The Woodstock age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1844-1845, 1844-11-28
Il have no right to burden you

'Do not misunderstood me, aunt, Mary
quickly said. q mean not to insinuale
that | feel that you think | am burden
to you. Oh, no. Your noble conduct
towards us fills my bosom with a glow of
grcatrul emotions. 1t is not that. But,
now that my father is dead, up to whom !
had natural right to lock, do not feel
that | can, with justice, become depend
ent upon any one but myself, DO you
understand me, aunt;
Il believe | do, Mary. But dismiss
such tho Is. your fathers brother is
willing to take your fathers place, you
have no need to make any nice dstlnc-
tons between his relation and that Of
your father. He is both able and willing
to do all he has proposed
Il have thought all that over very
carefully, aunt Mary said. But it
does not unburden my mind. Every day
it becomes with me more and more mat
ter ofconsccnce not to remain depend
ent. | have the ability to maintain my
self; and believe | ought to do it,
Mrs Hendoe was silent with surprise
and admiration of the noble minded girl,
whose true feeling she began to perceive
clearly.
'Ycu seem to be really in earnest,
was her smiling reply after the lapse OF
nearly minute,
The changed manner of Mrs Hendce
made the heart of Mary bound.
Indeed, | am, aunt, she said, her
countenancc lighting up, yet still retain
ing its serious look, | do not mean to
wound you, by declining your generous
offer; for know that it is made in good
faith, and my heart blesses you for it
But, to accept Of your bounty, would be
to do violence to what | think right prln-
ciplcs.'
What do you propose to doi' asked
Mrs H., gravely, her manner having a
gain changed.
Il think as French teacher in some
seminary, | might easily support myself
m, could give lessons in music
True. But, think, Mary, how your
doing so would affect your station in So
cicty. As a teacher you could not en-
pcct to occupy in all respects your pres
ent position in society
4 should be worthy Of confidence and
regard Aunt
TRUE. But something more than mere
personal excellence is required II is not
worth alone that gives either man or wo-
men a place in good society. As r2cm-
her of our family, you will occupy the
same position you have ever held; but, II.
a mere teacher of French or music, you
will not be able to maintain your PRESENT
place.
Ought that consideration to govern
me;'
Il think it should have its duo weight,
so do l. But consideration Of what
is right, should have the first influence
upon my actions. Now, do not think it
would be right for me to become a de-
pendent upon my unclc's generosity, |
believe that l am in duty bound to sup
port myself. Ought | for a moment
to weigh this clear consciousness against
any fears of loosing social standing;'
Mrs Hcndee did not reply fer some mo-
nents. She felt glow Of admiration for
the honest Independent spirit of her neicc
and yet, could not bring her mind to
think for an instant Of letting the high
minded girl act as she proposed.
you must talk with your uncle, she
said after puzzling with her own thoughts
for a time. 1 am sure, however, that hc
will never hear to your doing what you
suggest
Il wish you would speak to him about
it, aunt. | cannot
Oh! certainly, But you must not be
surprised at his decided opposition
Il am sure uncle Hondce will not or
pose me in an act that he must see to lie
clearly right
But am not sure that he will be able
to see it exactly as you do, replied hei
aunt.
This conversation took place without
the knowledge of Jane Wells, who wa:
quietly enjoying the pleasant home thai
vas offered them. She did not appreci'
ate her sisters motives or feelings, and
therefore, since the first conversation
Mary had held with her upon the subject
she rad not made 10 it any aIlusion,
When Mrs Hendce mentioned to hel
husband what had taken place between
her and Mary, he was too much surprised
to see at once, clearly, the spirit, that ac-
uated bis ncice But this soon became
apparent to his mind
Noble girl;' he could net help en-
claiming, She has her fathers indcpend-
cnt spirit, and | honor it in her.
But you will not ain sure, humol
her strange desire to become a teacher
instead of an inmate Of our family.
I'VE must not do violence to such high
and true principle Of action as she evin-
ces. 1t was our duty to offer TO both hci
and her sister home. This WE have,
cheerfully. But if Mary feels that ii
would be right for her to depend upon
herself, we had ought not oppose her too
strongly.
AS carly as possible Mr. Hendec sought
an interview with his niece. He found
that her ideas were clear, and based
upon the abstract principles OF right.