Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-06-06

nave PAID me nothing"
81 am very sorry that / cannot spare you the
money to-day" said Miss Belmont. "You must
call on some one else who employs YOU"
81 have been able to obtain employment from
only one lady besides yourself, and she has been
absent from the city several weeks. Had it not
been for her, who has always paid me when the
work was finished, the children--as have often
myself must have suffered for food"
"Well, there is half dollar, and as bread is
cheap, now, it will purchase good deal"
AS she spoke. she careessly threw it on the ia
BILE, when it rolled off and fell upon the floor An
other hectic flush passed over Miss Aisons coun-
tenanee, as she stopped to pick it up.
~ Will credit 1t on my bill" said she to Miss
Belmont-then turned and left the room,
"Was not the girls pertinacity astonishing 2"
said Miss Belmont. 81 found she was determined
not to 60 unless gave her something-so threw
her the half dollar to get rid of her."
| III she was not SO very pale and had not such
an anxious, care-worn look" said Alkaline, evading
reply to what Miss Belmont said, she would be
one OF the most beautiful girls ever saw"
"She looks well enough but | cannot endure to
see person in her situation so bold and imperti-
nent"
Before Alkaline had time to reply, Elsey re-en-
tered the apartment, saying that Mr.. Lester was
below, and wished to see Miss Belmont. Elvira's
countenance frightened, for Herbert Lester was
the person whose regard she jveted above that of
vi OHSio' III lHlo ItspGCL sue showed TASTE ana
discrimination, for in elegance of person and man.
ners, as well as intrinsic worth, he had no superior
He was wealthy, likewse-he and Lucilla his on
y sister, having shared between them the princely
fortune Of deceased relative.
Come, Adaline," said Miss Belmont after has
tily adjusting some portions of her dress more be-
comingy, "will you 20 down and assist me to en-
terrain Mr.. Lester?'
81 will go down." replied Adaline "but have
already made long call, and must return home"
As she walked slowly towards home the image
OF Emily Allison was constantly in her mind and
she determined, as far as her means would permit
to endeavor to relieve her wants. These were
comparatively limited, for her father though man
OF considerable wealth, had large family 70 sup
port so that she not only found necessary to work
her own caps and collars, but with the assistance
OF her mother to do the plain sewing for the fam-
~. When she arrived home, she examined her
purse, which she found contained only few sh-
lngs her quarterly allowance, with which her
father regularly supplied her, having been expend-
ed In the purchase of more expensive dress than
ever she had INDUCED in before to wear to the an
tcipated ball. She now regretted that she had not
listened to her mother, who always advised her,
never on any occasion, when she could we'll avoid
It, to go to the full extent of her means in purcha-
sing an article of dress, but always if possible to
retain something by her for purposes of charity
What little she had, she enclosed in blank envel-
Bradford was thus employed, Herbert Lester, who
had been for some time attracted by the brilliant
beauty and graceful manners of Elvira Belmont
found during an hours conversation with her, that
she acceded cordially to all his favorite opinions
and most cherished sentiments, that he took leave
OF her with nearly the determination to win her if
possible for his bride. When he returned home he
found his sister had arrived, who had been absent
several weeks, on visit to some friends in the
country After those many questions had been
asked and answered which often follow each other
IN quick succession when friends who have been
separated again meet, Herbert, leaning his head
upon his hand remained silent several minutes
He then said
VI am glad that you have come home, Lucilla,
for wish to know your opinion relative to certain
lady, who, | am half afraid will steal away more
than her due portion of the heart which has as yet
been exclusively bound to you"
g And respecting whom you have already decid-
ed in your mind, dare say" said his sister.
"Very nearly, confess; but still should like
to know what you think of herr
You must first tell me her name,
"Elvra Belmont"
81 would rather you had said Alkaline Bradford"
Alkaline is very pretty girl, but not half SO
brilliant as Elvira"
Certainly not-but her beauty is of a kind that
improves upon acquaintance, and have reason to
believe that her moral sentiments are purer and
more elevated"
"That cannot be. I spent an hour with her this
morning, and found her sentiments, in every res
pect, pure and elevated as your own. When in
formed her that you had it in contemplation to raise
a fund for the relief of INDECENT widows and Or
phans, she was enthusiastic upon the subject, and
her fine eyes actually filled with tears"
So am delighted at what you say, for had form
ed the opinion that she relish and unfeeling."
81 told her that you would probably call on her
when you returned, for the purpose of consulting
to Tho,
method OF carrying your plans into operation, and
she replied that she trusted you would find her with
n well-filled purse and willing heart"
when intend to call OH her, suppose must
let You know, so that you may accompany me-"
"Certanly. But to change the subject, do you
know there is to be splendid ball week from
this evening, and that you must CO."
"Yes, heard there was to be a ball but so far
from knowing that must go, had concluded in
my own mind to remain at home"
II shall insist on your going, for Elvira Belmont
and Alkaline Bradford will both be there, and |
want you to compare them, now that have, as |
hope, removed the strange prejudice you have i'm
bibed, that Elvira selfish and unfeeling."
"Well, will agree to attend the ball, on condi-
ton that you will walk with me as far as Miss AL
sons this evening, and call for me when it is time
for me to return"
"Who is Miss Ason!"
g young girl who sews for me. She works
iace uhu muslin beautifully; nut make point OF
giving her plain work principally as it does not re-
qure such close attention, and is less trying TO the
eyes"
Her brother promised to go with her, and at sew
en- o'clock they stood before one of those miserable
habitations of the poor, which, in greater or lesser
numbers may be found in the dark and obscure al.
leys OF all our large cities. Herbert knocked at
the door, which was opened by blue-eyed, curly
headed boy, almost seven years DID, who had been
weeping, for bright tears were on his cheeks Her
brother now left her, having promised to call for
her in about an hour.
is your sister Emily at home, deari" inquired
Miss Lester.
At the sound of her voice he sprang forward, and
casting his arms round the skirts of her dress ex-
claimed
80 Miss Lester how glad am that YOU have
come, for Emmy does nothing but cry"
Emily, when she heard some one knock at the
door, made an effort to compose herself: but her
feelings were in that peculiarly excited state thai