Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-12-31
CHAPTER IY-

Inc daY arrived when Lila was TO be
exiled from home until absence should OBJ
literate her love for Sedley. Just as the
beams Of the rising sun giIded the spires
and roofs Ct the empire city, Lila, accom-
panied by her parents, stepped on board
the New Haven boat, which was to bear
her FAR, far from her lover. With every
revolution OF the wheels, Mr. Lincoln found
his anger as rapidly reclining; and ere the
boat reached Hur Gate, his daughter WAS
his own darling Lila again. Not word
did he now breathe upon The subject mp
permost in both their minds. but caressed
her fondly, as Of old. feeling assured that
change Of scene would so0n remove her de-
lection. tho country air brin, back the
es 10 her now pale cheek. Arriving At New
Haven, and placing Lila under the care Of
friend who would pass through the village
where Mrs Midde6eld mir Lincolns aunt
resided. her parents. taking an afeclionale
leave Of their child. returned to the city
Dear reader, did you ever visit North
ampton, the most lovely Of all New Eng.
lands lovely vllagesl II not. note it on
your tablets, aud when next the hot sirocco
breath Of the city burns your fevered brow.
aud your fainiing soul lsngnishes for the
cooling glades and fragrant mountain breez-
es, then, HE thee TO the beautiful valley Of
the Connecticut, aud in this charming spot
where nature and art have both combined
their most pleasing powers to spread forth
for your delight landscape Of unrivalled
loneliness, repose your wearied, eifytOafh'
ing spirit.
Enbowered in perfect forest Of fruit
trees, near the centre Of this same beautiful
town, stood the old-fashioned dwelling Of
Mrs Middleheld. Although an old lady
herself, Of lhreescore years, everything both
within and without the house remained very
much as il had done in the days Of her faith
ers. Innovation Of any kind the old lady
despised and fashions she held in perfect
adherence looked upon steamboats, as in.
veniions Of the evil one, aud groaned in
spirit over the good old days Of spinning
wheels aud billions. Her little parlor still
bore the carefully preserved carpet which
the hands Of her youth had woven. There
stood the same stiff, high-backed mahogany
chairs, which OUTLYING the ickleness oil
fashion, were now rejoicing in the newly
rt-scqulred consequence attached 10 their
antique proportions, and the only table too,
in their venerable claws the same balls
which century since they had FIRST com.
passed, as if ready at any moment. like their
mistress, 10 hurl defiance a, all himsy coun
terfeiis OF their solid worth Between the
windows, with ouisprcad wings, on eagle
with gilded lalons upheld The long narrow
looking glass in its quainily.cared frame
and in the corner stood the upright, solemn
clock, where. at each revolving hour, ole
Time, with scythe and glass, looked
gloomgly out from some dark nook nnC
shook this fatal weapon, as If prepared (ir
primer phrase) ITO cut down all, both grea
and small"
The village bells were meuily pealinl
forth the hour Of noon, according TO time
hOnored custom, az THE stage stopped a
Mrs Middlelield's door. No one, however
appeared to welcome the young stranger
aud Lila iimidly passed up TO the doc
through dense thickei Of roses. The oil,
lion guarding the knocker, looked griml
even upon the small, deIicately- gloved han'
which hesitatingy disturbed him in his re
pose, yet twice was the summons repeale,
ere the door was opened by an old coore,
woman, and Lila stood for the first time il
the house Of her ancestors.
Sending in her name. Mrs Middlefeld il
few minutes made her appearance, an
greeted her young relative with much kind
ness. Il was evident, however, TO Lila
that she had not been expected. aud SD
soon found that the letter Of her father, an
nouncing her arrival, had not been recei'
ed.
"But my dear child" said the old lady
"you are not The less wlcome that you com
unexpected no, God forbid the hollow forr
of ceremony should Interfere belwee
those whom the ties Of kindred unite
Take of your bonnet, pretty one, and CON
with me 10 the little chamber you shall ca
your own had prepared il for anolhs
! dear friend. but the blue room will answ,