Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-04-29

who were at that moment crossing the park, and
singing gaily what would I not now give to
share their labor and their misery, But ! have
now nothing, not even misfort une."
AT this moment a ray of sunshine-of brilliant
sunshlne-the glorious attendant OF the joyous
month of May, rested upon his pale and distract
ed features. He seized me by the arms IN the
frenzy of the moment, saying:
Look, look at that magnificent sun, and l
must quit it forever But at least let me enjoy,
even for the few fleeing moments that are left
me, the exquisite enjoyment which nature fur
nishes her children with Let me once more
breathe this pure and beauteous atmosphere,
which never appeared half so lovely to me be-
fore. Let me once more fan my burning brow
with heavens reviving breezes, for alasl no NOR
row will dawn for me.
Darling from me, he wildly ran across the park,
entered thickly wooded grove, and disappeared
from my view ere had power to follow him.
To say the truth, my sympathies had been so
painfully excited by all ] had heard and all had
seen, that was forced to lean for support a.
gainst the couch on which the Unknown was re-
clining when entered, | endeavored to arouse
myself and walked across the room to convince
myself that was awake, and not under the in
fuence of dream At this moment the door of
the boudoir opened, and servant announced
that his master was about giving me an audience.
The door was scarcely closed, ere it was again
opened by the Duke of CASTLE. He was a man
of about sixty years of age, with distinguished
appearance, and most agreeable manner He
advanced towards me, extending his hand, and
gracefully made his excuses for having detained
me so long,
Il was not at home, said he, when you first
called. had just left the castle in search of a
physician for the Count CASTLE, my younger bro
Their
is he dangerously iIlP | asked.
NO sir replied the Duke, but in his youth
his thoughts we're 50 bent upon ambition and
military glory, that his brain became affected,
and he has for some time labored under the delu-
sion that he has but one day to live. five could
but remove this idea ?
All was in a moment explained to me-
And now, my dear sir, said the duke, let us
talk of your affairs, and see what we can do for
your Advancement We shall leave this place
for Versailles about the end of the month, where
| shall present you
| feel, deeply feel, your kindness towards me,
and warmly return my thanks But recent events
have quite altered my wishes
WHAT exclaimed the duke, and will you
renounce the court and the advantages offered
to you Your elevation is certain, with my in
terest; and in ten years your position may be
most distinguished one
Ten years lost | cried
And, replied he, with establishment, do yor
think it paying too dear for glory, fortune, anC
honor Think well, young man, and let us star
: for Versailles without delay
No, my lord duke, shall forthwith return tc
: merry England, and my own sweet home in Dor
setshire. | now see things in more rationa
point of view, and within the last hour have
= learned most salutary lesson, which has thrown
down all my alr-built castles, and ambitious long
ings, and has made me pine for the peaceful hap
: piness always to be found in pure content Ii
the mean time, accept my warmest thanks 70
c your extreme kindness, and those of my family
/ This is an act of folly said the duke
: But ], thinking of all | had recently seen ant
y heard, felt assured was acting wisely
f The next day saw me upon the road toward
home. With what ecstacy thought of my owl
r beautiful CASTLE surrounded as it was by nature
richest adornments! had soon the happiness o
d again seeing myselfin the bosom of my family
, never again to be unmindfu of the rich gifts tina
bountlul Providence had blessed me with. Ii
eight days after, I was united to my beloved Hen
rietta. BELINDA.