The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-03-28


should almost escape the young pastors no.
tice. Our May saw that Mr. Melroy's atten-
ton was all directed TO the cloud; but she
was not sorry, for it gave her an opportdni-
| ~ to watch his fine eyes, as they lighted up
with the enthusiasm of his subject, and to
catch the variety ofeXpression which genius
can throw upon the most serious face. Our
May liked meriment but she lilled Mr. Melroy
better; and she never venured TO breathe a
word until she was sure he had quite finished.
Then she would make some remark, so COM
lea, that Mr. Meroy would be obliged TO waste
smile upon her in spite of himself; and
Miss May would quite forget the half hours
profitable conversation in planning "a rcproof.
Sometimes Mr. Melroy would walk with the
young ladies', or rather, with the cloud, for
our May was constantly from the path, to
pluck flower, or chase butterfly; and yet,
she somehow never lost the young clergy
mans profitable conversation, for when they
were again alone she would tease her sedate
cousin by distorting his beautiful sentiments,
and sadly misapplying his comparisons.
Both oflhe cousins had class III the viii
lage Sabbath school, and Mis- May was the
Secretary oftw or three benevolent socie-
ties, of which our May was onlya quiet un-
obtrusive member. Some people wondered
that the relative, and constant companion of
should choose such n questionable way OF
exhibiting her charity, as TO visit the poor in
person and administer to their wants, even
when II called her away from the meetings of
the society; bur others fearcssly advocated
their tayorite's cause; while the sober-ficed
young clergyman said nothing. Before old
Mr. Thompson left, Miss May used 10 tell the
delinquent that she knew Mr. Thompson dis
approved fsuch conduct; but she dared not
mention Mr. Melroy's name as it was n signal
which our MAY failed not to answer with an
exceeding gay vOlley. The truth was, every
body said that Mr. Meroy did not call so often
at Squire Loomiss for nothing; and as Miss
May was very far from being nothing, she
was very naturally concluded TO he the some
thing that so attracted. When anybody ask
ed home-questions about this matter our May
laughed, aud looked very knowing. while her
cousin blushed, and looked very dignified-
Thus matters went on for long time, aud
thus they might have gone on, in spite ofsev-
eral old ladies', who endcavored to introduce
variety by prophecyng it, but for an occur
renee in which our May most sadly overstep-
ped the bounds ofpropriety.
1t was on fine afternoon in the beginning
of August that the young pastor was seen
leading the fair cousins beyond the little
cump of houses which we digniiied by the
tide ofvillagc. Miss Mays step was as pre-
else as ever; but our bright lady of the possess
sive pronoun, walked now ms though she
thought she could guide hersefand was seek
ing an opportunity 10 drop the gentleman's
arm. Their walk was AS usual, delightful to
all: for Miss May was treated with the most
scrupulous nttention-AIr Melroy found the
mir refreshing and the scenery beautiful, to
say nothing ofthe valued society ofthe cloud
and our May was always pleased. On this
day she was even more frolicsome than usua;
and, having accidentally broken a wreath OF
trail, beautiful flowers which she had been
wrcathing, Mr. Mclroy SO far unbent himself
as to say lle wished she had never linked Il
more enduring chain.
what can he mean:" thought laughing
May; but ut that moment her attention was
arrested 10y n field Of haymakers among
whom she recognized familiar faces. The
recognition was mutual, for instantly young
man called out "There's our May" and the
giddy girl, turning about with an arch SMILE
aud shaking her finger at her companions
sprang lightly over the fecne,and was soon in
the midst of the haynlakers. The young
man, who at first recognized her, seized one
of her hands, while n woman IN blue ffock
and calico bonnet appropriated the other, and
the whole party, men women and children,
gathered around the pretty hoyden, with a
familiarity, which to Miss May, was perfectly
astounding. Our May stood but moment
i'll the centre of the group, when dozen vol
ces, pithed on every imaginable key, roared
forth hoisterous laugh, not, however. quite
drowning her own cCar-ringing tones; aud
then, with Il sort Of mock courtesy, she was
bounding away, when the young man again
stopped her Our May paused moment as
though undecided, while the young man
stood before her, and by his earnest gestures
seemed urging some affair of Importance
Then little girl was seen to leave the cir
Gle, and run until she came within hearing
of the waiting couple when she called out
"Our May-Miss LOOMS, mean--says if
you will excuse her, she will walk home It.
lone, asshe isn't quite ready now"
Mr. Melroy looked at Miss May, and Miss
May looked at Mr. Melroy, and then both
looked at the offending cousin. She had
gone a little aside from the haymakers,' and
was talking with the young man, and from
their manner, it was evident that the con-
versaton was intended for no other ear.
eve ought not to leave her." said Mr. Mel
roy.
awe ought to leave her." said Miss May,
in decided tone, and the gentleman com
Piled.
1t would be labor ostto follow home the
astounded couple, as for some reason or 9th
er, neither spoke until they entered Mr.
Loomis's parlor, nor even then, for Miss May
betook herselfto her embroidery, and Mr.
Melroy to the newspaper.
If our sober readers have not already shut
the book, we would like to have them follow
our May, our darling, gay, frolicsome, gener-
,ous-hearted May and learn the whole truth
before they condemn her.
Joshua Miller, the owner of the bayfield,,
was plain old farmer, that May had often
seen in her uncle's store, and for whom in
deed, Squire Loomis entertained a very great
respect. In leaving the store one day, he ac-