The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-05-08

husband had drawn n comparison between
herselfand her more benevolent friend, al
though he would not admit it, and few women
are There-confess it, lades-who could have
borne such comparison unruflled.
'Are these poor people very much in need?'
asked Mr. Douglass, kissing away the irown.
Il believe so.'
And will you renounce the white plume
in your bonnet, and give the price of it to
thein?'
Nonsense, Charlesdo you suppose would
he so foolshly ilanthropic?-Chnriy is all
very proper in its place, bur, really, such n
sacrifice would he asking rather too much,
and Mrs Douglass turned away with II care
less laugh.
Such sacrifices are the true test of gener-
ositv, Emma said her husband.
(Which do no; feel disposed TO make, re-
piled the lady, somewhat tartly. a single
dollar would be considered quite sufficient;
both by your paragon, Mrs. Lnugly, and her
poor people, but if you are not inclined 20
give it, why presume they nrc accustomed
TO such denials.'
Mr. Douglass sighed ard the subject was
discontinued.
The cold piercing wind Of an evening late
| in November, was excluded by crimson cur.
tains, from room in the second story of II
! handsome house in---strect, where the
! fire burned brightly, shedding genial glow
over the apartment, aud where, ut n mirror
beside which dozen lights were blazing,
stood the blooming Mrs Douglass. arrayed in
full costume,t for fashionable entertainment.
How radentlv beautiful she looked, the ter
quose ornaments in her hair, contrasting so
cxqusitely with its golden hue. How the
! intynlInA hrorplpt st,nrl lpH Ipr white
arm: aud how well her fairy figure was dis.
! played-so perfectly moulded-in the blue
tarIeron which she wore. Surely II lovclier
vision never iloaied before the inspired eye
ofpantcr or of poet: and even the attendant
waiting-maid, as she surveyed her mistress
when the task was done, eXclaimed-
"Upon my word, ma'am, you look for all
the world like real angel"
Except that the wings are wanting, Bet
sey." said Mrs Douglass lnuging.
yes ma'am all but the wngs-nnd | think
lis mercy you haven't them, or you'd be sure
10 fly right up TO the skies
Mrs. Jerolds girl, Mrs. Douglass, with
your bonnet said another servant, nj that mo-
ment opening the door, aud admitting slen-
der sly looking girl ofabout fifteen.
! My bonnet, all, II has been sent ut lnst, hey.
Why did not Mrs. Jerold let me have it yes
terday?' uqrHeed the lady.
u don't know ma'am."
"Don't know? | was terribly disappointed,
you must tell her. and could not go 10 the re-
ception mt Mrs Neviles. in consequence
Let me see it, Betsey' Belsey united the
box, and lifting the hat carefully upon her
hand, held it up TO the admiring gaze of Mrs.
Douglass Ii was indeed love ola bonnet:'the
maroon velvet looked soft and lovely in the
mellow Highland the white plume, how
gracefully il dropped one side, seeming Just
ready to dance out upon the breeze, so light
and delicate was its wavy texture.
1T out-tops the world, ma'am.' said the To-
quacious Betsey, turning it round aud round;
4 never see anything like it in my horn days
but it must have cost power of money
Mrs Douglass surveyed the precious piece
offinery with scrutinzing eyes. Il think it
will do, she said, but ifany alterations are
necessary, / will send it down" The young
girl received the message, but although her
errand was done, remained standing within
the doorway.
Perhaps YOU are cold said the kind heart
ed Bctsey, observing that she fingered. Mrs.
Douglass looked up and again self-rcproved.
desired her TO come near the fire.
Mo- am not cod,' said the girl timidly,
not very cold-but was thinking'-and her
eyes glanced wildly round the apartment--I
was thinking
'Of what?' asked Betsey.
'Of mothcr-of mothers low dark room.
This is bright
sand what ofyour mothers ROOM said Bet
sey. looking at her mistress in surprise at the
girls unusual behavior.
'And mothers bed, and the fire that goes
ont so soon-and the little window where
the cold air comes in. Mrs. Lungiy says God
iS pood hut | lpn't know
'Poor ;hingr said the benevolent waiting
maid while the alarmed Mrs. Douglass ran 10
summon her husband from the next room.--
| Come and warm yoursef-noybe il is the
cold has unsettled her.
! 'Annette--for it was she-moved inslinc-
lively toward The fire, to which Betsey's kind
hand led her. and dropped upon the ottoman
before il.
Unjust not stay she said, in the same low,
wild tone. is it late, Miss Gale? can't
think,my head feels so strange.
Tell me what is the matter, my good girl,
said Mrs. Douglass, perhaps can help YOU
Help! said Annette, putting her hand TO
her forehead. Some one said there was help
in God. Mrs. Langly said so; but-nobody
will help us now
Mr. Douglass knelt down beside the strick-
en- child, and when Betsey had removed the
dark hood which concealed her features, Mrs.
Douglass started, for it revealed the pale bag
gard, care worn countenance of Annette
How young to know so much of suffering,