The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-11-05

| second Time WlJnOuG Wishing 10 dppIO"Ol
more nearly the heart that shone from thei
depths
My cousin was centred as usual amid ;
group Of gay young girls whom he entertain
ed with those sprightly nothings, those grace
full batteries, that pass current i'll fashionable
society as the staple Of conversation between
the sexes and which he chose to consider the
most acceptable style of discourse to women
And truly, if he sought only the light and tri
fling among women, he was not far from right
twas necessary part Of the prudential pol
icy which he had marked out for himself, tC
keep aloof from all society that might toe
strongly enchain his sympathies, and there
fore all the powers of pleasing which he pos
sessed in SO eminent a degree, were directed
to the amusement of those who could be salts
fled with the mere froth Of his mind. 1t al
ways made me sorrowful to see him thus en-
couraging frivolous trifing, and ministerlng
TO the vanity Of the weakest minds; and wea-
ny of listening to what was so Improbable, |
looked around for Madeline, whose ever fresh
and spirited words longcd to hear. She too
had given moments attention to my cous-
ms rafting folly, and just as l sought her
face, | saw that his eye was also directed
there, and read very plainly an opinion of
him such as no man likes to excite in the
breast of a woman he respects. An express
sion Of quiet scorn lowered about her lips. l
could see that he was piqued at this, and sud-
denly abashed to such degree that nothing
but his long practised self-restraint prevented
his breaking Off at once from that light, Jest
ing strain, and from the trifers that drank it
in, 1 was soon deep in earnest talk with
Madeline, but it was not long before he came
up and Joined us, determined, very well
knew, to retrieve his credit with the tastdi-
Gus lady whose tell-tale face had betrayed
such unwonted feelings toward him. And
truly the effort was worthy of its inspiration.
Never did | witness in my gifted cousin such
an outpouring of spirit: never did his teem-
ing mind so lavish its brilliant treasures. The
rich stores of intellect that sparkled forth in
a flow of graceful language, the most impress
i've and at the same time the most polished
that ever heard him utter. His discourse
was so replete with meaning,so rich with sug-
gestions of infinite and wonderful things, that
it seemed to reveal the very depths of his
soul, like clear river flowing unsteady over
golden sands. The wondering Madeline
yelled herself as to spell. Her attention,
which had leaned to his opening remarks SO
carelessly, and altogether from courtesy, be-
came rivetted and spell-bound as he proceed
ed ; and heartily rcioiccd that he was doing
Justice to himself, [ moved silently away, leay-
ing him to complete the favorable impression
that he had SO marvellously exerted himself
to make.
In the course of the evening looked round
again for my cousin. He was engaged in the
lance with Miss Caroline Barton, young la
ly whose large fortune gained her consid- |
grafton in society which never would have |
1een awarded to her mind or her person,
hough the one was rather pretty, and the |
other without any prominent faults. Moth |
ng indeed was noticeable about her except the
Fact that all the advantages in the power of
wealth and station to procure, cannot confer |
me particle of that attractive grace which an |
nborn refinement of mind alone bestows-
The dancing master had tutored her in vain |
lie could not infusc the spirit which alone
.ould give grace to her step, and dignity to
Ter mien. Yet she was quiet, gentle char
ctcr, and would no doubt make an amiable |
wife 10 one who loved her-only it vexed me
o hear people connect her name with that of
NY gifted but hayward cousin Harry. That
lis addresses, if pronered, would be gracious
y accepted was evident from her eager re-
eption of his smallest attentions and I could
lot help looking upon her as an embodiment
# the worlds temptations to my cousin. If
lc really considered wealth an object worthy |
he sacrifice of his hearts best feelings, it was
early within his grasp; wealth far exceed
rain and not knowing how far he had per-
false and heartless theory of action, | was
TO 4lo ho
dvances toward Madeline, and solicits her
land for the next cotillion. What a contrast
II her movements and her whole air with the .
;ay flippant votaries of fashion that crowd .
he ball room. Her countenance beams with
III woman's softness-but an undefnable !
oftiness and dignity of manner repes famiI- .
arity, and insures respect How superior
he lovely, untaught grace with which she .
moves, to the practsed steps Of the st?-
And my cousin feels it. He takes her hand
the softcst. and whiiest Of white hands, with .
Difference almost revcrental That easy
Of pleasing which Il long enjoyment
If universal popularity had inspired, deserts
lim as he approaches her. In his diflidcnt
advances may be read the trcmors Of heart
almost for the first time distrustful of itself
All! Cousin Harry it is very clear who it is
hat has power to enthrall thy heart; whose
presence causes to cbb and flow the tides of
passion in thy soul The worldlincss that
ningles its faint with the strong current Of
Thy native feelings may tempt thee at times
TO belle the holy power of sympathy, but it is
strong upon thee at this moment Cousin Har- !
'yl Yes, though in the next turn of the
lance, thy hand is carolessly profGered to the
leiress, and thy head bends forward to whis- !
per some cold courtesy into her willing ear,
not the hess art thou bound by secret and
powerful tie to that high-souled girl. Now is
Thy trial come, my cousin. Now must thy
conduct force me everlastingly to honor or
lespise thee. God grant thee strength to rise
superior to temptation-to trust thy hearts
as wisdom, not folly-in a word, !
10 be true to myself!
We were on boating party on the SchuyI-
kill. The sun was setting in a flood of gold
IN and rosy light that tinted the waters be-