of unquietness,
she resumed her work. solloquizng as she
from time to time raised her eyes from her
employment to wipe away a tear. a
Two whole days aud have not seen
him! two days what an age Ills the
first time he has ever staid away so long !;
he will not come to-day; he knows It's near
the hour my brother comes to dinner. [
long to see him to talk over our love, and
the prospect of our marriage. and to learn
when he will inform my dear Richard of his
intentions. His employment surely could
not have detained him so long he has been
from home all night, too, for | have watch
ed his window opposite, and saw no light
shine from it as usual. What can have
happened! If he had not so strongly pro-
hibited my avowing our love to Richard,
would entreat my brother to seek him out.
o. why should this secrecy exist this con-
cealment of our affection surely, he would
not oppose the bestowal of my hand where
had already given my heart will tell
Edward when next we meet, of my firm de-
termination in having no longer any con-
cealment from one who has been-is so kind
to me- s rr
Appearing better satisfied with herself af-
ter forming the above resolution, she resum-
ed her almost forgotten work which she had
suffered to lie untouched upon her lap, when
knock at the door started her once more
from her occupation.
l. A hurried come in and the door OPEN
ed not to give admittance to the person Ce-
phise half anticipated seeing, but Madam
Dumas. N
.a.Ah,' said Madam, at work, eh, Ce-
phise always find you with your needle
in your hand Your brother at his employ
ment too, suppose! Well, how do you
do, my dear 2 = XXI
'Qnite well, thank you, madam; I'm not
late with my work, am II think this
dress was promised by tomorrow
1T was, replied madam. you are never
behind your time, my good girl. IT'S not
TO hasten your completion of this dress
which brought me here; | am more anxious
about the two wedding dresses
They are already cut, and will be finished
at the appointed time said Cephise.
Those dresses continued madam, must
change their destination. ! have hurried
order from family of distinction, for a
wedding suit Will you then, my good
Cephise, for the credit Of my establishment,
sacrifice one nights rest to complete this
order 2
Willingly, madam. Have you the meas
urer
Exactly like those you have begun, only
a1ittie shorter, as the lady has well turned
ancle.'
i shall be particular, madam.
THE bride is from Orleans-her mother
baroness, and immensely rich said the
loQuacious madam
From Orleans, did you say ?-and &C.
phise thought for an Instant once knew
but It's some time since-a rich baroness
who resided in that part of the country; she
had a daughter then about twelve years o
age. All. shall never forget them.
rnnnder &c this is the same baroness do YOl