The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-09-24

uidl iOOh lCI scat du luC JldllU, anu pay
ed for half an hour most exquisitely, much t.
the chagrin of Mrs. Elwood and Clarinda
who could not bear to think that the poor cir
possessed such skill in music.
After this Mary often played for her UNI
Gle, and occasionally when visiters were pres
ent. But it was usually so managed by Mrs
Elwood, that Mary would be engaged il
some particular service for her when compa
ny happened to be there, and in this way
she was kept from meeting Mr.. Clarence.
About a year after she came into her un.
cles family, and before the young mans Gu
riosity in regard to her had been gratifed
Mr.. and Mrs Elwood gave brilliant party
Two weeks before it took place, Mr.. Elwood
handed Mary ftty-dolar bill, and told hel
that he wished her to prepare for the occa-
sion. She asked if she might not be excused
as she would be stranger to all; but her
uncle said he could not permit that.
i will see that you are well introduced -
was his answer
Mary made but few preparations for the
party. She was still in mourning for her
mother, and, although year had passed since
her death, she felt no inclination to lay it
( aside. When the evening came, she took
her place in corner of one of the parlors,
IullC anu lfOI)Cu W uuIlO-
| ticed. Soon a brilliant crowd assembled, and
she noticed that many eyes were upon her.
Why, she could not tell. She did not know
how strongly her simple mourning dress, and
hair plated plainly over her high, white
brows, contrasted with the gaudy colors that
fioated like changing HUGS of the rainbow
around her.
She did not long remain alone. Mr.. FL
IL h.
ty to do so, introduced her as his niece to
quite number of his friends, with whom she
was quickly on good terms. Her simple
and the ease and intelligence with which she
conversed, caused many to linger by her side,
well pleased with her company.
Young Clarence made one of this gay par
ty. He was standing at short distance from
chatting playfully with her, when young Ia
dy, whose appearance at once attracted his
attention, was led to the instrument, and took
the place of very brilliant performer, who
had executed some of her most difficult
pieces, that were as little understood as pleas
ing to the major part of the company. The
new player had modest, timid, striking look,
that caused him to feel regret that she had
DSCh lOltCu lIltO IL JOSlIlOu llldG COulu UOJ DC
pleasant to her. Mr.. Elwood stood by her
side.
The young lady rar her fingers lightly over
then keys, and then accompanying herself on
the piano, sang a favorite song with unusual
sweetness, simplicity and effect. Clarence
was charmed
said, STOPPING down to the child whose hand |
.t,n hold lao, >, hal
died away, and ere the murmur of applause
that followed arose and tloatcd through the |
room.
"Why that is Cousin Mary" said the
child. Don't you know our Cousin Ma
ry?"
"Cousin Mary" calculated the young
man." Are you sure, Anna?"
Don't | know Cousin Mary, wonder ?"
the child, innocently. "Be sure it's |
Cousin Mary"
Mary, at the request of various persons
who now crowded around the piano, sang
number Of airs, her voice improving as she !
gained confidence, at each new effort. She (
had risen from the piano, and her uncle was
about conducting her to seat, when young |
Clarence stood before them with an express
sion on his face that said" Pray introduce
me-" Mr. Elwood gave the desired intro
luction, and Clarence, offering his arm, was
soon moving about the room with Cousin
Mary" by his side, greatly to the anxiety and
,hagrin of Mrs. Elwood and Clarinda.
The moment the eyes of Clarence fell up
IN the face of Mary, he was drawn towards
Ter. When she sang, he was moved by an
Internal delight altogether new. Before the
evening had passed, he was deeply in love
a., 4. L.
to Mary, until the close of the eve
hing, did he seek or pass a word with Clarin-
la. She was forgotten.
On the next day, Mrs. Elwood spoke to
Mary in so rude and unfecling Il way, that
he sensitive, independent minded girl de-
crmincd to leave the house, and seek to pro-
-idc for herself. This was the result aimed
1t by Mrs. Elwood, and her end was gained.
Knowing that her uncle would never hear of
Ter going away, Mary, through the aid Of a
rend, whose acquaintance she had made at
Ter uncle's house, procured situation as
eacher of music in the family of gentleman
living about ten miles distant from New York.
This friend, to whom Mary had opened all
Ter heart, pledged herself to secrecy.
In one week from the night of the party,
Nary left Mr.. Elwoods house, and proceeded
o her new home. She left note for her
lnclc, explaining the reasons of her act,
banking him for all his good feelings and gen
rous conduct towards her, and begging him
lot to attempt to seek her out.
Mr.. Elwood was deeply grieved, and anx-
Gus beyond measure on account Of his niece.
knew the thousand dangers lurking in the
ath Of one so lovely, so accomplished, and so
Unprotected as she now must be. In every
ERECTION, and in the use of all prudent means
e sought for, but could get no tidings of her.
lis censure of his wife and daughter was Sc
ere, but that availed nothing.
When Mr.. Clarence called to renew his
with Mary, he was shocked to
ear from Mr.. Elwood that she had left his
rejection, and gone, he knew not where
something Of the real cause of this strange
he gathered from vague hints