The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-05-04
Volume XII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Tbe Serunu aetfe's Hanqhter.
r BY CAROLINE oRSE.

the day drew 10 a close, etorm, which fol-
several hours had given indications Gifts ap.
proach. set in with violence that made .
traveller, who, since early dawn. had beer
pursuing his journey on horseback, look
round with considerable anxiety for the sign
o: some habtation where he might obtain
shelter for the night. None appeared, and
adding a large silk handk erchief TO the
muffiings that already protected his neck and
the lower part Of his face, and pulling an old
fashioned beaver hat more closely over bis
brow, he proceeded quietly on his way with
out urging his horse TO greater speed. Tho
his face was thus entirely caRGealed from
view, there was that in his air and figure
which denoted that he had attained the mer.
idian OF life. while, al the same time. though
! his person was developed in a rough over
coat, a glance would have shown that he be-
longed 10 a class elevated above the ordina,
ry rank. The road he was travelling was in
the northern part Of New England, and not
only lilly, but in many places rough and bro
ken. it was not long before night fell dark
| " upon the scene. and the wind began 10
sigh still more loudly and wildly as ii
swept through the passes Of the mountains.
which rose at no great distance, driving the
sleet and rain full in the travellers face. On
| gaining the summit Of a hill, therefore, a
! light which like star beamed near its base
shone cheerfully in the gloom. He soon
found himself before a large farmhouse, en-
closed in front by d rough railing, which be-
ing unfinished with gate, he sought ad-
miitance al door communicating with the
kitchen, the only room made comfortable by
fire. The little candle that had thrown its
beams TO the brow of the hill; shone now
through one OF the back windows, it having
been conveyed 10 The front part of the house
only for a Temporary purpose. He knocked
AT the door and was promptly bid 10 enter.
The farmer and his wife. and two little girls
nearly ola size, were the occupants Of the
kitchen. When, by the invitation OF the far
mer, bluff looking man Of forty, he had di-
vested himself of his ovcrcoat,, and taken a
a sea; in chair near the fire, he took a
slight survey Of the different members Of the
family.
| The couRtenance of the wife, an intelligent
looking woman, wore a look Of detection,
which evidently had its source in some men
/ tai disquetude rather than i'll health; but his
attention was soon particularly attracted TO-
ward one Of The children, who, though lie sup
posed her TO be lie others sister, kept alouf
| from the fire. and covered and drew still
! further back whenever the farmer passed
near her, as if she stood in great fear of him.
! Though the weather was cold; her feet were
! bare, and her thin pallid face exhibited no
signs oilhat Joyousness which ought 40 light
up The countenance Of a child OF twelve years
her apparent age. Her clothing, which was
coarse and much worn, as well as Of ma
terial TOO light for the season, though clean
and neatly mended, did not exactly harmon
ize with several strings Of small; light color
ed blue beads that encircled her neck; show
ing that the poor child, IN common with her
sex, possessed the wish TO appear pleasing
in the eyes Of Others.
A contrast more decided could not well
have existed than that presented by the two
children, the other being the perfect person
alton of that healthy freshness which breaths
in fragrance from the rose bud as it opens
lis dewey petals 10 lfie morning sunbeams
But all this glowing and sunny freshness
were lost upon the traveller as he marked
her petulent and overbearing demeanor ii
her intercourse with her pale, timid sister
His Indignation was further excited, though
directed against her parents rather than her
self; by remarking that her clothing was no
only new and warm, but Of materials much
better than was commonly used for The every
est farmers. Her little chubby feet were cd
caeed in warm stockings and neat, substan
tal shoes, and real gold necklace, the
grand deSideratum at that period in coun'
try females toilet from the age Of twenty W
10 eighty; sparkled on her neck, mingling lis
bright CLEANS with her curling hair, whiri
was Of glossy black.
agnes" said The farmer, whose name
was Whitley, addressing the little, pale girl
! take the quart mug and draw some cider
and don't stand there staring at the gentle
man.
A bright color flashed across her cheeks a
this rebuke, and Mrs, Whitley hasiened IL
light candle for her, as if she felt afraid she
would be chidden for the least delay. WheT
she had returned and had placed the cidel
upon The table, she, for moment, hoveret
over the bright, comfortable fire. near which
The fresh, Hebe looking girl sat en- form
one half Of which was occupied by pet dog
with which she had spent most OF her time IL
playing, although come knitting work was II
her lap. Seeing Agnes bending over thu
fire she repulsed her with her foot; saying il
a loud whisper
For shame-you are standing right tbefort
the gentleman"
80 you are,' said MIR. Whitley, and at thu
same time taking hold Of her arm. he thrus
her nearly across the floor. He then turned
TO the stranger.
ltis.impossible,' said he, so teach her any
manners. so hope you will not blame me
| Mr., forget whether you have
mentioned your name or not.
My name is Fordyce--Reignald Fordyce,
replied the stranger.
Il never heard OF that name before sale
Mr.. Whitley, "it lis not bad sounding name
though. Come sit at the table. MIR. For
dyce,' he said, as Mrs. Whitley placed upor
it plate piled high with toast which she
had Just finished, dipping in melted butte
mixed with cream, aud large, deep disi
filled with hot pancakes.
Rachael said the farmer, here is room io
you at the table. and Agnes mind that yov
watch the gentleman's great coat while VT
are eating supper, and see that it does no
scorch.'
4 will remove the chair said Mr.. For