Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-04-25

what no one else dd--thai he was heir to
he immense possessions of bachelor uncle
He wished to be loved for himself alone, and
so FIorette and her family were kept igno-
rant of his wealth.. Had Harvey told them
all he might have gained Floreite, even
though he could never be an English lord,
but we think he acted wisely in keeping the
secret
Autumn returned and with it came Mrs
Gayland aud her daughters, rejoicing in
their good fortune. Kate had married a
French Count who had accompanied them
home. Irene was engaged to rich South
erner, while Lucia had made rapid progress
in the affections OF New York exquisite.
Well, FIoreite, says Mrs Gayland, about
a week after her arrival, how speeds the
gallant Mr. Lesion in his wooing 2
He is to ask papa's consent tonight,
answered Floretie, somewhat sadly. He
will be very much disappointed, fear /; but
cannot think of marrying him, after seeing
sister Hates husband
Yes said Irene, and Mr. Mortified is
much handsomer than the Count
And Frederic Augustus Dash is hand
somer than either drawled Miss Lucia.
But said Lille in pleading voice, lift
ing her large dark eyes to the face OF Flo
rette, Harvey is good.
torrent of abuse drove the unhappy
child to her fathers study, and with him she
found Harvey Lesion.
Lille my love- said her father, go call
Floretie.'
The child obeyed, and soon returned with
her sister, who asked very innocently, what
do you want Of me, papaP
Il want 10 congratulate you my dear child
in your happy choice Of a husband
"A husband papa, what do you mean"
The good old gentleman looked first al
Harvey, then at his daughter, Florette, did
YOU not send Harvey TO me 2
La. pa, was he so foolish as to ask you
really was only in JEST
In Jest J said the young man rising from
his seat and turning deadly pale, and per.
haps it was in Jest that you have so many
times promised 10 be mine. Speak, Florette
is il SO 2
The young girl trembled as she gazed up
on his pallid face, yet with a smile she an.
swered, -'certainly dear Harvey, was in
Jest all Of the time and thought you were
also
Mr. Gayland had listened in supplied as
tonshment 10 Florette's heartless confession
He had never imagined that one of his eld
est daughters could be guilty. OF so base an
act, much less her whom he believed so pure
and guiltless. He spoke not, but pointed
TO the door, and as FIorette closed it, Harve,
fell upon his knees, and the large tear drop.
rnIlad ranidIv doun HE rhaaks
Lille wepi bitterly. She loved Harvey
and throwing her arms around his neck she
whispered, don't cry, Harvey, I'll be YOU
wife
These childish words instantly dried ur
his tears. He pressed her to his heart anc
answered.
You will be my own wife, Lille you will
never leave nor laugh at me, as Floreiie ha:
done 2
No, no, no, never, dear Harvey, sobbet
the child: will always be your own Lille.
Bravo |! exclaimed the old gentleman
who had now recovered the use of his tongue
you shall yet be my son. Harvey. Floretl,
has cruelty wronged you, but don't mind it
we will have our revenge, harmless though
sweet
Harvey, do you really wish me to give
you my Lille?
Yes sir, she is not beautiful, but she ha.
hearth
Right, my boy, but she will be handsom,
when she is as old as Florette. AT seven
teen, Harvey, she is yours, that allows ms
FIVE years to educate her, and during tina
time you must travel. Our plan must be
kept profound secret between us three
Remember, Harvey when you return, i
must be incog, aud then comes ourrevenge.
1t was even so. In one week, uarve,
Lesion had left the village, aud Lille, much
to the establishment aud anger of her moth
er and sisters, was sent to an excellent ie
male seminary.
Mr. Gayland seldom spoke of Harve,
Leston--but when his name was mentioned
ljeerngly, there would be smile of deer
and quiet meaning, play over his benevolenr
features
Summer came round again. and again
was Mrs Gayland, Irene and Lucia, at Sar
atoga but Florelte was not allowed to go
In vain her mother coaxed-Mr Gaylanc
was memorable. Forette thought it was on
account of her youth, but as summer after
summer rolled away and found her still al
home, she knew il was punishment, and
felt it to be just.
Five years had passed away. Mr. Gay
land had been from home week, aud his
wife and Daughters wondered that he stop.
ped so long.
Mamma, said Florette, 1 should think
you would know where he has gone, did he
not tell you 2
No. ! asked him and he refused to tell
me- said Mrs GayIand looking very sour.
'Oh ! ! cun guess exclaimed Florette,