Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1845-08-01
ing miscries! Oh | shall yet be happy

ing miscriesl Oh shall yet be happy
creature, and good one too, hope
Louisa listened to this gush of happy feel
ing, with smile beaming from her blue
eyes, and softening every feature. Never
had the dear voice of Catherine sounded so
sweetly musical. Her own experience,
though brief, told her that clouds followed
the joyful sunshine but it also told her that
those clouds would break again; and from
the bosom of the Heavens flood Of yet
pnrer light would descend. She sought not to
damp the ardor of her friend, by reminding
her Of The different states of mind to which
we are subject, the hours of stern conflict
with feeling, and motives which we thought
seen Catl'arne's strength of character thor.
oughly reused, but it had sometimes flashed
forth with light, that assured her that it
could burn brightly and steadily, if principle,
undying principle, were but there to feed
the flame. Casting aside these reflections,
for the present, she yielded with her friend,
to that delicious freshness and childhood of
the heart, which all must have felt for time
at least. She rummaged among the books
on education, lying on Catharine's table,
sometimes laughing and jeslng abou, her
new dignlies, and again entering into scri-
Gus discussion. At last to little Susy's great
delight she took her dress from her, and oc-
cupying her vacant seat, began 10 sew with
a charming energy. When the procge had
Catharine's permission to disappear, Louisa
said gaily, why, Kate, we are as happy as
queens here, in our capacity of seamstresses.
So you are really going to give that little
bright eyed damsel first rate education
going to take the whole charge of her! Is she
very smart |!
Yes, and generous swect-tempered. l
shall not waste any accomplishments on her,
but shall cultivate and strengthen her mind,
and see tina, the best affections of her nature
are called forth, as matter of the first i'm.
portance.'
'Oh you will make bewilching teach
er, you talk like book. Who would have
thought wild, careless girl like you could
speak so judiciously on such a subec, 2
'Ah indeed said Calhar;ne, with her
hearty mischievous laugh, 'these wild girls
don't get the credit of ever being in their
sober senses. | suppose my acquaintance
will think am daft as the Scotch say: Well,
be il so ! can be laughed at, if it is distress
ing, but can't be moved
I'VE would be in pretty bad plight, il
we depended on the opinions of our friends
entirely, instead of our own convictions OF
duty remarked Louisa.
Asweeks rolled on, Catharine was fret
ted, worried and tornented with little Susy,
as only untainted children know how to fret,
torment and worry. Hasty words sometimes
sprung to her lip, but the strong, upright will
came off conqucror in the end.-She went
into society with diileren, spirit.
such delightful time we will have TO-.
night were the eager words that escaped
her lips, as she and Louisa were tripping
along Broadway one afternoon, I'VE must
not stay long at Mrs. Belcher's; | hope she
is not very sick
oh! hope not answered Louisa then
taking up the subject that most occupied her
thoughts; she exclaimed in a lively tone, " ]
shall have just the kind of company you Ike, the
talent and genius, and you shall be the star. ]
won't have to coax you to be bright tonight
will ~
'Taises rous! don't like flat,ery. Blu, here
we are (; now we must not stay long"
mo, indeed quarter of an hour at most
| have oceans of business OF home; but as Mrs.
Belcher expressed a wish that we should call
on her, think we ought
Certainly, | think so too In a few mo.
men's the young girls stool by the sick bed OF
the fashionable lady. Her face was pale and
thin, and wore the sad, thoughtful look, sick
ness and sorrow can give TO the merriest or
most inexpressble countenancc.
'Ah! am glad you have come she said, en-
tending her little white hands to the girls as
they approached her. Bring your chairs here
close by me. ! am so lonely. All my friends
Just send to the door 10 inquire after me.
knew you would mol be careful to avoid sick
qed so sent for you. The greater part OF the
time only see my nurse
I'VE had not heard Of your sickness before,
said Louisa
i thought not
is your husband out of the city p Catharine
inquired thoughtlessly; she had heard some
vague rumars about Mr.. Belcher, but had for
gotten them.
mo, oh, no. was the brief reply, but in that
tone, and in the expression that crossed Mrs.
Becher's face, the young girls read volumes.
Her husband was gambler, and his wife had
learnt it but three weeks before, when he start
ted suddenly for the South. Her kind hearted
visitors stayed longer than they had intended /;
they felt that they had lightened the tedious
hours of the invalid.
We will come and see you often,' said Cath
arine tendcry.
AS often as you want u.s. Louisa added with
a sweet sad smile.
Il cant bear to have you leave me, girls,
Mrs. Becher said, in a half pleading voice,
| don't expect TO sleep all this weary night, II
one of you could only stay with me But
should not ask it,
Il wish we could = answered Louisa. Cath>
arine was eni, her heart ihrobbed with sud
den disappointment. She thought OF the pleas
ure she had been anticipating. 1t came before
her with glowing vvIdness arrayed in the sun
ny warmth with which fancy prepares us for
expected enjoyment. And then she thought of
the kindness by which she might soohe the
DHi6Gieau wife: There was powerful s'rug.
nnsl iriumphed. Speak.