The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-08-13
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Rural Repository.
T he Bandits Daughte r.
TALE OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS.
BY CLARK w. BRYAN.
CHAPTER /.

Continued.
Time passed on-years rolled by, and the
infant Helen had grown TO a lovely lass OF
nine or ten years, during which time her
mother had resided but few miles from the
village, and employed her time in attending
upon the sick, and administering TO the wants
of the afflicted, and so diligent was her search
for and attention TO the needy and suffering
that she soon received the name of The
Nurse, and her ability and skill in that ca
pacity was known far and wide. She had in
the meantime ascertained that her daughter
had fallen into good hands, and therefore did
not attempt 10 see her, knowing that her pres
ence would serve but 10 bring her troubles
TO her mind afresh. She soon, however, be-
gan TO have calls from the village 10 attend
upon the sick, and one call succeeded another
till the most other time was spent among the
villagers, from whom she received the ap-
pellation of The Village Nurse Here she
had an opportunity of daily seeing her daugh-
ter. She was lovely lass, and stair and
beautiful child as ever claimed New Eng
land Tor a birthplace and as she advanced in
years. her mind expanded with increasing
vigor, evinciug judgment, talent and vivaci
ty that would have done honor TO a person of
ripper years. disappearance beautiful, and
her manner at once winning and attractive.
( Her eyes were of Jet black, over which sal Il
noble forehead ofalabaster whiteuess, which
contrasted strongly with the luxurant tresses
Of dark hair that hung waving round her
head, and in curls down her neck and over her
shoulders. There was smile ever beam
| ing on her face, which served but TO increase
her attractions and prepossess the beholder
in her favor. She moved with a graceful
ease and pobleness that art can never bestow
| A., k,,, laJf t. 81
ward qualifications were mild disposition,
and a temperament as placid and serene as
the water of lake when sleeping quietly
and unruffled by the winds and storms. Yet
there was something in her searching eye
that told ola spirit of bold daring yet slum-
bering in her bosom, which would in time ex-
pand to a degree that would readily rebuke
provocatiou of too bold nature, and resent
any insult Ihat might he offered to her. Her
guardian always took great delight in dress
ing her TO The utmost extent of her childish
qualifications, and lavished upon her all the
fondness OF a parent. Thus she grew up, he
pet of Mr.. Ruggles; and respected and loved
BY her whole circle of acquaintance. which
was very large, for there was scarcely a resi-
dent of the village but what knew Helen, the
founding, and each one had word of kind
greeting whenever they met her, which was
received by her with smile Of plasure aud
returned in a manner SO courteous, that she
soon won the affections of all who knew her.
As she grew older, and was informed Of the
fact of her being founding and perhaps an
orphan without relative on earth. and when
size allowed herself to reflect upon these
things, shade of deep melancholy would
settle upon her brow, and her feelings were
I any thng but pleasant. She often wished she
had mother, for Kitty took every occasion
| TO manifest her hatred for her. " hen she could
, do il unobserved by others, and she would
very often, before she was aware oft, find
herself in tears whenever she reflected upon
her situation.
Time rolled on. She was now somewhat
advanced in her teens. and the glow OF
childhood was fast deepening into darker tints
OF the discretion and judgment ofwomanhood
A distemper broke out in the village of al
alarming character, which Frustrated many
ofthe inhabitants upon beds of sickness, and
many deaths occurred in consequence Of this
disease.
: Mrs Arson was as usual at her post, atten-
ding upon the sick, and supplying theil
wants She moved about even amid the
, worst cases Of the disease, without taking
it herself. twas that distressing complaint
-
that are attacked with it ever recover. 1t
, raved violently, sweeping the aged, the mid
} dle-aged, the aspiring youth, and the smiling
S infant, alike into the grave. Many were
2 the hearts that were desolate by the of one,
two, three, and sometimes more members of
the family, during the prevalence of this cpl
demic. At last, when it had nearly abated,
Mrs Arson, worn down with excessive toll and
I II. al tha ind
tenions were paid her which she had so long
! bestowed upon others. Her labor together
with that trouble and sorrow which had weigh
ed upon her spirits, brought her very low, and
from her first attack she ielt convinced that
she could not long survive. and there was
but one thing that created in her mind de-
sire to live any longer: and that was the
welfare of her daug hter.-When she found
. that her strength was daily failing her, she
sent FOR Helen and disclosed to her the fact
that she WAS her mother, aud related the sto-
ry OF her life which we have given in the pre-
ceediug chapter. This was new era in
Heien's life. She had mother and she
. now watched by her bedside both night and
day, scarcely allowing herself sufficient rest
to satisfy the demands of nature. Her moth
| er grew worse. till death came TO her relief
She died recllng in the arms of her daughter.
with prayer on her lips, for the guiding
hand of Providence to direct her through
life For while Helen's grief was unboun-
!. ded. She had found her mother, but to loose
her and the recollections OF sufferings she
had undergone. served but to heighten the
d tempest of her grief.
$ Many supposed Mrs Anson's disease was
the same that had so recently prevailed in
: the village, and it was thought best to bury
her as soon as practicable, and much agains
the wishes Of Helen, the funeral was to take
place on the afternoon Of the day on which
: she died. Notwithstanding the superstition thai
d her disease was contagious,t The church where
y her funeral was held was filled to overflow
h ing. ln consequence OF yielding some time
TO the prayers and entreaties of Helen moi
j to remove the corpse. it was late before the
procession reached the church and twilight
d was last succeeding the setting sun, before
e service was over. Here was a solemn and
impressive scene which is seldom Witnessed
a funeral by the teiiight of erening and q