Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-08-08
From the Portland Tribune.
THE CLAY COVE MECHANIC.
BY d. C. coLEswoRTHY.

DO you think that would have anything
to say to young Clintonl He must know
| do not wish to see him, and yet he persists
in calling at the house.
But Charles is a fine young man. lie
has an excellent disposition. You have
noticed his kind feelings and generous
character and there are no bad traits about
him. Why, | am surprised to hear you talk
So
Charles is well enough in his way, but
you know his father and moderately
still live in the wrelched old shell in Clay
Cove, and haven't decent furniture.
should be ashamed to call there
4 know that his parents are very poor,
and that his father has been drinking man.
But he has joined the temperance society,
and | understand he provides better for his
family, and is striving to obtain good iv-
ing
That may be true, but | can never for
get old Clinton, even though he has reform
ed. He has always belonged to the lower
classes
But | am sure Charles behaves ike
gentleman. II his parents are poor and
wretched he should not be treated unkindly,
provided he behaves well and sustains good
character
'True-but he has got nothing--is only
mechanic, and will always have TO work for
living
Only mechanic you sayi But what
was your father and my father 2
But they worked only little themselves
and employed others. Now they are indie
pendent. No matter what our fathers were.
Time has changed! shall have nothing
| further to say to Clinton If he calls at the
house, shall conirive to be busy up stairs.
You may see him and talk to him as much
as you like-but | won't
You talk foolsh y especially, as Charles
is as likely young man as we have in our
neighborhood.'
Every one TO her liking said the girl as
she left the room
Clara and Mary Edwards were cousins,
and about the same age The former had
been brought up with false notions. Her
standing of responsibility was fine exterior,
graceful manners aud heavy purse. She
had often declared in the presence Of her
cousin, that she never would associate with
mechanic, more especially &c lac sprung
from poor family. But Mary had different
views. She respected all men, whether
dressed in broadcloih or homespun, and
was as particular in her attentions to the
day-laborer Of good character, as TO the in
dividual who prded himself on his birth,
wealth and education.
Charles Clinton was the son Of poor
sa-maker. His father had been in low cir
cumstances for many years, brought on by
his Incorporate habits, and he could barely
earn sufficient to keep his family together
His mother was prudent and industrious
woman, and it was mainly owing to her ex-
ertions that they had kept together so long a
time. At all early age Charles left school,
and went to learn the trade of a printer
He was industrious aud obliging, and gain
ed the respect not only of his master, but his
fellow apprentices. Instead Of spending his
evenings, or his few leisure hours in the day,
among the vicious and the profane, or in
walking the streets in ideness, he would fire.
quently carry home the newspapers OF the
day, when he had nothing else to read, and
thus endeavor TO improve his mind. In thl:
way he became intelligent-how could he
be otherwise land won the good will OF all
who knew him. AT this time he would take
a sheet of paper and sit in the little room
of his mothers endeavoring TO place his
thoughts upon the paper. Charles was new
er idle he was either at work win his
hands or with his mind.
When Clinton became ofage, he was en-
ployed by his master and received good wa
ges for his services. At this time Charlie:
was acquainted with but few females a.
mong these however, was Clara Edwards, al
whose house he occasionally visited, he be
ing more particularly acquainted with hel
father. He was cordially received by the
family, but Clara endeavored TO manifest hel
dislike to him in various ways. He held to
no views which she did not oppose, anc
would converse with him on no subject
Once he invited her 10 accompany him to {
pleasant retreat, but she refused by saying
she was engaged but remained at home al
day,
One evening he found most of the family
had gone out and she was alone: lie en-
deavored to interest her by introducing varl
Gus topics, of conversation, but she mani
tested no interest in his remarks, and he re
NAMED but a short time. This was before
her cousin had arrived from the country
When she came, he found one who was will
ing to converse-who behaved like lady tc
all who visited the house.
Mary Edwards had been to her cousin!
about a week, when the conversation of oul
story took place. A day or two after
Charles called at the house, but the mo
ment Clara saw him enter the house she lef
the room. Mary accepted polite invita-
ton to accompany him to a concert, and il
few moments she was ready. They pass
al IN nnraaahle eueninn She had no soon