The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-01-09

10 him. the beloved and revered, excuse my
waywardness, aud gain for me his forgive
ness for my present desortion, 90 10 my
nunt Godfrey, who has so long desired to
have one of us 10 reside with her, and thither
my trunks may be sent by the next mail
'coHch.
do not seek ne, entrent; leave me 10 the
healing balm oitme and reflection. | will
prove myselfto be worthy to be your sister,
and when 1 again gaze upon yourself and
Gerald il will be with calm Joy in your we'd
ded happiness, Fear not for my health -
powers have been aroused within my soul
that knew not were in existence, and too,
can overcome evil by endurance, Adieu,
'deurGst Eenthe coach passes within all hour
aud must be nt the roud nearest the cottage
before it arrives. ! repeat, fear not for me
The blessings ofEIeaven ever follow those who
'couscentiously endeavor TO do that which
they feel to be right. May all good angels
guard and guide you, dear household of my
tenderest affections, is the prayer OF your res
dilute, though nfl1ctonate Grace -
Ellen was deeply touched, and tears were
on her face when she again appeared before
her father and lover In silence she placed
the letter in the hands of the formerwho read
it carefully, and at intervals muttered:
Good girl-nobe girl! How could we
anislInderstand her true mature? Poor Grace
My sister has suffered herself aud she will
know how TO minister to a mind discussed
Read this Atherton, and see that my dream
"r' will ut Inst become as sensible and useful
II woman as my 'busy bee.'
Atherton read it with deep emotion, and
pressing Ellen's hand TO his lips, snid:
She is worthy to he your sister, my be-
loved Elem
As no obstacle now interviewed, DR. Clifford
gladly gave hisconsent TO the union of Ather-
TON aud his daughter; but from scruples of
dclicacy toward Grace. the lovers decided TO
postpone their mnrriage few months that
she might not hive cause to think them self
ishy eager to secure their own happiness,
while she was yet in the bitterness of her
first struggles TO achieve self-conquest.
Three years have pissed since that night
ofSuffering on which Grace Clifford fled from
the paternal root. On the marriage and de-
parture Of Ellen she again returned to resume
her place as mistress ofthe cottage-and her
father was delighted with the change which
had passed over her in that short time. His bus
bee no longer fitted about his daily paths,
shedding q checrfiIlness over them which is
the trne sunshine of domestic life, but his
dreamer did not permit him to miss the grace
fiji cares of ElIeu,aud he admitted that Heav-
en- had n0t made the difference between the
sisters. SELF discipline, and suffering had
taught Grace NIL she needed to learn, and no
bly, had she profted by the lesson.
It was II bright evening in June-the birds
rurroIled their sweetest songs-the flowers
made the air fragrant with their delicate per-
1ume, and thesun shone as brightlya as in its
primeval days when the bowers of Eden
drank lire and loveiness from his joyous
beams. Grace and her fnther were on the
portco watching for the expected arrival of
Ahertpn, Ellen, and also third person.
\ carriage at length stopped ut the gate
and Ellen sprang lightly from it and rushed
into her fathers arms. Atherton more So
iherly approached, accompanied by tall fair
anan, apparently about tlirty-fve. His fea-
lures were too strongly marked to be hand
some, but his face pleased by its animated
expression and bright good huImor. Grace
!bushed as the new conner pressed her hands
TO his lips in n very love-like manner, aud
mIrnured something in low tone.
His words were playful reminder that,af-
Ter the two wears of wooing, the morrow
would make her his bride.
Yes-the romantic Grace Clifford became
IN wife of II man who was neither handsome
nor elegant in person, but to compensate for
these defects a thousand fold, he was highly
endowed by nature, and truly excellent in ev-
cry relation oflitc.
December, 1916.