The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-09-05

ing aside hef mourning weeds, sleppeu loI'H
from her darkened chamber radiant, beau
tiful woman-gay, neutrality-suspicious.!
With taste as novel as it was exquisite, she
her splendid mansion; the elegance
other equipage WINS the topic ofthe day; while
balls, suppers, and parties, followed each 9th
er i'll rapid succession.
10 toas no,U The dashing Mrs BdlLanhyne!
Her saloon was thronged with the elite of
learning aud aristocracy. She patronized the
fine arts, befriended the unfortunate, and gave
literally to every charitable purpose.
The same mystery to be sure, still attached
itselfto her private affairs; certain hours OF
every day she was invisible; but no,0 the world
deemed il only an ercentricitj, and as such 1t
passed Nor was she without her admirers.
Statesmen and heroes would gladly have laid
their laurels ut her feet, and many II youthful
lover worshipped at her shrine; but maternal
love shielded her heart from other ties. I'm
der all the apparent trivolity other character,
there was much, very much, that was truly
excellent and noble Her son was never for
gotten-he was still the idol of her fondest
hopes and affection. With talents of high or
der brought into development by judicious
instruction, Eugene Ballantyue, at the age
of seventeen, had nearly completed his collie
giate course, and had already eyinced a
health, however, having suffered from close
application to study, it was deemed advisable
for him to make the tour of Europe ere he
came to any definite determination.
Such then was the person who was TO re-
ceive the humble protege ofthe Raggatherer.
What a transition from the wretched dwell
ing ofthc latter, to the luXuriant abode of
wealth and fashion, where the very air SEEM
cd oppressed with It's own ffagrance Yet the
mind of Violet, appeared fitted for this refin-
ed spherc-so strangely had old Nelly even
in all her obscurity and poverty cultivated
this lovely flower She was like the sweet
lily of the vale opening IFS delicate petals in
the dark wild wood, yet when uansplanted TO
the conservatory ofrare and choice eXotics,
then only appearing to have found its proper
sphere!
II was the afternoon upon which Violet
had taken n last farewell of her childhood's
home, with what sorrow has been shown that
Mrs Ballantyne seated in her private apart
nent, waited the arrival Of her proteEe. II
was the month of June, aud it would seem
Flora herself had showered this little re-
treat of the eccentric widow with her
most beautiful offerings. Vases of the most
tasteful designs were scattered around filled
with choice roses-wreaths of fresh flowers
were suspended over the mirrors, and the
transparent window curtains were looped
with the same. The floor was covered with
an India mattiug, and IN the centre of the
room stood a small Egyptian table bearing al
urn, also of antique model, in which the rar-
est exotics united their fragrance with the less
brilliant flowers ofour own cline. Upon
this table were choice priuts-rare medal
ions-etchings, and the walls were also dec.
GRATED with gems from the first masters
Siken hnngings ola pale rose color dropped
in graceful folds over the small recess, dis
closing within the couch ofthe fair mistress
OF this apartment, around which fell curtains
ofsnowy muslin, looped here and there
with the same beautiful bands us confined
those at the windows.
The dress of Mrs Ballantyne was n pale
green silk, ornamented with double rosettes
of pink satin. These ofthe finest lace, fall
ing Just below the elbow, disclosed the bcau-
titul contour other arm, clasped at the wrist
by Il rich bracelet ofemcralds and rtihies.--
Her glossy black hair was parted upon her
forehead in one heavy mass upon the top OF
her head, where it was confined by n shell
comb of exquisite workmanship. In her
hand she held miniature of her son, who
had that morning returned to college. Upon
this her eyes were fondly tiXed,whena gentle
rap at the door aroused her from her pleasing
employment.
BewiIdered ut the beautiful scene before
her, so novel, so enchanting, confused, abash-
ed ut the presence ofthe elegant woman who
now kindly greeted her, Violet stood trenb-
ling at the entrance, her cheeks suffllsed with
bushes rivaling the tin;s ofthe roses II
round her. One hand rested OH the polished
moulding, the other was partly raised ms If to
shield her eyes from so much splendor, and
M 1i,tla E,nt inst rnicoI tho ,nnphp
sill, hesitatng to bear its lovely young mis-
tress into spot so strangely beautiful. Mrs.
Ballautyne advanced, and gently taking the
timid girl by the hand, led her into the apart
ment, and seated her upon the tabouret at her
SIDE She then removed the little gypsy hat,
and the golden curls leaped gladly forth from
their unwonted thraldom, and nestled again
around their sweet resting place.
Atlength Violet dared to raise her eyes,
she met the encouraging smile, and heard the
gentle voiceof that lovely lady and her agita-
ton suddenly Gained, her fears subsided she
even smiled in return, and in a short time felt
she was no longer stranger. Thus affahle
and kind were the manners of Mrs. Balail-
tyne.
In simple language, and with artcss grace,
Violet related her little history.
1t was an eventful one, nor had she tales of
narShneSS 10 reveal, nor complains OF surfer
ing, her path had been lowly one hut with
out thorns. The goodness ofpoor old Nelly
was her theme, and when told she was no
more to see her, and forbidden henceforth e.
ven to speak to her,the tears so lately repress-
edagain burst forth until even those of her
listener mingled with them. Suddenly her
eyes rested upon the miniature of Eugene
She started, bushed, and taltered forth:
Otis himself! madam, tits the same who
tore me from the arms ofthat bad mani
1t was now Mrs Ballantyne's turn 10 be sur
prsed.
Are YOU sure? WHY this is the miniature