The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-05-18

| Walter Lysle and William Kennedy grew 10
be looked upon as brothers, and shared all
things in common with each other. As lime
flew BY, the two lads. having received what
their parents deemed sufficient degree of
| instruction, were withdrawn from their studies
and separated, with a mutual promise never
| 10 loss sight of their early friendship. but to
stand by and assist one another TO the best OF
their abilities. whenever future occasion
should demandit it.
William Kennedy was transplan,ed TO the
civ. where he flourdered about, for time.
among dealers in various commodities, until,
cate hing The thirst for gain which has been
the ruin of many noble soul, he became, in
short lime the .possessor OF snug fortune
and iourishing business. Like others i'll
his situation. Kennedy now imagined that
unless one lives exiravagantly. and follows
the fashions, wealth was only Al incumbrance,
and 50 forgetful Of the good he might have
effected. had he been so disposed. he threw
himself, al once. among that society for W hich
he had long unavailinsly yearncd, and having
taken unto himself a wealthy bride, endeav
ored TO persuade himself that he had nothing
further remaining TO desire. But alas! he
500 found that happiness does not always
follow riches. and what he had formerly an
ticipated as a source of never failing grlilfica
ton, became, instead, his bane
Meantime, far distant was The course pur-
sued BY his wilhelm companion and playmate,
Walter l.ysle. Immediately on quitting
school, The latter was Withdrawn again TO his
fathers farm, and, being OF ar industrious and
contented disposition, he became an univer-
sal favorite in the valley. as we'll as with his
father, who. in dying. bequea,hed 10 him all
his worldly possessions, viz. an unsullied
reputation, and a FIVE years lease Of The farm
which he had assisted in culiivating. Thus
situated, Walter was not long 10 uniting him
self TO a maiden whose reputation was as spot
less as his own, with whom, up 10 the period
at which our tale commences, he mad lived as
happily as husband could desire.
On the evening in question, Walter Lysle's
usually open brow wore an expression Of rho't
somewhat unc common 10 il, and the few woids
of conversation which, from time TO time, fell
from his lips were brief, and dsjointed
sure evidence that his mind was bent upon
some subject Of moie than irifing interest.
Atlength his gravity became SO apparent, that
even his wife could not help observing it, and
as she traced each feature with an anxious
eye, she exclaimed.
why, Walter, what has come over you.
Of sudden! few minutes ago you were
all mil tn and cheerfuness. and now you are
as grave and pensive as an owl. w lat eau
The man be thinking of!
4 have been thinking, Mary he answered.
'ofihe many happy hours we have passed to-
geiher beneath this humble roof, aud how
many poor creatures there are in this same
world who know not even the name of hap
pinaco fH,,,lx Mar. hare IN thank
Providence for it favors.'
Aye, indeed, Walter-for | am sure II has
left us nothing else TO wish for
Yes. one thing, Mary-only one thing
'And what is that, Walter =
Our farm, Mary, and This pretty cottage.
which we have occupied in common together.
until it has become part aud portion. almost.
Of our beng-I would we might call it ours.
That ,rottid be more agreeable, it is true,
Waller, but, after all, lease is just as good
il we can only bring ourselves 10 think So
Not quite az good, Mary. For instance,
suppose the present owner-who. there is no
gainsaying has been very kind to us-should
suddenly die, and the property fall into other
hands. And suppose the new owner TO be a
man who loves his own interest better than
he loves to promote The welfare of others.
Suppose, when our lease had expired. this
person shond come to me and say. Waller
Lysle, you may be an honest man. a faithful
husband. and all industrious farmer, but-you
don't pay me enough for my land " What
would become of us in such a case, Nary
Work. Walter could we not! We are
willing, and there are plenty in the valley VI no
would employ us, il need were
Yes, Mary-that is true but If we were
to be driven, like worthless cattle, from the
old homestead, endeared to US by so many
recolleCtons. | should never hold up my head
again. But, bark there is fool-steP CON-
ing up the walk, aud strange one, too. or
Bruin, here is, for once in his life, mistaken
Even as he spoke, the sagacious animal
rose TO his feet, and pricking his ears. placed
himself at the side of his master-prepared
to welcome or repulse the intruder, as the
case might be. A slight pause followed. during
which the steps drew gradually nearer. Al
length they ceased altogether, and knock
was heard upon the door.
why don't you go, Walter" asked his
wife, not knowing whist to make of his reluc-
lance. Il declare. believe you arc half a
fraid.'
Afraid mot :" said Walter. rallying.
'Come III. whoever it is that knocks he
added. in voice loud enough To be heard
without.
The door opened, and in obedience to the
summons there entered, at the same moment,
a man of tall figure aud sinister aspect, the
state of whose attire. dirordered and covered
with dust as it was, proclaimed that he had
heen long upon the road. He did not remove
the broad-brimmed hat which he had worn
OH entering, bot. advancing into the centre OF
the apartment, aud extending letter, he said |
in the gruffest tone imaginable:
"a letter for Walter Lysle. Are you the !
man p
Walter. disguised at the messengers inso-
leIce. made no reply, but. taking from him |
the letter, babe him, with motion Of his fin !
ger. to be seated.
''Thank YOU" said the messenger IL pre-
fer standing. don't mind glass of wine,
thought you have it,"
I'VE have no wine, but | will bring you
some cider" said Mary, vanishing out Of the