The Columbian fountain., 1846-01-01
THE LEG OF MUTTON.


Roderick, even at the University, obeyed his
aunt in all things except in studying divinity
He chose the law. For three years the Prince
honorably forwarded his annual allowance, and
when at the commencement of the fourth his
Highness set out on foreign tour, he transmit
ted the last sum, and promised, after his return
from England, France and Italy, again TO seek
him out. Roderck resumed his studies with
double diligence; and when the course was fin
ished, wrote TO his aunt for her advice upon the
momentous question-where should he exercise
his professions The answer was in strange
hand; and besought him, if he would see the
good old lady in life, to hasten to her sick bed,
where she anxlously expected him. Roderck
hastily packed his little property, more papers
than clothes, in his chest, took extra post, and
departed without even taking leave OF his class
mates. One only accompanied him to the stage,
the young Baron Heuwen, who highly esteemed
him. Henwen himself was young man of rare
parts, honest nature, brilliant talents, and various
knowledge; and though quick fiery, and with
means to bear him through every folly, yet never
falling into eXcesses. ,
:" DO you know what we have sworn, Roder
ick," said Heuwen, at parting, 6 to be friends
for life, and never desert each other %
$ do know it, Heuwen."
"Well then, keep your vow. And when you
stand in need Of influence or purse. blush not to
ask it; will share all with you"
They embraced with tears and parted, renew
ING their vows. Many youth of noble purpose
forms such engagements, but they resemble too
much the treaties of eternal amty formed by di
plomatists. With other times, come other men !;
with other connexions, other interests
But Roderick rejoiced in the attachment of
his friend, aud regarded his declarations as the
surest resource against the storms Of life. Re
Elections on HeuWen's friendship and his aunt's
dying bed so occupied him, that he thought not of
eating or drinking. but travelled the whole night
sleeping and dreaming as well as possible in the
COACH and at noon on the following day, drew
up at the tavern of small market town, but two
stages from his destination. Here, however,
the seducing SAVIOR from the busy kitchen over
powered his melancholy and while the table
was preparing for him, stranger entered the
room Ii was Master Blrnenstie.
swell met, Master witherward now ?" cried
Roderick.
The baker hardly knew his former apprentice,
for he had not seen him since the great earth
quake. He approached the young man with
many bow and smirk, informed him of the death
of his aunt, consoed with him in the most ap-
proved style, and endeavored TO comfort him with
the reflection, that man passeth away like grass,
and that the good woman had left him sole heir
She was buried the day before.
The intelligence SO overcome the good Roder-
ck, that scarce answering the baker, he turned
his back upon him and staggered from the house,
to be alone in the open air. Since his fathers
death, the kind old aunt had been all to him she
had loved him as a mother and now, without
parent or relative, he stood in the wide world
alone.
When the host called him to dinner, Birnen-
stiel was no longer there. Roderick's grief had
as yet found no tears. He was glad to be alone
He would gladly have abandoned himself to his
feelings, had not his stomach very unseasonably
insisted upon its undeniable rights.
At the first spoonful Of soup his eyes filed but
when the host brought in leg of mutton done
in brown sauce, just as his lost relative had dress
ed it when they last sat down together, on the
eve of his departure, Roderick burst into stream
Of tears. He drew the Wand to him, carved it
with silent sorrow, and ate with appetite and an
guish.
"Blessed MOTHER" cried he, sobbing, as he
sat alone and put one bit after another in quick
succession into his mouth, "whle thou soarest
above the stars, wander alone under heaven ;
but if it be allowed to good spirits to look down
upon the affairs OF the earth am not yet forgotten
sThe story Of the rich and noble Heuwen forms
the sequel and contrast to that of the bakers boy.