Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-01-03

tice Of the speakers, 81 saw that painting in the
studio of Isola, at Genoa, few years since, and
know from its author that it represents a street
scene IN that Italian city, otherwise | should not
have spoken .... ... .....
All, you have great advantage over us all, in
having travelled so extensively, Mr.. Harvard said
Anne H, DESTROYS to restore good feeling.
The gay scenes of the night wore on Several
times had Ferris Harvard completely put to fault
the shallow-braned tops around him, placing them
ir anything but an enviable light,
Ferris Harvard was Lieutenant in the Navy;
and depended entirely upon his pay as an officer,
to support widowed mother and younger sis
ter, to both of which he devotedly attached
His father sef-lnade man, had once been sue
cesStu merchant, who sailed and treighted some
of the heaviest tonned vessels that left the port of
Boston-but misfortune and sickness overlook
him, and he sunk into his grave, leaving his only
to protect his mother and sister from the wants
and ills of life. Ferris had enjoyed liberal edu-
cation, and having entered the navy as mdship-
man, had risen to lieutenancy by reason of his
superior talents and good conduct. His profession
had led him to all parts Of the world, and he had
carefully improved this advantage, though coll
strained by his limited means, to the practice of
the most rigid economy.
He had met with the only daughter of Harris
H, one of the wealhest citizens of Boston,
at fete given on board the ship to which he be-
her, but he well knew in his own heart, that the
difference in their fortunes formed barrier to his
wishes. He had been casual visitor for several
months previous to the time our story commences
at the house of the II family
4 must think of her no more,' said Ferris to
himself, if am thus sneered at by her friends for
offering her common civilites, with what con-
tempt, would her austere parent receive a prop
ositon for her hand from one so poor and I'M
known.
Harris H, was indeed a stern old man.
and yet he was said to be kind to the poor, giving
freely of his bounty for the relief of the needy
Still he was strange man; he seldom spoke to
those around him, yet he Gyinced the warmest
love for his only child, and Anne too, loved her
father with an ardent affection. His delight was to
pore over his library, literally living as il were. in
the fellowship of the old philosophers Upon sew
eral occasions, when Ferris was al his house and
engaged in conversation with Anne he had observ-
ed the old mans eye bent sternly upon him, when
his heart would sink within him, aud he would
awake to the reality of his situation.
Ferris was one evening in Beacon street, where
in spite of the cold reception he received from
those he generally met there, he still enjoyed him.
self in the belief that Anne was not indifferent to
his regard. He bad been relating, at her request,
his experience with different national characters
with whom he had met, speaking of their pecu-
lIarltes, and describing the various scenic effects
OF different countries Anne sat near sweet
scented geranum, whose leaves she was most in
dustrously engaged in destroying. Ferris, bend
ing close to her ear, said:
Anne, will you pluck Inc tina; rose as token of
affection? you must know how ardent mine is for
you-or stop, dearest, behind it grows the candy
tuft You know the mystic language of boh will
you choose and give me one2'
Hush, hush, Ferris said the blushing girl hand
ing him the rose.
This passed when the attention of the company
present was drawn to some engaging object. New
er before had Ferris received any evidence of An
ne's love, save from her tell-taIe eyes The flow
er was placed next to his heart, and he left the
apartment. He had proceeded hut few ste ps
from the house, when he was accosted by poor
mendcant, clothed in rags, who was exposed at
that late hour Of the night to the nclemency of the
season.
Pray, sir,' said the beggar to Ferris, 'can you
give me triHe? am nearly starved, aud chilled
through by this night air.
Ferris, after few moments conversation with
the beggar, (for his was not the heart to turn a.
way from the sufferings of fellow creature, J
handed him purse containing five or six dollars,
and urged him to seek immediate shelter and food
The beggar blessed him and passed on.
few nights subsequent TO this occasion, Mrs.
HI, Anne's mother, received him as she did
most OF her visitors, with somewhat constrained
and distant welcome. Beng woman of no CON
versatonal powers, she always retired quite early,
conducting her intercourse with society in the
most formal manner Ferris was much surprised
that Mr.. II. had taken no notice of his intimacy at
the house, for he very seldom saw him, but when
he did so, he would see the old mans eyes bent
sternIy upon him in anything but a friendly and
inviting spirit. In this dilemma, he was at loss
what course TO pursue heretofore he had despair
ed of ever gaining Anne's acknowledgment of af
lection for him, and now that he had succeeded in
this, he was equally distant from the goal of his
happiness, for his better Judgment told him that
the consent Of her parents could never be obtained.
On this occasion, he had taken his leave as usual,
when he was mel by the beggar of the former oc-
casou, who again solicited aims, declaring that he
could find no one else to assist him, and that the
money he had before bestowed upon him. had been
expended for food, and rent OF a miserable cellar
where he lodged.
! Again Ferris placed purse IN the poor mans
hands, at the same time telling him that he himself
was poor and constrained to the practice of rigid
economy in the support Of those dependent upon
him. He left the beggar aud passed on his way
! happy in having contributed to the alienation oil
human suffering
Not long subsequent, Ferris called one evening
at the house of Mr. H, md fortunately
found Anne and her father alone, the former en-.
gagged upon piece of embroidery of new pat
leID, ulu tHe ldlter poTllS over Noluhe vi ah'
cient philosophy. On his entrance, the old gen.
tlemen took 10 further apparent notice OF him
than inclination of the head, and good evening
slr.' He took chair by Anne'S side, and told he
of his love in low but ardent tones, begging per
mission to speak to her father upon the subject
Oh he will not heara word Of the matter,
know said the sorrowing girl. mo longer age
than yesterday, he spoke to me relative to a con
nexion with R, but can never love-bu one,
said the heantv UiVinU him her hand
Ferris could bear this suspense no longer; il
fact, the hint relative to her alliance with another
spurred him to action. He proceeded to that par
of the room where Mr. H sat, and after
few Introductory remarks, said:
You have doubtless Observed sir, my intimac.
in your family for more than year past.-Fron
the fact that you did not object to my attentions tt
your daughter, have been led to hope that
might not be altogether against your wishes. May
ask, sir, with due respect, your opinion in tn
matter?
Il have often seen you here,' replied Mr.. H
'and have found no reason to object to your visits
sir
Indeed, sir, you are very kind. have neithe