The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-01-09
Vol. 10. No. rs, Whole No, 4O3,

terlng DllL also an eAIlTthSlOU VI stlOIB NS'SiT
mination. She felt what must he the emo
tons stirring in the heart of her idol toward
her; that he mentally hccused her of selfish
ness, and willlnl blindness of stepping be-
tween him and his rational hopes of happi-
ness, she well knew; and for the first timc,she
shrank from meeting his calm aud searching
glance. She had learned the bitter truthful
she had recklessly thrown the treasures Of
her affections away on man who WINS not
only Indifferent to her, but all the while that
she was wnisting her life away in vain re-
grets for him, he actually loved another. a.
that ohcr How her heart smote her when
she thought how patiently she had borne
with her wnywardness-how Iinwcarledly
whispered of hope, when she knew TINT her
own immolation would be necessary TO the
accomplishment of her wishes. For the first
time Grace conprehended true greatness Of
soul and she prayed for strengths to emulate
il. She reached her own room aud, kneel-
ing beside the window, raised her tourful eyes
to the bright heaven spreading in calm bearI-
ty above her, and registered her vow on
high.
Atherton and Ellen fingered in the garden
until late hour; and when the latter retired
she found Grace apparently wrapped in
deep slumber. The traces ofemoton were
but she was now quite calm. She knelt in
prayer, and the names of her beloved Grnce
and ofhim she had resigned were united in
the petitions she offered to Heaven; she then
laid herselfbeside that sister for whom she
was willing to sacrifice her young affections,
but II was many, many hours before her wear
led eyeds closed in slulnber. Her regular
respiration nj length assured Grace that shc
slept, and she softly arose and glided into the
adjoining apartment.
With nervous hasteth The agitated girl ignited
a match, lii rcnding lamp which stood on n
writing table in the centre of the floor, and
employed hersclfin writing rapidly for more
than an hour she then alfred herself, ms if
for Journeys small bundle was folded to-
gether, in which she placed purse contain
ing few dollars in silver aud then she softly
approached the he'd on which Ellen reclined
and imprinted light kiss upon her fore
head; she stirred slightly,and with fleet steps
the unhappy girl fed from the room and
closed the door behind her.
Ellen was usually very early riser, hut The
late hour mt which she retired OH The prev
olis night aud the length of time that had e.
lapsed before rest came TO her ovcrtaskcd
spirit, caused her 10 sleep until the servant
came TO inform her that the morning meat
was ready 10 serve.
She WINS surprised TO find that Grace Ind
already descended. MS it was an unusual oc-
currcncc for her 10 be visible before her more
industrious sister Ellen hurried her toilette
and soon eutered the breakf,st-rooin in neat
chins morning wrapper, with her long hair
folded in smooth bands around her brow.
She underworld TO look cheerful, hut one
glance at Athcron destroyed all laborcd calm
ness. lie had evidently passed restless
night, for he seemed pale and rresolute, and
II, Il nrls law
figure, he raised his eyes evidently expecting
to see Grace enter--but she came not.
where is Grace?' asked Dr. Clifford. us
they seated themselves around the tnhIe.
She has probably taken walk replied
Ellen she was not in our room when !
awokc, and as she is not here. ] fancy she
must have gone ont before came down"
'Ah very likely, she has no system in any
thing. Once in year, perhaps, the wlint
seizes her to rise carly. We shall not wait
for her. ...-
No more was said, and breakfast was half
over fcforc tho singular absence of Grace ~
Weakened any uneasiness. The servant WIS
despatched in search of her but soon return
ell unsuccessful.
Perhaps she may he in the study, aGioin-
ing our ROOM said Ellen. and she sprang up
stairs On the table in conspicuous position
lay letter addressed TO herself In breath
less anxiety Ellen sank iuto II large chair and
tore open the envelope. She huTiedly read
the following words.
when this reaches you, my darling sister,
your Grace will he fir away, to return 10
more, until she has learned to endure that
heavenly patience which is your distinguish
ing trait the ills of life and its everlasting dis
], who love you with truth
and sincerity, have been n clog TO your dcsii-
ny--a drawback to your happiness, and all
for want ofobservution aud sep-knowledge.
During those long and weary days in
which made struggle agninst the grief ,l.at
consumed me, was infcting on you an g.
terniiy oftorture; and |, self occupied, rcck-
less of others, never read in your changing
cheek the secret of your heart. Can you be-
lievo that have been SO blind, so basoted,
that until last night scarcely harhored the
thought that you loved Gerald, or that Inc WAS
attached to you? Ifa suspicion of the truth
flashed for an instant across my mind it was
instantly dissipated by The recollection Of
your words of hope 10 me during that tedious
Illness. Last night avoice from heaven SEEM
ed to whisper TO me:
s'folow them-learn the truth and bow
before your destiny obeyed 1t: ] listened
TO aportion of your conversation, and learned
that you were ready to sacrifice yourself for
he happinss ofthat sister who has so ruth
esSIy, So CTuGIiy l!IttllHeU nef inOrDu SeIlSi-
)iity; until life and reason were nearly de-
'troyed. Yes, beheld in all its beauty the
ofty spirit of selfsacrfce which hnpeled
you to yield the affections of the man who
owes YOU to that hnitl-hearted one who car
I'd so little foryou rs never to look beyond
he circle of her own emotons--ncver TO ask
lerself:
''s rot Gerald exactly suited to render FL
ell the happiest of wive S? Forgive me, dear
4 L., A., l,.E. \