Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-02-07

was Laira-spoke English with purity that
proved it to be her n Ar tongue and that sew
eral of the conspirators also spoke in that lang
uage The marriage had been performed in
English, as the clergyman was either Brton or
an American. The words, too, that every now
and then met his ear, uttered by poor Laura, in
her delirium, were English. 1t was strange
but he must only wait patiently for the recovery
of the unfortunate girl to have it explained.
1t was fortunate circumstance that Neville
had taken compassion upon the poor women
whom he had brought off to the vessel they
were poor, but respectable, and, in Laura's stu
alton, their service were indispensable ; besides
which they came provided with clothing, which
Laura was entirely without. Indeed, without
their care and assistance, her situation would
have been most pitiable. Man may succOr with
the strong arm, but when the hour of sickness
comes, it is woman alone who can soothe min
lister to and endure. She may be coarse, ignor-
ant, and unrefned, but the atmosphere of sick
room, like the chemist tests, brings out her true
nature the rough hand becomes soft, the harsh
voice gentle under its holy influences.
Several days passed, and Laura still continued
alarmingly ill. All that the most humane and
thoughtful disposition could suggest, and which
their situation admitted Of, was done by Neville
to alleviate her suferings but that was necesa-
rily very little and night after night, as he pac-
ed the deck, and listened to the murmuring
sounds of her voice, as she raved of the horrible
scenes she had lately gone through, it was with
the conviction that her sorrows would all soon be
at rest But he was mistaken With no 9TH
err medical advice than that of the old Captain,
whose long experience had made him skIlful her
constitution naturally strong baffled the disease ;
the fever and delirium subsidized, and after some
days struggle with debility, she was able to be
carried on deck. A short time longer, and she
was strong enough, with the aid of Neville arm,
to walk across the deck and then, morning and
evening, she might be seen reclining upon So
ia, which had been placed there for her use, in
halng the baImy air, each day gaining more and
more strength.
Poor girl her sad fate had excited the SYM
pathy of all on board. The toughest sailor in
the crew lowered his voice and trod more lightly
as he approached her and the first day she APP
peared on deck was one of re olcing to ALL Her
extreme youth, and the refined and graceful
character of her beauty were alone sufficient to
excite kindly feelings towards her but when to
these were added her msfortunes and her touch
ing melancholy, the tenderest and best feelings
of their hearts were called forth in her favor.
Thus day after day went by, and, as yet, she
had never spoken of the fate which Neville had
rescued her, nor alluded to the past--though,
from her sadness, it was evident that she dwelt
much upon it. Her eyes would often fill with
tears, and deep shade of melancholy fall upon
Der countenance, but she never spoke ofwhat af-
hicted her. She talked but seldom, and, appa-
renty noticed little that was going on around
her. The only thing that seemed to give her
pleasure was hearing Neville read, and she would
lie for hours, with her eyes half closed listening
to his voice, without uttering word. Neville
attributed this Discrimination to speak of herself
to her bodily weakness, which made her dread
any indulgence of emotion and strove, with a
deep solicitude, to soothe her feelings and invig
crate her frame. But as day after day passed
by, and her health became gradually confirmed,
he grew nervously anxious for some explanation
from her of her feelings and views. As yet, he
was ignorant of all connected with her-her
family name, even, he had never heard, and as
they must soon arrive in the United States, il
was necessary he should speak with her, unre.
servedly, of her situation, and learn something Of
her history
Accordingly, one evening, as they sat togeth-
er upon deck, watching the sun as it sank dra-
period in purple and gold, into the ocean, he
determined to touch upon the subject. For the
last day or two, she seemed more cheerful than
usual she had spoken more, appeared stronger,
and, but little while since, he had seen her
with one ofthe children upon her lap, smiling as
she played with and caressed it. There was,
too, in her manner toward himself lately, gen.
tie, con6ding softness, that touched him more
than he would admit, but which, no doubt,
quickened his anxiety to come to some under
standing with her.
AS the sun finally disappeared, Laura drew
a sigh, and, turning to her companion, she ask
ed-"How many days more may expect to see
the sun set in the ocean p
"Not many" he replied. eve have had an
unusually long passage, and few days more must
terminate our voyage. Are you curious, Laura
to see what this new land is like ! Or, are you
only tired of the ship p
"No," she replied, artlessly," 81 am not tired
of the ship, Twas only thinking how happy you
will be to meet your family"
Neville colored, and answered gravely, eyes
Laura, shall be very happy but this reminds
me that have duty to perform to them which
you must aid me in. When we arrive in Phil
: adelphia, shall take you Immediately to my ia
theirs house, and it would be more agreeable tC
you, am sure, as well as to myself, that all ex
plantations as to your history should come thro
: me- l am ignorant of every thing connected
with your family, connexions, and views for the