Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-09-09
GREEN MOUNTAIN FIR EEMAN.

| is Laura Gray? Surely there is the same dark
hair in Madona bands, the same aIched brow,
the same classic features and pure complexion !;
but how changed is the expression Of that coun-
tenance The air of PRIDE is gone, and IN Its
stead is the lobt of love and kindness There
! is lingering trace Of sadness, as II sorrows,
dark and deep had passed over her, but light had
come to dispel all save the slight shadow. With
an affection almost maternal she looked upon the
children, aiding them in their studies, sharing
their sports and soothing their sorrows. MOI is
this affection without its reward, for the love of
children is easily won, and it is a treasure not to
be lightly valued.
The evening passes on, and it is time for the
children to retire; yet they linger around " aunt
Laura" reluctant to 60, till their mother again
reminds them that there must be no delay
"Aunt Laura" says little Clara, Miss Selby
says you used to be proud and naughty but Frank
and would not believe it, for you are the kind
est aunt that ever lived"
Perhaps Miss SeIby is right" she answered
smilingly, "I have had my faults, and am not
free from them now but of one good quality
am assured and that is my love for my nephew
and nieces"
SO saying she bestowed on each their good
night kiss; and as they left the room with their
mother, her thoughts went back to the past. How
many phantoms came up in that silent hour to
her heart, as if voice and form were given to
those who had only lived IN its memory for years !!
! There was one dark eye that had long since been
closed in its last slumber, yet even now Its glance
seemed to read her Utmost SOU, and a thousand
happy scenes seemed restored with it to her MEM
ory She walks through field and glade, -the
quiet converse of many delicious hours; the
deep and thrilling tale ofove so eloquenty breath
ed, were all then present with her, but the gloo-
my pail of Death was over them all. The un-
hidden tear started and so deep was her revery,
that she did not notice the entrance of Mary, till
kiss upon her forehead aroused her from her
waking dream.
Look not mournfulIy on the past-it comes
not again"
Shall finish the quotation ?" asked Mary
" 1t is needless, for remember it we'll and
will endeavor to act upon it," was the reply bu
there are hours when my sorrows claim a tear az
the tribute to departed joys. DO not think me
ungratelul for your kindness and Affection be
cause | weep for the days that have flown"
"Ungrateful surely no one could lay this tC
your charge Are you not our sister indeed
and do we not owe you like debt for your kind
ness to us ! Our family circle never seems com
pete when you are absent; and our children low
you as they do us. Indeed, dear Laura, whel
your thoughts would revert to the past, thinI
: how many ties bind you to the present, and thu
t phantom will return to its shadowy kingdom"
Are you not selfish, Mary 2" asked her hus
band with a smile. "May not Laura yet be hap
ply in home of her own, even though our
should lose much of its pleasure when she is a
way! Though it is indeed pleasure to hav
her with US, yet we could not justly require he
to sacrifice her hopes of happiness to increas
our enjoyments."
"Do not speak it" Laura replied " with yo
$ shall be my home as long as my presence ca
S add to your happiness. The wild dream of eartl
i y bliss for me has long been over. have neet
ed the Affections Heaven has sent upon me t
:, subdue the strong pride of my spirit, 1t is a
e over now, and can calmly rest in the assuranc
- that my lot has been cast by one who doeth a
J things well. As you value my peace, do nj
Il speak to me of ever finding another idol III
IS love that binds the living to the dead is a holy ii
II and may not be broken have learned "what
is fearful thing it is to love what death may touc
n and my pride and idoatry are alike buried
Il the grave of Victor Somervie"