Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1845-08-01
From Arthur's Ladies Magazine for July.
CATHARINE BLOOMER.
OR, NEW AIMS IN LIFE.
by MISS s. A. HUNT.

by MISS s. A. HUNT.
Louisa, are you almost ready r asked a
young lady, raising her eyes from the book
she was reading, and glancing at her frie nd ,
who stood before the mirror of her dressing
room, preparing to 60 out.
shall not be long, Ca,harine,' was the
reply, made in a sweet voice. 'I'm afraid
that book don't interest you much, for you
look al me, yawn, then read few moments,
in regular rotation
DO l? Well, don't know what do,
and what is worse, l can't find out what
want to DO. | believe have got that fash
ionabe complaint, ennui so have called
this afternoon to take you out walking in
Broadway with me. That is the proper and
fashionable remedy, is it not7'
8 believe it is in vogue; as for its proprie.
~, leave that to your own Judgment
20, | don't care for punctilIious proprie-
ties, il ! can be amused by watching thou
sand different countenances, and thus killing
time, it Is all | ask
: 1t may be all you ask, but is it all you
ought to ask 2
{ No moralising, if you please, I came,
that you might impart to me little of your
gayety. So don't be obstinate, and make
me feel more doeful than do at present.
Have you any real cause for unhappl-
ness, Kate I! Louisa inquired, turning round
and scanning closely the countenance of her
friend.
No cause, except what every one has, or
might have. Every body thinks am very
happy; have kind parents, wealth, and
liberty to spend my time as | may choose.
have you, dear Louisa yet my soul
asks for something more. Will its cravings
ever be satisfied!
Louisa did not answer, but an expression
of sadness went over her countenance. II
was the first time Catharine Bloomer had
ever. in the slightest degree, given vent to
her real feelings. The friends had general
ly been gay and cheerful in each others So
ciely. Now the face of Calharine was touch
ed with melancholy; her fine, proud fea.
lures, were softened and subdued. She was
silent for awhile, then arousing herself, she
rose and approached her friend, saving in
her usual careless tone, Louisa, l really be
lieye you are little vain; wonder how
long you have stood before that glass, pulling
your bonnet this way and that, to make il
set straight, and look prelty.'
A singular kind ofvanity,' Louisa rotor.
ted, with smile, 'lor | was scarcely con.
scIous Of what | was doing
You want me to believe that speech. do
you, you vain little gipsey?' said Catharine,
touching her chin. with an air of playful fond
ness.
Yes, want you TO believe il, and | fu.'.
ther desire you 10 retract your words, or W.
will surely have duel
Suppose we have duel then, by way OF
variety. Here is my gage and STOPPING
down Catharine picked up tiny satin slip.
per that was peeping from beneath the bu.
reau.
i accept your pledge, most noble knight
replied Louisa, seizing her slipper. AfIel
flinging it in corner. she threw her arm.
around her companions waist, and said as
she led her from the room, now am read,
to 90 in Broadway aud fight, as becomes a
gallant lady chevalier. But, Catharine, tc
be serious, do you think am vain 2 Fol
a moment the Young girl closed firmly ia
thought. Presently she answered with q
frank decision.
Yes, ! think you are.' After moment.
pause, she added, you know we entered in.
to compact TO tell each other our faults
when we noticed them.'
YES was the brief and somewhat cold
reply. They gained the street, and walked
about half block without speaking. Louisa
was slightly hurt, and the deep glow of NOR
LITIGATION was upon her cheek. But she wa,
an a1ecionate girl and loved her friend toe
well, to feel more than momentary cold
ness towards her. She broke their unwon
tened silence, by pressing Catharine's band
and saying, Thank you, you are true
friend. Whenever you think betray an,
vanity, tell me eff it. am sure | desire t
get rid of all my faults
Il know il. should be different per
son, perhaps, if my desires were as active a.
yours always are. ! see my own faults o
my neighbors. But in regard to myself,
am ndolenl-careess. Give me enjoymen
and | suppose am too Indifferent whethe
my faults or virtues are called into action
You never tell me of my faults. Louisa, ex
cept the single one of sarcasm; l am sure
have a thousand more than you.'
well, think il is very hard to lister
with patience and right feeling, to one who
is pointing out our faults. Do you know
Kate, was almost indignant, when foune
you were in earnest abou, my vanity. 1t il
so very agreeable to have your friends thinl
you are just about right
DO you think so!' laughed her friend
shaking her head little.
Don't you ? Is praise and admiration
disagreeable TO you | thought you wer,
proud of your gifts. I have seen your ey,
flash with pleasure, when your mental supe
riority was felt, and acknowledged Cath
arine answered by an impatient, 'pshaw' an,
thus the subject was dismissed. Byth,s tim,
they had reached the house of an acouaIn
lance. Louisa paused. and laying her hane
upon Catharine's arm, said. suppose we give
Mrs. Belcher call, she would not like it, i
she knew we passed her house without stop
ping in
Just as you please returned Catharine
Il am perfectly Indifferent
'You are in a queer mood lust now,
Louisa replied. as thew assended tho s,ane