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


very pleasant TO extend her walks TO father
Millers farmhouse, drink of the new milk,
admire the cheese, talk ofeconomy with the
old mans children, and engage in n lfolc
with his grandchildren. Her condesconsion
pleased the good people, while her mingled
mirthfulness, sweetness and good sense charm
ed them.
These were the haymakers she had SEEM
ed so happy to meet; and the young man who
had urged her stay was Mr. Day father Mil
ler's son-in-law. But this was not an invita-
ton to the farmhouse. A family Of Irish la
borers hnd within n few days, begged to be
admitted into an old log building that stood
on father Miller's farm, and the good old man,
thinking that he might assist them by giving
them employment, had readily consented
But the O'Ncis had travelled long, weary
way, and been obliged sometimes to sleep
upon the damp ground, so that they were
scarcely settled before the mother, and two
of the children were seized with violent te-
yer. Mr. Day was anxious that our May
should Just look in upon the sufferers and
she, with that excessive sensitveness which
often accompanies true bcnevoIence, chose
rather to incur censure for foolish hayward
ness than TO explain her conduct. tits often
found that those who seem to possess the
lightest and gayest hearts, have the wurmest
lpNG ucSllllR hONH btilOilR lllt llbNNlSs'-
These beautiful characters pass through the
world unostentntiously, seldom recognized
but by the eye of omniscience, loved 10y the
angels, and sometimes making themselves
dear to some holy-hcmted saint, near enough
10 heaven TO see clearly the internal ovelness
ofthe spirit.
Our MAY had still another motive for 81
loncc. She knew that finer cousin became
aware of the situation Of the family, she
would call a meeting Of the society, and the
subject would he debated till assistance
would come too lategud she thought that adj
vice and sympathy, with the products of
father Nlicr's farm, and the physician whom
the contents other own purse might place at
her command, would he quite us useful 10 the
O'NeilS as the Socety's money. And then
another feeling (it could scarce be called
motvel influenced our May, when she so IN
tremendously sent home her companions
wOnderingat her cccentricity. Mr. Melroy had
always seemed to consider her thOughtless,
giddy child, and when any benevolent plan
was preached, he invariably turned TO her
cousin, as though he never dreamed of con-
sultiug her, or supposed il possible that she
could be interested; and she fell Il kind of
pleasure in concealiug from HIM that clover
depth" where dwelt the sacred qualities
which too often, but bubble on the slHiace.-
In saying that our May was influenced 10y
these considerations, | do not mean to say
that she thought them over,or that she would
have been able TO present them intelligibly;
she acted from a momcntary impulse, but
the impellmg principle was mconscIously
made up of these motives.
No. thought the sunny-hcarted May, as
she went tripping lightly homeward, after
seeing the O'Ncils comparatively comfort
able, No; however lightly he may esteem uC,
he shall never think that / parade my good
ness before his eyes for the sake ofGttracting
his admiration Then our pretty May began
to wonder what the sober MIR Mclroy meant
about her linking stronger chains; and she
wondered OF so Accordingly that she insensi-
bly, slackcncd her1Iace and almost forgot to
enter when she reached her uuco's door.
The young clergyman was still in the par
lor; and although Miss May commenced the
usual 'my dear cousin, feel it my duty to eX
postulatc-' and although the cXpostuation
was no pleas0ncr than ever to our May, she
did not avail herself of the usual MIR Mel
roy" but sat dumb, with~ aTogucishly de-
nnTc expression unparalleled by any thing
butthe sometimes exceedingly wise air of
mischieyous kitten.
4 think said Mr. Mclroy, scndeavoring TO
smile, after Miss May had three several times
appealed to him for his opinion, think that
Miss Loomis, (he had never called her Miss
Loomis beiorc) must be allowed to he the eX
elusive Judge other own aciious, since she
chooses TO conceal her motives from her
friends.
Some people act without ve,interrupt-.
ed Miss May. Mr. Meiroy shook his head
doubtingly.
Light minds are guided by Impulse pursu-
ed Miss Nav. Mr. Melroy looked more deter
minedly and severely serious than ever, but
made no reply
Impulse observed Miss May, with Won
derously wise look, is very dangerous guide
-don'tyou think so, Mr. Mclroy.'
The impulse of bad heart
'AI hearts are depraved,' continued Miss
May, meekly folding her white hands, and
turning here eyes to the carpet.
The young clergyman nodded assent; but
il was evident that his thoughts were else
where.
IfCousin May roollld be hut little more
sober-lnindcdr pursued the cloud, after n
proper pause.
Mr. Melroy glanced at the blushing, half
trembling May, and appeared Disconnected.
Il know she means no harm-she is so
thoughtess-but don't you really think her
exceedingly iDdiscreet, Mr. Melroy"
Excuse me, Miss Loomis,' said the young
clergyman, with manner of excessive en-
barrassment. IL have no right to question
the Young lady's discretion; and ifl attempt
ped an opinion might speak too unguarded-
ly.'
so then you are obliged to put guard up
on your tongue, lest l should learn that you
consider me giddy, thoughtless, imprudent,
heartless girl; said our May, with hasty earn
estness; sbut it is unnecessary, Mr. Meiroy; l
knew your opinion of me long ago.
eThen YOU know began the young pas
tor. and he looked still more confused.
Then why not improve?' asked Miss May,
in her very kindest tone. ~