Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-01-12
THE ESCAPE.

sidewalk of a fashionable street of one ofthe
Atlantic cities. Once she assembled the
door-steps of splendid mansion, and was
about to pull the bell, when sudden burst
of merrment from within seemed to deter
her. and she again resumed her course with
an air more timid than before. Having
passed a dozen or more houses, she paused
in front of one that. compared with the 9TH
ers, wore quiet, secluded air After some
hesitation, she ventured to ring the bell The
door was opened by a servant of whom she
inquired if she could see the mistress of the
house
Il will see,' he replied
In few moments he reappeared, and con-
Quoted her into the parlor elegantly though
not SLOWLY furnished The inmates were
middle-aged lady, Of pale, though not
sickly appearance, somewhat precise in
dress and manners, aud young man who
sat by the table, reading
Il am very ANXIOUS said the female APP
preaching the lady, TO obtain employment
in some family for few months-are you
willing to furnish me with somep
What kind of employment would you
Iikel inquired the lady.
L should prefer needle-work, either plain
or ornamental, but am willing to undertake
any labor whatever, that can perform to
your satisfaction
We'll, sit down, and we will talk more
about it, but first tell me your name, and if
you have a recommendation from your last
employer"
My name she replied hesitaiing a lit
tie. lis Marv-Mary Lewiston
And the name of the family where you
last resided 2
Pardon me, madam, but cannot tell
She was evidently much agitated as she
replied, and forgetlu of the faded cloak
that conceded her form, it slipped from one
shoulder, and revealed rich white satin
dress, trimmed with a blonde, aud an ele-
giant pearl necklace. The lady now OBJ
served for the first time that she was very
beautiful, discovery that the young man
had already made. although at the time of
her entrance, he was in the midst of deep
" interesting article on political economy.
The lady put on look Of severity, and fix
ing her ewes on the necklace, told her that
she could give no employment to person
who found means TO obtain such expensive
ornaments.
oh don't turn me away said the girl,
bursting into tears, and wringing her hands
in the greatest distress and agitation. If
you do don't know what will become ofme.'
The young man now hastily threw aside
his book, and approaching the lady, said in
"A low voice, Aunt Leonard, beg to speak
few words with you in private
Mrs Leonard rose and passing through
the folding doors, to distance that CONVEX
satiou carried Oh in an under tone could
not be heard 10y her visitor, although, feel
ing some anxiety relative to gold watch
that hung over the manteI she could keep
her eve on her "Well Percy said, she
to her nephew, who had followed her close
ly, what have you 10 say that is of ma
ture so private (!
Simply, that do wish that you would
take this young girl on trial. / know what
your impression is, but if | ever saw Inno-
ccnce depicted in human countenance,
see it in hers. Article may have lured
her into the haunts of vice, and if she has
made her escape, turn her not away from
your door and compel her to return
Percy said his aunt, If her face were
not so beautiful we're its expressions ever
so innocent do you think that she would
find in you so powerful pleader ?
she ought to- he replied, slightly color
| ing, 'and ! think she would. Promise me,
aunt, that YOU will receive her"
No, for your sake, must turn her away
THAT you shall never do. | promised
my friend Norlhcote, that | would spend a
few weeks with him, and although it is not
] II. Il. ft.s.f flao
country, will start tomorrow morning
Nov, aunt, you have no excuse, or none
that you are not capable of despising, if it
will prevent you from performing good ac-
ton. have sewing enough myself that |
wish to get done, to employ her three
months
"Well, Percy, since you are so earnest
for her TO remain, if you will promise to
make your visit TO your friend Northcote, /
will take her week or two upon trial, tho
| should not be surprised if she should
know no more about hemming aud stitching
than you do"
Mrs Leonard returned and resumed the
seat she had left
81 think that you told me that your name
is Mary Lewiston said she to the girl who
sat weeping and trembling.
81 did"
GAS nay nephew thinks of leaving town
tomorrow, to be gone some time, and as
shall be rather lonely, have concluded to
let YOU remain week or two upon trial,
"Your words are a thousand times better
than life to me-" said she, starting up and
selling Mrs. Leonard's hand, which she
Draesed IN her Inns