The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-10-08

@'t bAS 'C'6 N 49,
title dearly purchased by listening to his dai-
ly criticisms on appearance, language and
manners, which had appeared stylish enough
in their day.
George Manning had visited his mother
but once since he had left her, with all the
bright imaginings and boundless confidence
Of fourteen, Henry being in Europe. twas du.
ring the first winter after his return, and
when the brothers had been separated fol-
nearly twelve years, that Mrs. Manning in.
formed him she had received a letter from
George, announcing his intention to be in
New York in December, and remain with
them most, if not all of the winter. Henry
Manning was evidently annoyed at the an
nouncement.
~ WISH" he said, "that George had chos-
en- to make his visit in the summer, when
most of the people to whom | should hesitate
to introduce him would have been absent. |
should be sorry to hurt his feelings, but real
ly, to introduce a western farmer into polish
ed society -" Henry Manning shudder-
ed, and was silent. "And then to choose this
winter of all winters, for his visit, and to come
in December, Just at the very time that |
heard yesterday Miss Harcourt was coming
from Washington to spend a few weeks with
her friend, Mrs. Duf1ield"
"And what has Miss Harcourts visit to
Mrs. Duflield to do with Georges visit to
us ?" asked Mrs. Manning.
"A great deal-at least it has a great deal
to do with my regret that he should come just
now. l told you how | became acquainted
with Emma Harcourt in Europe, and what a
splendid creature she is. Even in Paris, she
bore the palm for wit and beauty-and fash
ion too-that is, in English and American
society. But l did not tell you that she re-
ceived me with such distinguished favor, and
evinced so much pretty consciousness at my
attentions, that, had not her father been chos-
en- one of the electors of President and Vice
President, hurried from Paris in order to be
in this county in time for his vote, l should
probably have been induced to marry her.
Her father is in Congress this year, and you
see, she no sooner learns that | am here, than
she comes to spend part of the winter with a
friend in New York"
Henry rose at this, walked to a glass, sur
veyed his elegant figure, and continuing to
cast occasional glances at it, as he walked
backwards and forwards through the room,
resumed the conversation, or rather commu-
~nication.
"All this is very encouraging, doubtless,
but Emma Harcourt is so perfectly elegant,
so thoroughly refined, that | dread the effect
upon her Of any outre asssociation-by-the-by
mother, if | obtain her permission to intro
duce you to her, you will not wear that brown
hat in visiting her; a brown hat is my aver
sion-it is positively yulgar-but to return to
George how can | introduce him, with his
rough, boisterous, western manner, to this
courtly lady -? the very thought chills me-
and Henry Manning shivcred-" and yet how
can | avoid it, we should be engaged 2"
With December came the beautiful Emma
| Harcourt, and Mrs. Dufield's house was
thronged with her admirers. Hers was the
form and movement of the Huntress Queen,
rather than one trained in the halls of fash
ion. There was a joyous freedom in her air,
her step, her glance, which, had she been less
beautiful, less talented, less fortunate in social
position, or in wealth, would have placed her
under the ban of fashion, but as it was, she
commenced fashion, and even Henry Man
ming, the very slave of conventionalism, had
no criticism for her. He had been among the
first to call on her, and the blush that fitted
across her cheek, the smile that played upon
her lips as he was announced might have well
f1attered one of less vanity.
The very next day, before Henry had time
to improve these symptoms in his favor, or
returning home at five o'clock to dinner, he
found a stranger in the parlor with his moth
er. The gentleman rose on his entrance, aud
he had scarcely time to glance at the tall,
manly form, the lofty air, the commanding
brow, ere he found himself clasped in his
arms, with the exclamation, "Dear Henry !
how rejoiced | am to see you again"
In George Manning the physical and intel
lectual man had been developed in rare har-
mony. He was taller and larger every way
than his brother Henry, and the self-rcliance
which the latter had laboriouSly attained from
the mastery Of all conventional rules, was his
by virtue of a courageous soul, which held
itself above all rules but those prescribed by
its own high sense of the right. There was a
singular contrast, rendered yet more striking
by some points of resemblance, between the
pupil of society, and the child Of the forest
between the Partisan elegance of Henry, and
the proud free grace of George. His were
the step and bearing which we have seen in
an Indian chief; but thought had left its i'm
press upon his brow, and there was in his
that indcscribable air of refine
ment which marks a polished mind. In a very
few minutes Henry became reconciled to his
brothers arrival, and satisfied with him in all
respects but one-his dress. This was of the
finest cloth, but made into large loose trow-
sers, and a species of hunting shirt, trimmed
with fur, belted around the waist and descend
ing to the knee, instead Of tight pantaloons,
fitting body coat, prescribed by fash
ion. The little party fingered long over the
table-it was seven o'clock when they arose
from it.
Dear mother" said George Manning, al
am sorry to leave you this evening, but | will
make you rich amends tomorrow, by intro
ducing to you the friend | am going to visit,
if you will permit me. Henry, it is so long
since was in New York, that l need some
in finding my way-must l turn up
Or down Broadway for No. in going from
this street?
"Number -" exclaimed Henry in sur
prise you must be mistaken-that is Mrs.