The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-05-04

| A5ncs was now lOlQ 10 take seat al The
table, but il was evident that she stood in tor
much awe of her step-father to enjoy the
meal, as she scarcely conveyed a mouihiu
OF food 10 her lips without stealing a glance
at him, as if she expected to be reproved,
AS Mr.. Fordyce was fatigued by his days
ride, he retired early 10 rest. A bright NOR
| ming succeeded the tempestuous night. and
when he left his chamber he found brisk
fire burning in the parlor fire place, and saw
Agnes, whose back was towards him, so that
she did not perceive his entrance, busily en-
gagged in beating up the feather-stufied cush-
ion ofthe great arm chair, which was pla.
ced in comfortable contiguiiy 10 the fire.
Having satisfied herself that the cushion was
soft as il could be made. she turned 10 leave
bright color instantly sufiused her cheeks,
and she looked half pleased, half frigh-
tened.
Good morning, my DEAR said he, in a
clear. cheerful voice, which entered her
heart like CLEAN of warm sunshine.
She was 10 timid 10 reply 10 this saluta-
ton, otherwise than courtesy.whch might
have appeared graceful, had she. instead of
her own mean scanty garments, been clad
in the following robes prescribed by fashion.
She then looked al the arm chair, but with
gu, venturing to invite him to sit in it, and
was about to leave the room when Rachael
Whitley entered; much better dressed than
the evening before.
should be ashamed. Agnes, said she TO
come into the best room looking as you do,
when such gentleman is heres
He wasn't here when first came in re-
piled Agnes, the tears starting into her
eyes.
We'll, you Needn't stay any longer said
Rachael Father told me that might come
and keep the gentleman company, and that
you must go and bring in some wood and
help 10 get breakfast
Agnes Withdrew, and Rachael, with much
apparent seli-complaicency, drew a chair op-
posite The one where Mr.. Fordyce was sea
ted, where maintaining perfectly upright
position, she for some time employed herself
in silent surveying the different portions Of
her own dress and that ofMr. Fordyce. Tir-
ed at last OF silence which MIR. Fordyct
was in no humor 10 interrupt, she said
Il am going to the academy next SUMNER
father says lmay.
And is not Agnes going too he in
quired.
'Oh! no, SIR she replied. 'As she is poor
and always expects TO be; she will have 10
work Tor living; but shall be the richest
girl any where around here, for have an
uncle who has earnt sight of money going
10 sea, and father says he expects he will
give il all 10 me. If he does | shall be
lady. and ought 10 have first rate educa-
lion.'
AS Mr.. Fordyce made no reply 10 these
remarks, she next amused herself by emu
meraIng the faults Of Agnes.
She had,' she said, TO 60 to bed without
her supper last Sunday night
For whatP inquired her auditor, whose
curiosity was excited 10 know what offence
was deemed sufficiently fragrant TO be axpia-
ted by penance, the severity OF which can
alone be appreciated by one who has the
keen appetite Of child who had tasted from
twelve TO eight.
Because she couldn't say the long answer
in her catechism,' replied Rachael, with an
animation that made her bright eyes spar
kle. Father said it was because she was
obstinate, for she could say every word of it
the next n:or0ing withou: looking into the
lookout mother said it was because she was
worried and frightened"
Soon after breakfast Mr.. Fordyce prepar-
ed for his departure, AS he knew they would
accept of no recompense for the trouble he
had occasioned them. he addressed note TO
Mrs. Whitley, in which he enclosed small
sum Of money, for the benefit he said. Of
herself and Agnes, which he placed upon
| the table, where he supposed she would read
| lily find il,
Al parting he gave nothing 10 Rachael.
but he put card into the hands oil Agnes, on
| which beneatb'his own name Le had written
hers. saying as he did so, keep this carefully
| UNI, you see me again.
"A fine present declare said Rachel. al
Ter he was gone; angry that he did not take
| The same notice Of her as oil Agnes. Ill he
| had given il 10 me would have torn Il in two
pieces right before his own eyes,
Agnes did not think TO look ON the oppo-
site side oil the card till she went 10 deposit. II
| IN little cedar box, when she saw written
| few encouraging words, and the promise, II
| he lived. 10 call at the farm house again IN
| four years.
Agnes. at the time of her mothers second
| marriage, was seven years old. She was
| iuli of health and spirits-free and fearless
as n woodland bird, and with heart such as
most hearts will be that have ever been sub
ject 10 ,he the influence Of that healthful.
domestic atmosphere, which is full oil fhe
| dew and sunshine that have their source in
SCuhlc plCh6dUl tOUtu NOlCC6
kind and encouraging words, and in looks full
OF clHeriulness.
Her mother was not without her hours OF
sorrow, Tor she was a widow, and almost en-
| tirely dependent on her own excrtions for
their support, but she could not bear that ev-
er the skirts ofthe cloud which often darkly
lowered over herself should fall upon her
child, and in an evil hour she was lured TO
the home of the rich farmer. When too,
late, she found that she had become The slave
Of an inperious and overbearing master, ra-
ther than as she had anticipated, the wife oil
kind and indugent husband.
She al first made some efforts TO correct
the pertness and Incidence other step-daugh-
ter, and might. in a measure, have succee-
ded had not her misjudged father, by recei-
wing without the trouble OF investigation, ev-
eryihing she said as truth, encouraged her in
habit oil falsehood.
As woman hirs. Whitley might have
thrown off the burthen that was weighing
4 ~ At NnA nj mi