Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1845-07-31

|
bed her. Her coun,enance looked hag-
CARED and pale. as soon as she saw Cath
crime, she called her to her, and said,
Promise not to leave me tonight. The
only satisfaction can now have is to sec
you near me- You have been weeping,
my child, but not such tears of remorse as
have shed tonight. But you shall weep
no more. Thank God it is not too late for
me to make some atonement to you for the
sacrifice you was willing to make for nv
peace Your father knows all, has for
given all, and the mother, not the daughter,
is to be the sacrifice Both mother, and
daughter said Mr. Flemmng, 4 trust
will live to see many years Of happiness,
and the experience Of our past lives make
US all more wise and circumspect in the
discharge of duty
AS the time drew near for the nupiaIs
of her daughter, Mrs Fleming felt as
though she had with her own hands been
erecting for her funeral pile. Every
thing that was done to forward the we'd
ding, seemed like adding fresh fuel to the
flame that was 10 consume her. All the
better feelings Of the mother were awak-
ened in her breast, and the struggle in her
mind was so great as TO cause tendency
of blood to the brain. That evening
white her daughter was weeping over hef
prospect Of unhappiness in her own room,
her mother, with all the penitence of a re.
turning prodigal, was conlessing her guilt
to her husband and entreatlng his forgive
ness.
Mr. FIemming when he Witnessed the
anguish of his wife, and learnt that it was
the fear of losing his affection forever that
had made her willing to sacrifice his child,
casped her TO his heart and forgave her
all. Again he recognized his wife, his
beloved Caroline, as he saw all the feel
ngs Of mother trembling in her breast
Promises he no longer desired. The wreck
that he held in his arms proclaimed the
remorse she had felt, and was all the a.
tenement he needed 10 secure bis future
confidence and love.
Catharne and he father spent that
night by the couch of Mrs Flemmng, who
after an illness Of several weeks, was again
minglng with her family, better wife and
better mother than she had ever been.
'Caroine,' said Mr. Flemming, as he
hastily entered his wles room one morn
ing, now that you are so far recovered,
| entreat o. you to dispose in some way, of
the match you have made for Cathar-
inc. Mr. Roberts has repeatedly called to
see me the last week, and wishes an early
day appointed for their nuptials. Now, as
you made the bargain, it is no more than
fair YOU should either sea-or break it.
For my own part, have other views for
my daughter This morning have re-
ceved an offer Of marriage for her, from
young man of great excellence and i'm
mense wealth, and | shall insist upon her
accepting it,
Il promise you, answered Mrs Flem-
ming, TO get rid of Mr. Roberts, if you
will promise not TO insist upon Catharines
marrying any one at present. The thought
of a forced union now fills me with hor-
ror.
You will make your mind perfectly
easy on that point said her husband,
when tell you that she has already COM
piled with my wishes and is now seated
in the parlor with Francis Davenport, who,
at the expiration Of the present month,
will claim her as his BRIDE lie returns to
the city the sole heir of his deceased uncle.
They have sent me for you TO come and
witness their happiness. Everything has
hailed him with delight, even the little
canary birds have sung tunelul lay to
welcome the return Of one, whose voice is
50 familiar.
Mrs FIemming was soon clasped in the
arms of her daughter, and tenderly saluted
by Mr. Davenport. In the midst Of their
rejoicing, servant ushered Mr. Roberts
into the room. The old gentleman looked
rather blank, as he laid down his hat and
cane. There was something in the APP
pearance Of things he did not like The
presence Of Francis Davenport, caused
him to cast a scrutinizing look at Mrs
FIemmng, who perfectly understood it,
and observed,
You are the very person | wanted 10
see, Mr. Roberts. think you deserve an
apology from one who has had so great a
HeslTe 10 oDlaln your Nealth Tor her
daughter. You will rejoice to Ienounce
forever your anticipated alliance with our
family, when you learn that deceived you
when said that Catharine loved you.-
Her heart for years has been welded to
another. 1t was thatI might obtain mon
ey TO pay my debts of extravaganza and
folly, that sought her union with you.
am frank to confess my offence, and trust
you will forgive me- Mr. Roberts listened
to her in astonishment, and as he rose to
retire, apprcroached Catharine and OBJ
served,
Pardon me, Miss Flemming, for have
been led into an error May you be as
happy as you deserve
Jus, month from this period small
bridal party was seen standing on the deck
of the steamboat that was 10 bear them on
their way to Philadelphia. Many saluta-
tions were given and received by ',nose
friends who fingered on the shor,. ;n,on,lU
gazing after the vessel Tia vou m;aE,
have bcheld the counter nee oiCathnrine
Davenport glowing win health and b.nn;