The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-08-18


give that little bright eyed damsel first rate edaca
ton; going 10 take tho whole charge Of hsr Is she
very SMART?
yes, and generous sweet tempered shall not
waste any accomplishments on her, but shall cultiy
vale aud strengthen her mind and that tho best
affections of her nature called forth, ~ matter
Of the first importance
oh! you will make bewitching teacher, you talk
like book Who would have thought wild, care
less girl like you could speak so judiciously such
subject 2?
'Ah indeed said Catharne, with her hearty
mischievous laugh these wild girls don't get the
credit of ever being in their sober suppose
my acqnantances will think am daft as the Scotch
say Well, be il so! can be laughed at, If it is dis
tressing, but can't be moved.
We would be IN pretty bad plight, if we depend
o. upon the opinions of our friends entirely. instead
Of our own convictions OF day. remarked Louisa.
As weeks rolled on, Cathurine lrelted, worried
and tornented with little Susy, only unframed
children know how to fret, torment and worry. Has
~ words sometimes sprung to her lip, but the strong
upright will come of conqueror in the end.-She
went into society with different spirit.
such delightful time will have to night, 'wero
the eager words that escaped her lips, as she and
Louisa wore tripping along Broadway one afternoon,
I'VE must not stay long at Mrs BechcT'si hope she
is not very sick
oh! hope not, answered Louisa; then taking
up the subject that most occupied her thoughts; she
exclaimed in a lively tone, al shall have just the kind
Of company You like, the talent and genius, and YOU
shall bs the star. ! won't have TO cOax you 10 bs
bright to night will p
'Taise- rous! don't like Hatery. But hero wo
are; most not stay long
NO, indeed; quarter of hour at most. have
ocenns Of business at home But as Mrs. Becher ex-
pressed wish that wo should call on her, | think
we ought
Certainly, think so too In few moments tho
young girls stood by the sick bed Of the fashionable
lady. Her face pale and thin and wore the sad
thoughtful look, sickness aud sorrow can give TO ths
merrlest most inexpresslbe countenance.
'Ah! am glad you have come she said, extend
ing her little white hands to the girls as they ap
preached her. Bring your chairs here close by mo.
/ am so lonely. All my friends just send TO the door
to inquire after | know you would not be care
ful to avoid a sick bed, so sent for you The great
er part Of my time only see my nurse
I'VE had not heard Of your sickness before said
Louisa.
Il thought not
is your husband out orthe cIy' Calharine inqnir-
ed ghtIassly; she had heard some vague rumOrs
about Mr. Belcher, but had forgotten them.
! NO, Oh no. the brief reply, but IN that tone.
| and in the expression that crossed Mrs. Bocher's
! face, the young girls read volumes lie husband
was a gambler and his wife had learnt it but three
weeks before, when he started suddenly for the
| oouth. Her kind hearted visitors had stayed longer
than they had intended; they felt that they had light
eued the tedious hours Of the invalid.
1--WE will come and see you Often said Caharino
tsnderly
AS often yea want u.s. Louisa added with n
! sweet sad smile.
Il can't bear to have you leave me, girls Mrs
Belcher said, in half pleading voice i don't ex-
| pect to sleep any this weary night If one of yoQ
could only stay with me? But should not ask it,
Il wish we could!' answered Louisa. Cutharine
was silent her heart throbbed with sudden disappont
ment. She thought Of the pleasure she had been an
| ticpang 1t came before her with glowing ylvdness
arrayed in the sunny warmth with WEIGH fancy pre-
| pares us for expected enjoyment And then she
thought of the kindness, by which she might soohe
| The neglected wife. There was powerful struS-
! gle in her breast; the good triumphed. Speaking TO
| Mrs. Becher in rather low tone, she said Louisa
expects a number Of friends at her house to night
She of course cannot be excused, but will stay with
| YOU, and read to you and amuse you the best can
'Thank your exclaimed Mrs. Becher gratefully,
'but perhaps you intend to spend the evening at Lou
! isa's'
Il am going to spend here now, at all events
| Caiharne replied with her peculiar decided will
! full smile.
| Il wish it was convenient for 10 stay too said
Louisa, she pressed Mrs. Belcher's hand at part
! ing Then turning to her FRIEND who had approach
| ed the window, she said lowly, 'Ah! Ca'harne, my
! pleasure is gone too. shall think Of you all the
time; so lonely, and will be where all is gaie,y.'
The plying drops actually started in Louisa's eyes
March home fast rs you can 60, said Catharine,
in the Same low voice, dashing away tear that came
! in spite of a smile; 'You me, you charming
! little baby Just look heren and she point ed 10 n
crystal drop that rolling with solemn gait and
| show down her cheek. Louisa disappeared, with u
I misehievous light chasing away her pathetic tears.-
Catharine felt happy in The consciousness of having
done right; her half pensve smile, and tender voice.
was balm to the wounded spirit Of the sufferer In
conversation. gradually and slowly she opened IN
Mrs Becher's heart the good and tender feelings so
long hidden under the smile of prosperity win
the cooring Of Ter sun-bright fancy, she spoke
of life and It's objects. She cheered her desoIate bos-
ON with hopes and thoughts of all that future, exPNn-
sive life we may all win by our labors here And the
weary sick one listsncd earnestly, as Caharine
touched a chord in her breast no kind being had ever
touched before; she felt she had friends here, and
| friends in the watchful angsIs-and friend in our
| Father in Heaven Tears coursed slowly and silent
| " down her pale face. With gush Of feeling, Cath
arne leaned forward, aud folded her arms around
her form, if that might protect her from sorrow,
The hope she had expressed to Louisa had now come
to pass. In that lonely bosom, she had awakened
| to a sad, yet music, The string that could vi
| brate To hopes higher thar those OF earth when
morning bathed all in It's welcome light, did that
Young girl regret her act of self denalf Let those
who have had similar experience answer 10 change
the whole current Of our thoughts and feelings, IS
no, the work of moment; yet there must be time
when that work must commence. with Mrs. BEL