Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-06-20


we have been talking about, without thinking of
Ought except those things which fell within the
scope of her daily avocations-viz: sorting ana
doubling newspapers, directing magazines and pc
riodicals, and serving pens ink, paper and waters
to numerous customers.
Be the reason what il may, Miss Norris, at the
time we are speaking of, had not any one to whom
she could look as future husband; aud, indeed,
she appeared careless of the matter that, as we
have shown. she could, when not engaged in BUSH
ness talk and Joke about it quite unconcernedly.-
The young man to whom she addressed the words,
had been iHst engaged with her in discussion ,
upon matrimony, to which they had been led by
the perusdl of flaming marriage in the pages OF
the Morning Post. The gentleman had descanted
rather warmly and glowingly upon the happiness
of the marriage state, but had had some difficulty
in making the lady rs believing as himself. She
had expressed herself skeptically on the point and
had at last told him roundy that she thought
woman much happier in cebacy than amid the
cares and the troubles the dscords and the jars Of
welded life; and when the gentleman talked off
COMMUNAL bliss, she only laughed and muttered
rubbish" and said that she had never any of
it, although she knew hundreds of married couples
1t in vain for Mr.. Denison to combat her, and
he therefore brought the conversation to a close by
very warmly asserting that he would get wife
himself soon, to which the lady replied in the words
we have quoted.
Now some of the gossps in S - would 90 out
of their way to discuss the fitness of Mr.. Denson
as matrimonial partner for Miss Norris; and all
agreed that he was vastly fit and proper person.
First, he was good looking. and then he was so
aliable his conversation polished that he
could sustain his part in any company and yet so
simple that the most meanly educated could under
stand it; his gait his manner, his dress, were all
| so gentlemanly, that really it was a wonder what
Miss Norris was about that she did not set her cap
at him, especially as Mr. Denison even more
ailable and attentive when in Miss Norris's compa-
ny than III that of any one else.
! So reasoned these good folks while, in the mean
time, the two parties Immediately concerned might,
for aught that they exhibited, be the only persons
unconscious of the matter Truth, however, will
compel us to state especially since we have lei the
reader into the gossip affecting Mr.. Denison truth
compels state that an accurate observer might
have detected little emotion in the countenance
of the lady, whenever Mr.. Denison entered her
shop-tlat there was little cordiality in his
reception-a little more hearty shake of the hand ;
though it was so lille that few except those who
were watching for such indications would have re-
marked them. Indeed, there was also little more
animation in her really pretty dark eyes, and occa-
slonally, when alone, there was abstractcdness
about her the likes of which she had never before
exhibited; yet as this might have been connected
with matters of business it is perhaps, hardly fair
to introduce it here. However, one fine morning
uuI IClO CIllciSu inc sllOp anu
his hand, said--
Miss Norris, | am come TO wish you good bye
have obtained a situation in the north of England,
and shall be obliged to quit this pretty town early
in next week."
"Then shall see you again." said the maiden.
"Why, yes, certainly" said he 81 must not
part with you so quickly; | suppose | must find
time to look in again before start by the coach on
Monday; but as | have to bid my relatives good
bye shall hardly have time to see you before that
day"
"Then | am shall not bid you good bye
now" said the lady; "but why-why-how came
Won 10 think of leaving. Mr.. Denison? am sure
did not dream of such thing; thought you
would spend your days here; | could not have i'm
agined it. Bless me, how surprised people will be. ;"
Mr. Denison exhibited little confusion, but an
swered in jocular manner; and, having penned
an address where he might be written to Sin case
any one wanted him." he suddenly esped friend
OH the opposite side of the street shook Miss Nor
ris heartily by the hand, and made rapid exit
All that day Miss N. exhibited restless, and
we are constrained TO add. a pcttshness of manner
strangely at variance with her usual quiet conduct
She had evidently been greatly surprised, for she
2 would stop in the midst Of her duties to her Gus
toners and mutter, "Well, could not have though
it; how strange how very strangem And tina
a some unpleasant feeling was at work in her bosom
l. was evident from very unusual abstractedness
II and from something like sigh occasionally escap
ing from her bosom.
O Time waits for no man or woman either, AM
n though the old gentleman at one time appeared t
l. Miss Norris to be very datory this during tn
= week. and at another land this was when Monda
II and Mr. Dcnison arriyed) to have been stridin
Of along at most nconscionable pace, yet still tn
1t veteran paid attention to the thoughts wishe
of the thousands whose destiny he could so power
ut fully effect, but continued to proceed on his Ion
W journey with the same measured, restless step Q
j. ever Monday arrived in due course, and with
al as we have minated, came Mr. Denison, with ca
err pet-bag in hand and attired as if for long iou
n ney. He was full early, for the coach was not
nd start for more than two hours
swell, Miss Norris" said he, with forced chez
IL fulness am off on my journey; do you not wis
al it may be pleasant one?" He extended his haI
oh and looked into her face with an expression tn
lily said, as plainly if it had been uttered" O
ew why will you let me go!"
i'll The maiden took the proffered hand, and thr
of of anguish passed through her whole frame.
yer was that feeling of utter loneliness and mise
be which those who are bidding adieu to a much-ov
nit being, perchance forever! have-God help ther
so felt the full bitterness of 1t lasted but N
lis ment- but what moment was that! Its durati
w had needs be short, when its influence is SO Il
adj mendous But her pride came to her relief; 5
lis shook off the feeling, and, in tone of frmness
aye, of almost unconcern-she wished him PR
ar- perity and trusted he would be happy. She tn
out shook his hand heartily, and in the midst of Il r,
ave etition of the most commonplace compliments
ain took his departure
ged lie had not been gone five minutes before
art came back for his umbrella, and entered the 81
ert- so suddenly that he nearly struck down Miss
the rs, who was behind the door looking through
little glass window. He searched in vain for
der. article for some time, during which the confus
lbe of the pair became almost painful. At length
oo- suddenly recoected that it packed up W
age the rest of his luggage; and apologising for
UNI trouble he had given, he shook her hand again
heartily, and yet in more tender manner than
the had done before. Once only did she raise her e
hop to his face, and then she that it was flush
-. and that his eye mjist; but not word beyt
self simple expressions of friendly feeling and good
ID in escaped her; and when he withdrew his hand
iss WAS relin0uiShed without an effort = Fatain IT,