The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-09-17
BECAUSE l SAT SIDE OF HER AT
CHURCH"

In the beautiful village of A, and but
a short distance from the residence OF my
father, lived Mr.. j. w. Burton, who was
fine man, upright and honorable in all his
dealings with his felowmen, and paid the MIN
lister large tax, besides giving considerable
for the support of the Missionaries and other
charitable purposes. For these and other
benevolent acts, the good people of our vii
lage thought they would make a Justice Of
the Peace of him, which was considered
great honor in our village. Accordingly
commission for the same was obtained.
Now the Squire had two fine daughters,
Julia and Mary. Some thought they were
the finest girls in the village, and there was
one who was firm in the belief that they were,
but one was a little finer than the other
There was none that dressed neater, looked
BETTER and walked more graceful than did
Julia Burton. Then what beautiful singer.
Oh Heavens! There was no voice so sweet
and melodious as hers. | used to set side of
her at church, and occasionally found the
hymn for her, which | considered a great
honor. If you ever sit side of the loveliest
creature you ever saw, and hear such heaven
y strains as she uttered, you can judge some
thing what my feelings were, and what costa
cies | was sometimes thrown into. We occa-
sionally had singing schools, then would gal
liant her home, while there were some other
chaps who would plant themselves at the
door, ready to crook their arms when she
came along, but my arm was generally crook
ed before she got to the door. | supposed |
had a right to see her home, "because | sat
side of her at church" although there were
some that were disposed to dispute my right,
but | plead the general demurers. Things
went on thus smoothly for some time. If
there were any rides, dances or parties, was
always on hand, and had the prettiest girl
too g because | sat side of her at church."
One afternoon being near the termination
of sleigh ride, asked Julia, Qor | had al
ready began to talk sweet things to her, par
ticularly that aftenoon) if l might call at her
fathers next Sabbath evening. She answer
ed my question in the affirmative. AS re-
turned home that evening, what feelings and
emotions filled my bosom. / considered my
self the happiest Of men-as good as married.
Julia was no hetreSS, but her personal charms,
her well cultivated mind and pleasing address
won friends for her, in whatever circle she
moved.
At the time agreed upon I knocked at
Squire Burton's door, to fulfil my engagement
with Julia. She opened the door with
blandish smile, and invited me in, which in
vitation l readily accepted, After some time
spent in talking about g things in general, and
nothing in particular" which subject l sup
pose is discussed quite thoroughly by persons
in our situation, |, without any reluctance,
" for l sat beside of her at church, you know,
asked her if she could consent to become
mine. She looked at me with different look
than she ever did before, and said, II never
thought of such thing / supposed you cal
led for neighborly visit" Thunder struck
and amazed, | fell backward, and instead of
seating myself in my chair, landed in bas-
ket where lay an old cat and half dozen kit
tens and such a catawauling you never heard
Their teeth and claws soon created a peculiar
sensation about the last part ofmy pantaloons
which l cannot describe-my feelings and
emotions" were suddenly changed.
| made a rush for the door, and started for
home, aud in a short time was locked in my
room. Oh, such dreams as had that night!
Flirting girls and scratching cats, disturbed
my usually peaceful slumbers, end filled my
room with gorgeous and chimeras dire
VeSpd.