Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-04-25


dwelling of poverty and sorrow for the stately a.
bode of wealth and luxury, and to pod my way
home full of wonder at the strange events of the
day. | looked at the card, " Edward Temple,
No. - Broadway" and recoIlected the dwelling
as being the most splendid in that noble street.
CHAPTER III.
1t was somewhat less than three weeks after the
important and happy alteration in the circumston
ces of Mrs Seton and her young orphans had taxi
en- place, that, Judging a sufficient period had e.
apsed to allow the excitement and novelty of
change to wear off, thought | might venture to
accent the invitation Of Mr.. Temple, and call on
his adopted children.
AS may be.supposed, | felt some delicacy on the
sub ect and some uncertainty whether the veal
thy and cherished Mrs. Seton would feel gratifed
at receiving visit from one who had seen her in
the lowest depts of poverty and wretchedness. 1t
was possible she might shun a contact with every
thing and every person which would recall the
memory of those days. Nevertheless, 81 will co."
! thought l. " | wish to see whether she is able to
bear prosperity, and whether her present conduct
and feelings belle the language 80 plainly express
ed in her sweet, modest countenance."
! soon reached the abode Of Mr.. Temple; and
sending in my card by the servant who answered
the he'll, was Immediately ushercd into a spacious
and lofty drawing room. 1t was furnished with
all that taste and elegance that wealth could COM
mand. | was scarcely seated when Mr.. Temple
entered the room, leading by the hand the little
Amelia, and introducing Mrs. Seton. | was
warmly and cordially welcomed by both Mr.. Tenn
pie and his daughter; and our first friendly greet
ings over, | bad leisure more particularly to OBJ
serve Mrs S. My first impression was that should
scarcely have known her, so much did she appear
changed, for if had admired her sweet counte-
nance when found her surrounded by want and
misery | was now absolutely startled at its cX-
IRENE loveness. moments survey, however,
assured me that it still wore the same sweet and
humble expression which had so interested me
then, but calm and grateful happiness had now
added its finishing charm and as | met the soft
and melting beams of Der large, dark eyes, | never
more sensbIy felt the truth of the saying that
there is no bcautiier of the human countenauce
like happiness.
Well" said Mr.. Temple, " am glad you ale
come. was almost afraid you were offended at
my unceremonous leave-tukng the other day.
Emily, too, has been quite anxious on the subject;
and had we known your address, we should have
called on You long before this time. However,
comforted her and myself by the thought that a
lady who could take such an interest in fellow
creature who was in disirose, would not be likely
to take exceptions at any seeming omissions in
the first moments of happiness. But how do you
like my daughters Iooks?-for you know have
enstalled myself in all the titles and privileges of
a father and grandfather Has she not improved
wonderfully in health? And how do you like my
sweet little AmeIa's looks" he continred, ten
derby kissing the beautiful and happy looking
child, as she sat on his lap with her head fondly
nestled against his bosom, and his hand OCCASION
ally raised to smooth his wrinkled cheek.
] was proceeding to express my delight at the
evident improvement in their health and appear
ance, when Henry, the eldest boy, came gaop-
ing into the room on ''grandpappa'S" gold headed
cane, and bounding up to the side Of the old gen
teman, put up his poutng lips for a kiss, which
having received and returned with interest," he
darted towards his mother and crying " And you
too, ma" gave her rough but affectonate salute
on both cheeks, and galIoped off again, as happy
as a lord. As the eyes of the mother and Mr.
Temple followed the beautiful boy, it was difficult
to determine which countenance expressed the
most pride and pleasure.
sat silently enjoying this domestic scene; and
as Mr.. Temple again turned towards me, his face
heaming with happiness and benevolence, | could
not torbear congratulatng him also on his i'm
proved appearance.
e And why shouldn't look well when have
every thing TO make me do sol" answered he,
looking atfeCtionateIy towards Mrs. Seton. "Why
| ain the happiest cid man alive, and have grown
younger every day since have had somebody to
live for and to care for me-"
I Mrs. Seton seemed too happy for words, but the
gratitude and affection which accompanied her
} answering look to Mr.. Temple, and the single
tear which started from either eye, and fell upon
, her lap, were an eloquent and gratifying reply.
: Emily promises me-" continued Mr. Temple
4" that she will not be inveiged away from me by
> any other friends and it is astonishing how many
C there are, who, since she came to live with me.
y and it is known that consider her as my daueh-
ter, have discovered that they always felt grea
. and friendly interest in her. And it is astonishing
h what unacconntabe difficulties prevented then
= all from visiting, or taking the least notice of her
+ during all her misfortunes and poverty. Now
= they are all anxious to assist her every way in thei
= power. 1t all sounds very fine," continued the in
= dgnant old gentleman, reddenlng as he proceed
It ed, " 1t all sounds very fine But, thank God, sht
- is beyond the reach Of needing their assistance;
s and so have given them to understand. But
DO not wish to get angry, and so we will dismiss
!, all thought of such friends But where is our dea
!. little Charlie' You have not seen him vet"
= Mrs Seton arose to ring the bell and a servan
= instantly appearing, " Ask Mrs Morris, J" said M
n Temple, if she will have the Kindness to brin!
h little Charles into the drawing-room" The ser
| want bowed and vanished, and, in few minutes
: an elderly gentlewoman, plainly but Handsomely
n dressed made her Appearance, assisting the tot
terng steps OF Mrs. SetOn's youngest child, whom
e she led into the room
y " ALLOW me, madam" said Mr. Temple. +,
o have the pleasure of Introducing you to Mrs Nor
y rs, the old and tried friend of my Emily. W.
J. have succeeded in persuading her that we canno
e get along without her assistance in manapiny tn
/ household and teaching the children. And SO sh
has consented to come and spend her DAYS witt
l. US, and she has promised to teach my little Ameli
!; all she knows about work and housekeeping; TO
l. though shall leave them all an independent for
/ tune when die, God willing, before that Tim
o comes my grand children shall all know how Il
earn their own living so that if fortune should do