The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-07-29

/ ture0 and handing him purse containin!
o five or six dollars, urged him to seek i'm
o mediate shelter and food. The beggar bless
|, ed him and passed on.
}, A few nights subsequent to this occasion, he
: was again at her fathers house. Mrs
Il, Anne's mother, received him as she
: did most of her visitors, with a somewhat con.
= strained and distant welcome. Being a wo.
man Of no conversational powers she always
retired quite early, conducting her inter.
5 course with society in the most formal man
ner
5 Ferris was surprised that Mr.. Ii had
; taken no particular notice Of his intimacy at
his house, for he very seldom saw him. and
when he did so, he would see the old mans
eyes bent sternly upon him in any thing but
a friendly and inviting spirit.
In this dilemma he was at loss what course
to pursue heretofore he had despaired of
ever gaining Anne's acknowledgement Of af-
lection for him, and now that he had succeed
cd in this, he was equally distant from the
goal OF his happiness, for his better Judgment
told him that the consent of her parents could
never be obtained.
On this occasion, he had taken his leave as
usual, when he was met by the boggar Of the
former night, who again solicited aims, de-
claring that he could find no one else to assist
him, and the money he had before bestowed
upon him had been expended for food and
rent at a miserable cellar where he lodged
Again Ferris placed purse in the poor mans
hands, at the same time telling him that he
was himself poor, and constrained to the prac-
tice Of rigid economy in the support Of those
dependent upon him. lie left the beggar and
passed on his way, happy that he had con-
trlbuted to the alienation Of human suffer-
ing.
Not long subsequent Ferris called again
at the house of Mr.. II, and fortunately
found Anne and her father alone, the former
engaged upon piece of embroidery Of a
new pattern, and the latter peering over
volume of ancient philosophy. On his en-
trance the gentleman took no further appar-
cnt notice Of him, than an inclination Of the
head, and :" good evening sir" He took
chair by Annc's side, and told her Of his love
in low but ardent tones begging permission
to speak to her father upon the subject.
ooh, he will not hear word of the matter
know" said the sorrowing girl. " No long
er ago than yesterday, he spoke to me rca-
tive to a connection with RI. 1 can ncy-
or love but one," said the beauty, giving him
her hand.
Ferris could bear this suspense no longer
in fact, the hint relative to her alliance with
another, spurred him to action, lie proceed
cd to that part Of the room where Mr..
Il sat, and after few Introductory re-
marks, said =
q" You have doubtless observed sir, my in
timacy in your family for more than year
past. From the fact that you did not object
to the attentions to your daughter, | have
been led to hope that it might not be alto
gether against your wishes. May | ask, sir,
with respect, your opinion in this matter?"
Il have often seen you here replied Mr..
Il, and have found no reason to object
to your visits, sir"
"Indeed, sir, you are very kind I have
neither fortune nor rank to offer your dauoh- |
Ter, but still ,emboldened by love,I ask you for
her hand"
The old man laid by his book, and rcmoy-
ing his spectacies, asked
docs the lady sanction this request ?"
L" She does
Have you thought we'll Of your proposal"
81 have"
"And ask"
"Your daughters hand"
1t is yours said the old man.
Ferris sprang astonishcd to his feet, say
Il hardly know how to receive your I'M
expected kindness, sir, had looked for clit-
fcrent treatment"
Listen, young man, said the father, do
you think should have allowed you to be-
come intimate in my family without first
knowing your character? DO you think
should have given this precious child (and
here he placed her hand in FcrriS's) to YOU
before l proved you? No sir out of Anne's
many suitors from the wealthy and highest in
society, long since selected you as one in
whom could place confidence. The world
call me cold, calculating man; perhaps |
am so, but | had duty to perform, to Him
who had entrusted to me the happiness Of this
blessed child; l have endeavored to discharge
that trust faithfully the dictates Of pride
have been counter balanced by a desire for
my daughters happiness. l chose you first
she has since voluntarily done so. | know
your life and habits, yonr means and pros
pects-you need tell me nothing. With your
wife you will receive an ample fortune, the {
dutilul son, and ahectionate brother, cannot I
but make an afiectionate husband. But
stay" said the old man, " will be with you !
in a moment and he left the lovers togcth-
err.
"The story of your marriage with R, s
was only to try your heart then, and thickon j
inc pLoU, Salu erIlS ~ inc DlusmhS SlfL /
At this moment the door opened, and the /
beggar whom Ferris had twice relieved en- S
erred. Stepping up to Ferris, he solicited |
charity. Anne recoiled atlirst at the poverty t
stricken looks of the intruder, while Ferris 5
asked with astonishment how he had gained 7
entrance into the house, In moment the t
igure rose to a stately height, and casting off c
he disguise it had worn, discovered the per- l.
ION of Annc's father i
The astonishnent Of the lovers can hardly t
,e conceived. n
81 DETERMINED said the father, addressing a
Ferris, " after had otherwise proved your n
to test one virtue which of all 9TH o
RS is the greatcst-CHARIrY. Had you fail L
d in that, you would also have failed with V