The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-10-09
Miscellaneous.
A Story of ApsIey House.


his majesty George II. was taking ride in
HYDE Park his eye was attracted by the fig
ure Oian old soldier, who was resting on
bench placed at the foot of an oak tree. The
king, whose memory of faces was remar<a-
bic, recognized him as veteran who had
fought bravely by his side in some of his
continental battles; and kindly nccosting him,
the old man, who was lame hobbled towards, !
him.
We'll, my FRIEND said the monarch, lit is
row some years since we heard the bullets
Tstle atthe battle of Dettigen: tell me what
Us beiallen you since
i was wounded in the leg, please your
mMicsty, and received my discharge and
pension, on which my wife and are living,
and trying to bring up our only son.
Are yon comfortable? Is there any thing
you particularly wish for?
please your majesty, if might make bold
to speak, there is one thing that would make
my wife, poor woman, as happy as a queen,
iIshc could only get it. Our son is clever
boy, and as we are anxious to give him IL
good education, we try every means in our
power to turn an honest penny; so my wife
keeps nm apple-stall outside The Park gate,
and on fine days, when she is able to be out,
she often sells good deal. But sun and dust
spoil the fruit, and rainy weather keeps her
n home: so her profits are but lttle-not
near enough to keep our boy ut school
Now, pIensc your majesty, if you would have
the goodness to give her the bit of waste
ground outside the Park gate, we could build
a shed for her truit-stal, aud it would be,
may say, like an estute 10 u.s.
The good-nalured monarch smiled and
said, y on shall have it, my friend. | wish
all my subjects were as moderate in their re-
quests us you lie then rode on, followed
l,, ,ln Al l. -fl Il
urcn.
Ina few dnysa formal conveyance Of the
hi ground toIumcs Allen, his wife, aud
.'elr heirs forever, was forwarded to their
humble dwelling. The desired shed was
speedily erected, and the good womau's trade
proSpered beyond her expectations. Ofteu,in-
decd, the king hinseIfwould stop at the Park
gate 10 accost her, and taking an apple from
her tempting store, dcposte golden token
in lis place. She was thus enabled TO pro-
cure Il good education for" hur son, who real
ly possessed considerable talents.
Years rolled on, George II. and the vet
ran were both gathered TO their fathers; but
Mrs. Allen still carried on her trade, hoping
play mp some money for her son, who was
hcrOmc a fine young man, and had obtained
situation as head clerk in II large l,abertasl-
cry establishment He lived with his mother
in neat. though humble dwelling, little
way out al the city: and thither he hoped
suon TO bring fair young BRIDE the daugh-
ter Of Il MIR. Gray, Il music teacher, who re-
sided near them. Sweet lucy Grayp as her
lover was wont TO call her, had given her
consent, and the happy day was already fix
cd. ......
Ono morning. however, when Mrs. Allen
proceeded as usual to her place ofmorchan-
dHn. she was startled to perceive the space
around her fiuit-stall filled with workmen
conveying stones, mortar, and all The i'm
PIGMENTS necessary for commencinga build
mg. Some were standing round the shed,
evidently preparing to demoiish it, Come
old lady, said one of the men, move your
things out of this as fast as you can, for we
can do nothing until the shed is down.
My shedn she exclaimed; 'aud who has
given you authority to touch it?
The Lord CHANCELLOR was the reply, 'he
has chosen this spot for IL palace that he is
going to build, and which is intended to he
somewhat grander than your fiut-stall. So
look sharp about moving your property, for
the shed must come down.
Vain were the poor woman's tears and
lamentations; her repeated assertions that die
late king had given her the ground for her
own were treated with ridicuIe; nud M
.cngth she returned home heart-sicIl and
responding,
That evening Edward Allen entered his
mothers dwelling, wearing coun;enance as
Helected as her own lie threw himscfon a
chair, and sighed deeply. 'Oh, mother,' he
sad, i fear we are ruined Mr. Elliott has
lalled tor an immense sum; there is an exc
'Suuon on his house and goods, and and all
ms clerks are turned adrit. Every penny
we possessed was lodged in his hands, and
now we shall lose all. Besides, there have
been lately so many failures in the city, that
numbers of young men are seeking employ
ment, and Pm sure don't know where to
turn to look for it. l SUPPOSE he added
trying to smile, I'VE shall have nothing to de-
pend on but your little trade; and must give
up the hope of marrying sweet Lucy Gray
It will be hard enough to see you suffering
from poverty, without bringing her to share
IT,
Oh, Edward,' said his mother; what you
Sel me is hard enough but my dear boy,
nave still worse news for YOU She then
with many tears, related the events of the
morning, and concluded by asking him what
uey We're to do. Edward paused. 'And
so, sand he, at length, the Lord Chancellor
'''1 oNeh fancy to my mothers ground
''"i HeF poor truit-stall must come down to
'hoNe room for his stately palace. Well, we
I Ii see. Thank God. we live in free, happy
England, where the highest has no power to
cypress the lowest. Let his Lordship build
Tn' lie cannot seize that which his sovereign
bestowed on another. Let us rest quietly
WELL ''' "'' 20
J.. Inc following day, Edward presented
himself at the dwelling ofthc Lord Chancel-
, I'' Gan see his lordship? he inquired of
'ne grave official who answered his sum
mons
wy lord is engaged just now. and cannot