The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-07-27

| acknowledged the giris mad been accustomed
to run wild; Louisa would have her own
way but then she was easily guided by love,
and her nature was frank and warm. Picnic,
| the pale girl, who had been delicate from her
cradle. was rather indolenf, but-(oh what a
blessing these charitable butts are some
timesl)-but then she was so sweet and
gentle. l own when ] again saw the
young damsels, thus described by Aunt
Milly, l did not perceive quite such a
marvellous change; Louisa seemed nearly
as talkative, and her sister nearly as insip-
id, as ever; still there was slight improve
ment even to my eyes. and I gladly al.
lowed Aunt Milly the full benefit of that
loving glamour which was cast by her
hopeful creed aud sweet disposition.
But now, Godfrey, how fares it with
your said my good aunt. How is Laural
and how are you getting on in the world?'
1 could give but melancholy answer
to these questions; for had to work hard
law was very dry study. Besides, many
people looked coldly upon me after they
knew 1 was poorer than l had been; and
even Laura herself was not so frank and
kind. Vague jealousies were springing
up in my heart for every smile she be-
slowed elsewhere; and these were not
few. l was, in truth, far from happy; and
so told Aunt Mily. adding. If Laura
does not love me, don't care what be-
comes of me-
Aunt Milley smiled, and then looked
grave. My dear Godfrey, if Laura mar
ried to morrow, you would recover in
time her loss
No, never! To lose the girl love, is
to lose every thing
You do not yet know what real love is,
my dear boy. 1 never believed that Lau-
ra Ashton was capable of exciting the
lasting affection of true heart, or worthy
to retain it. But we shall see. Once
more, have good courage; work hard
at your profession, and think as little Of
Laura as you can. If she ever did love
you, she does still, and will so as long as
you keep constant to her. Alas for the
one whose love survives his who first
awakened i'll If Laura's affection be not
of this firm nature, it is not worth the
winning, and its loss will soon be no pain
at all'
l did not agree with Aunt Milly's the
DRY; but said no more; my heart was too
sore. She took me over the house and
grounds; both looked cheerful under the
influence of the soft spring; and then she
told me how kind Mr.. Elphinstone was,
and how he had been gradually weaned
from his solitary life to take pleasure in
the society ofhis daughters.
And hope he is grateful to you. who
have made them at all endurable?' l said.
Aunt Milly smiled. Yes, l believe he
is: but have only done what ought: the
girls both love me so. much; and it is suffi-
cient reward to see them improved
l did not see Mr.. EIphinstone, but l
earnestly hoped the solemn, coldIy polite
middle aged gentleman had shared in
the general amelioration and reform ef-
fected by the cheerful-hearted Miss Milly.
Months had glided into years ere ]
again saw Milly. Everything had changed
with me; from boy, had grown a man.
struggling with the world. had followed
Aunt Milly's advice, and had begun to
reap the fruit of it, in the good opinion of
those whose opinion was worth having
[ had proved also the truth of her old
saying, How sweet is the bread Of ones
own laborp
Another of her prophesies, alas! had
come but too true. Laura Ashton was
lost to me; she had married an officer of
dragons, and left the country. But !
will not speak of this, for 1 did love her
very much once; and in spite of Aunt Mil
ly's sage speeches, no one can quite forget
his boyish fancy. However, the cares
Of life left me no time to ponder mourn
fully over my first love.
When next visited Elphinstone Hall,
twas the golden days of midsummer, l
thought l had never beheld more lovely
place. The old trees were so shady and
full ofleaves; the grassy lawn so very green
the flower-garden so bright with bios
SONS. Age and youth were not more DIFF
ferent than the old cherries Hall of for
mer times and the beautiful spot now
looked upon, Even Aunt Milly seemed
to share in the general rejuvenesence.
The two years which had changed me so
much, had not made her look day older
She had the same color; fresh cheerful
face, and neat little figure; both perhaps
little rounder, the result of a happy life
and few cares. Her dress was as tasteful
as ever, but not quite SO precise and it
was of richer materials. She wore, too
various handsome articles ofjewelry; re-
markable circum lance for unpretending
Aunt MiIly. I thought her pupils must
be at least kind and generous in pres
ents.
We had not sat talking long, when
very graceful girl crossed the lawn to the
French widow of Aunt Milly's room.
Il will come soon; go and take your
walk, Picnic DEAR said Aunt MiIIy.
Wonder Of wonders! Could that beau
.iful fair face and golden ringlete which /
saw through the open window belong to
h. Me-