Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-04-19

all other bad habits, and is the hardest TO
overcome in the female heart, particularly,
as was the case with Mrs Hinton, where
there are no children to occupy the time and
attention, So delighted was he with the IN
genuousness OF her confession, that he pre-
scented her with sum Of money for charita-
bic purposes. telling her that he had that
day Unexpectedly recovered a bad debt
which he had long since ~despaired Of, and
consequently no longer entertained the fears
which be had mentioned to her in the morn
lug.
Let US return to Mr. Norton. lie could
not avoid anticipating the calling hour a lit
tie, so impatient was he TO meet again the
object that had so fascinated him the night
before. As he entered the hall he heard the
sound Of music, and being shown into the
drawing room, found the fair Emily evident
ly giving lessons on the piano 10 a little sis
ter. Although alfred in a simple morning
dress, she did not appear less lovely than
his memory had pictured. and the bright
blush which his unexpected appearance cali
ed up, made her not less interesting in his
eyes. She dismissed the little girl with a
message TO her mother, who soon appeared
and received him kindly. As he glanced
around and observed the air Of elegance,
though not of display. that pervaded the es-
enlistment, he could not help recalling
Miss Howard's words about the old cloak,
and his curiosity was excited to know what
could be her reason for wearing a garment
Questionable enough 10 attract observation.
After making as long a call as he dared,
upon first acquaintance, he took leave, not
without being invited by Mrs Harwood TO
call again an invitation TO which he cordi-
ally responded. Not many days after. as
Mr. Norton was walking in Broadway, he
met Miss Harwood and joined her immedi-
ately. He had walked sometime by her side
without at all regarding her dress, when
Miss La Mode suddenly emerged from a
shop and passed on before them, arrayed in
her superb velvet cloak. with feathers, &c,
in the height Of fashion. The conversation
at the party instantly required TO his tho'ts.
and he glanced at the cloak Of his compan-
ion. 1t was Of plain. dark merino, and had
evidently been much worn, though every
thing about her was so scrupulously neat,
and her simple white hat so becoming TO
her fresh complexion, that she was infinitely
more attractive TO an intelligent man than
the dsshing Miss La Mode. To test her
feelings, he remarked, carelessly, That is a
beautiful cloak of Miss La Modes No
blush appeared on her cheek, as she quietly
replied, 1t is indeed very beautiful Nj
Norton could not help feeling how superior
was this conduct TO that Of some young la
dies, who beIray an uneasy feeling of con
seriousness when they hear praises of anoth-
er's appearance which they know to be more
brilliant than their own. He continued &c
visit at the Harwood's, and was always kind
ly received; but he was not one to decide
too hastily on a subject Of such vast impor
lance as he felt his companion for life to be
1t CHANGED, at length, that he had a commits
sion from an aunt in the country, for SOM
millinery, and although entirely unused I,
} make such purchases, he resorted TO th'
most fashionable establishment Of the kind
r for the first time, to exercise his taste in tina
department. The milliner took him behin'
a counter which separated the two rooms
in order to show him some very recherch'
articles, aud requesting him to take a sea
upon a sofa, left him to search for the i'm
: portant box that contained the treasures
5 He was beginning TO grow impatient, whel
D a sweet, we'll known voice sent a thrill &
his heart. Ii was Emily Harwood's voice
apparently conversing with another youn
: lady, so close 10 the curtain that he coul
{ not avoid hearing every word. He wa
: about 10 dart forward and address them
! when the words old cloak fell upon his eal
Now he thought, perhaps ! shall 6ud III
, solution of the mystery
1 No, said Emily, 1 will not buy such aga
: hat as this. II would not suit at all with m
4 old cloak DO, for PHYS sake, my des
: Emily exclaimed her companion, tell m
: why you have worn that same cloak hi
winter. believe il is The third winter yo
have had il. We have all wondered VIII
r you did not get a new one, and that spiteli
d Caroline Howard has talked about it at ev,
ry party this season.
r i am very sorry replied Emily. laughin
: that Miss Howard has been at such a loss f.
subjects of conversation, as 10 find noihin
more interesting than my poor cloak. How
ever. ] will Tell you my motive for wearing i
and | am sure, dear Helen, tina, you will az
prove of ii. But first, promise me that 20
will tell no one else. i should not think
e explaining it TO any but you.'
II Here MIR. Norton almost resolved to sho'
himself. He felt it was breach ofhonor
hear what was evideEtly a secret; but b
interest in the fair Emily was so strong thi
/ he excused himself on the plea, and remain
o ed silent.
e Helen made The required promise, an
Emily proceeded
d "You remember hearing Of the death
my uncle Moray, last summer He had fai
ed inst before, so that his family were lie
n quite destitute. Catherine, the Oldest daugl
ter, has been at Mrs. Wizards school for II