The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-09-08

green fields and fresh flowers by whole week Of
Toll and confinement.
Mr. 81. John passed the gay groups which were con
lnually pouring out of tho metropolis towards its en-
virons with a rapid stop aud thoughtful brow and
paused at length before small house, buiit in tho
cottage style, and distinguished by the picturesque
neutnes5 Of its appearances. lie had scarcely touch
ed the knockcr, whom the doar thrown suddenly
open, and young female of exquisite beauty bound
ed forward with cOunlouance of enger aud affection
ate welcome
Il hoped bat scarcely dared to expect to you,
Noel, she said, in n voice, US she drew hm in
10 the paror, still holding both his hands and gazing
into his face with anxious fondness But you IA.
tigurd'
Slightly so, ! confess, bnt it is here, Ethel that
always come to forget tho worldly cares that else
where opprcss me, and think only Of you. Have
you been well since saw you last, dcaresH
Quite we'll, and quite happy, ony that | missed
you, usunI'
'EtheIr said St. John, after long pause, and
speaking W constrained voice, you must learn to
live without for. much longer period than
week. You remember what spoke to you about
the last time yo mott have since been thinking Of
some arrangements for our final separation
Tho Young girl looked at him in speechless wonder.
80 TdrGam?' she suid at length Noel, reco-
loct that you told me it sinful for us to
be tognthGr but cannot think so; cannot believe
that it is crime for me- to love the only being from
whom have ever known kindness or affection, who
has shielded me from poverty disgrace for 50 many
years.
Ethel said tho Young minister, avertng his head
ho spoke, holding the high moral station which
do, dare not set tho wO',d's opinion at def lnce.
And does it grudIe me yOur society," then the
pleasure Of soothing your excited spirit when it has
been wounded by its cndness-the joy Of manifest
ing my love aud gratitude to my preserver:
You owe me no gratitude, my Ethein said St.
John souowfully, as he passed his arm around her
slight form; 'Oh, that | had possessed strength Of
mind 20 act for Us bolh when lirs. met-but il Is
too late now DO not weep so, Ethel am weak
than tEuughtI feel that cannot part with you
yet-but you will think what | have said ?
No, no! interrupted the girl, passionately; will
strive with all my heart to forget it; and you No
ell you must promise me that this subject shall new
be mentioned again
lie pressed his lips to her white brow without
spe king for his heart failed him. and the speech he
had framed died away unprOnOunced.
Oh. how quickly the hours glide on when we are
happiest. How "A summer evening fits away IN
the presence Of the beloved one! So thought tho
lonely Ethel, she sat in her te dwelling watch
ing the last tinis oc the setting SUM- and imagining
and beings in the floating clouds as we all love
to do in our hours of silence and solitude. And when
the dusky veil Of twilight had fallen the scene,
she leaned back in gloomy sadness, and reckoned
how mnch lime must necessarily elapse before she
could expect TO see her only friend aSIn--how many
sunsets she must watch ere he came. Ethel was
roussd from the reverie into which sh" had fallen, by
knock at the door, and voice euquirng for MIR ST.
John.
the servant girl, 'bnt perhaps by driving fast you
might overtako him on the road
Not very probable, murered the General--for il
was he, But my business is ofsome Importance
perhaps can see your pistress:'
The girl disappeared to enquire, and on her return
ushered him in silence into the usual sitting apart
ment. Ethel rose in some embarrassment to receive
her unexpected visitor, whose stern and searching
glance served little to relieve her agitation.
Il presu that have tho honor Of addressing Mrs.
St. john said the General bowling stfiy.
Ethel coored deeply she replied, in scarcely au
dble voice that her name was liunI'y.
Perhaps his sister. then 2 continued tho old man
with peFseveriug curiosity, and increased sernness
III matters litte to a mere stranger, should sup
pose, replied the young girl with some haughiinc4s;
1t is sufficient TINT promise to convey to him any
message that you may think properto leave With
me-
She was moving hastily away but the General de-
timed her.
Not mere stranger. either, young lady, said he
bitterly. Many time have ! nursed him my
knee when he little thing scarcely higher than
the table,
Pardon me- replied Ethel with frank and win
ming smile. 'NTr ST. Johns friends he mine,
and am proud to make the acquaintance Of one of
his oldes; aud best You are General Morley, be-
leve?
Il am returned the old man, gazing compassionate
y into her beautiful face, while he suffered the hand,
which she had eagerly extended TO him, 10 drop un-
touched by her side and if Noel has mentioned my
name TO you, II must have been as one VINO mas &C
ted like father to himS-of one who has always act
ed like father 10 him from his very ooyhoud with
the vigilance of lonely heart, and never believed Of
even suspected until this moment that he would prove
cold and calculating viIlan
'Are you aware Of whom you speak, and in whose
presence; : asked Ethel proudly.
Il am, madam | speak of fallen minister Of
God, in the presence Of his mistress
The young girl clasped her hands wildly together,
and burst into food Of passionate and rropressbe
tears.
81 understand all now, she said sobbing violent
ly she spoke; hear for the first time what men
think of me- and than all, what is believed Of
that generous being who has preserved me from
shame and sorr0w at so great risk.
AT this moment the maid thrust her head into the
inform the gentleman that her master was
returning FOR something no had forgotten, and would
be with him Immediately. -..r .
Mr. ST. John entered the apartment! with~a startled
and agitated air. and his flushed countenance became
suddenly pale as he recognized his unexpected Wis
or. ..... F..
'What brings you here = he asked in a voice of
thunder
"A purer motive than you boast Of Mr. st.
John, re Piled tho General calmly
& understnnd-you suspected this, and have been
acting the part ola spy-a base. dishonorable spy
upon my conduct Why not seek me at once, in
stead Of prully taking the advantage of the absence