Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-06-20
MONTPELIER, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 1916.

much and that increasing years had brought with
them slight inhrmity of temper.
At the period where our readers and ourselves
have just arrived, Miss Norris had risen at her us-
al early hour, and had hardly remarked to her sis
ter next in seniority the beauty of the morning,
before she exclaimed" Well, declare, this very
day five long years since Mr.. Denson left us poor
fellow, wonder how he is getting on" She thrust
her head farther through the opened easement
as she spoke, and bestowed sigh upon the fragrant
crceper that was climbing up TO the window. Then
followed cross word for her sister and scolding
for the maid and expressions of pettshness es-
carod her till they sat down to breakfast The
second cup of bohea was poured out, and with her
favorite dish Miss Norrs's temper was gradually
attaining its equanmity, when the servant entered
with the morning letters. packet Of rather UNI
usual size caught her eye, and induced her to de-
part from her usual custom of finishing her meal
before attending to business.
"Why, what have we here 2" said she. " Dear
me, what can it be? Why it bears the N
postmark, and surely, surely know the hand-wri-
ting" She was so excited that she could hardly
stop to break the seal she almost tore the envel-
ope open, and there lay small piece of bridecake
decorated with white satin bows, and an embossed
card bound with silver lace, and on which was neat
ly written" With Mr. and Mrs. Denisons best
respects"
Poor creature The hope that had so long ami
mated her the fancy she had dearly yet Sc
crety cherished, were annihilated i'll a moment
That alone which could have made life desirable
to her was lost for the want of asking. She wal
being by herself in the world, and all hope o
peace or comfort was gone forever. She pressed
the parcel convulsively between her hands, unit
its rich contents fell in crumbs at her feet, ant
mingled with the scalding tears of bitter sorrow
which she pentfuy shed. "Oh!" cried she, il
the bitterness of her soul, sob had | known
would have come to this had | ever dreampt tina
my foolish, wicked pride, or my desire to make
prudent match, would have lost me Edward DEM
son, would have gone on my knees to him ere h
left the town. But am lost and hapless Great
ure. Henceforth the world will have no pleasure
for me ] have no friends-no one to care abou
me-none to pity or comfort me; | am left to my
self alone"
Should any of our readers not Immediately pei
ceive the lesson which "The Brde-cake" conveys
let us be permitted to apply it. There ma
ny OF both sexes who, like Miss Norris, tampc
with their affections from false delcacy, from
reprehensible PRIDE or, by far than all, fro
interested feelings, that we cannot think the simpl
history of Ann Norris altogether uncalled for
The best and purest feelings of our nature are o
ten stihed at the moment when perhaps the
would be productive of life of consummate haI
I piness; and repentance comes at time when it
! Intellectual when those who would have made
! and loving helpmates for life have sought in othe
the pleasures which desired, and are sharn
with others the happiness which might have bee
! OurS.