The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-01-09

| York, in prosperous circumstances. lie had
an only and beloved son, whose application
10 his studies while at college had seriously
undermined his health Tho residence of
his old friend was secluded and healthy, and
Mr. Anterior requested as n particular favor
that he would receive Gerald us an inmate
during the approaching summer.
The young man was not TO be allowed TO
read anything but such light works ms would
amuse without wearying his mind, and eXer-
else in the open air was to be daily taken.
The answer was of course in the aflirma-
tive, aud in two weeks time from its recep-
ton Gerald Anterior was domesticated at
the cottage. The two girls had INDUCED n
very natural curiosity as to his personal APP
pearance, and when he stood before them, n
tall sallow youth oftwenty, if their thoughts
could have been audible, they would not
much have hattered the new conner. .....
ELLEN said to herself, lie is far from being
handsome, but he has an amiable counten-
ance and his voice is remarkably bland. l
shall like him, know
Poor Grace, who had been picturing in her
fancy hero of romance in the young collie
gian, could scarcely conceal her disappoint-
ment NJ ..
what fright was her mental soliloquy, q
need not have taken so much pains TO curl
lie
biIity fancy him young duke an Algernon
Mordaunt, or even one of SCOTS heroes.-
Sir Walter does not insist on beauty for his
lovers, but ] shall make it n sine qua
non with mine, however. and with toss of
her pretty head she turned away and sought
her own room.
A few weeks wrought an astonishing revo-
luton in the opinions of the sisters. Gerald
had decidedly improved; his dark cheek
glowed with returning health, and his eyes no
longer languid with disease, proved to be re-
markably expressive. He was polite and at
tentve to the daughters ofhis host, and the
commands ofhis physician enabled HIM to
take an active interest ofeach. With Ellen
he explored the neighboring country in
search of the wild flowers which she was
chasing in II herbarium, and occasionally at
tended her TO the few houses in the vicinity,
where sickness rendered her presence use
! full for young as she was, Ellen Clifford
brought comfort and assistance to many n
hearth within her narrow circle. In these
walks Atherton soon made the discovery that
his companion was not only n spright'y ana
agreeable girl, but we'll educated and thought
| full bovond her years for the good of others.
He fully appreciated the practical good sense
which guided her, and the simplicity ofchar-
acter which prevented her from priding her
self on the benefits which she, in her quiet
way, rendered TO others.
At home, Gerald joined in the pursuits of
Grace. He read aloud her iavorite authors,
and their fine language came from ms llps
with an additional charm, for his voice was
fine and full toned, and he acclaimed in su-
periur manner. The finest passages of her
favorite poets never before seemed sosmag-
nificent, and poor Grace soon gifted him with
all the attributes other favorite heroes. The
next ster, was ofcourse to give him her eX-
perienced heart; fate had undoubtedly cast
ibem together, that their kindred souls might
meet and mingle. They must be designed
for each other, therefore it was right that they
should fulfil tn er destiny by mutually loving,
and bIindly did she throw her happiness on
single cast. :,
Her romance did not blunt her naturally
keen feelings, AMI in proportion to twas the
warmth her alta cilment. Gerald Anterior
was not a vain man, but he could not remain
entirely unconscious otthe deep interest WIN
which the daughter ot his host regarded him.
The summer passed way, and he wrote 10
his father for leave to return home, that he
might commence the 81 udy of medicine, with
n distinguished physician in his native CITY,
MIR A1herton Urged him 10 remain, and pros
ecute his studies with his old friend, but Ger
aid appeared so anxious TO- be again beneath
the paternal roofthat his fi,tller finally con-
sented TO his return.
MANY regrets were expressed, and tears
were shed at the parting which speedily took
place. As eraldpressed the hand OF Ellen
TO his lips, he whispered
'We shall meet again, Ellen, and you,
dare TO hope, will not belong to a nother.,
She raised her soft eyes, and Gerald added,
i know you will not and spran,g into the
carriage. .r....t -...
Ellen leaned on the gate, and 70 Il owed the
carriage with her eyes, until turn in the road
it-a sweet smile was on her lips, |
a reflection from the dream of'happh mess nest
ing in her guileess heart. A feeling; oi Won
der crossed her mind when she RENE n1bered |
now suddenly the secret other heart he'd be-
come known to herself; for until those lpirtlng
words were uttered, she had not dreamed
that her feelings toward theirg guest had pass
ed the bounds Of friendship. A few mo-
ments of delicious revery passed, and tI1en
she turned and beheld her sister. She start
ed and recoiled as ifa spectre had met her.
Grace, as pale as a snow wreath, leaned a.
gainst one of the pillars that SUPPORTED the
Dortico, and there was n world of anguish in
her Young face. Ellen read the history of her
heart in one glance and although her own
felt as if an icy weight had suddenly fallen on
it, she saw her way clearly before her, and re-
solved to tread in the path that seemed to her
the right one, whatever suffering it might
bring to herself. r....,.. .
sHe is gone with no word, no hope for the
future said Grace vacantly. Eden, sister
dear, did he say aught to you" iI
OF what, Grace? You are not well; let us
90 in; father will be waiting for as
: sWhat of that? Father is patient man.
He will not chide us, especially as Gerald is
Just gone. He would not have the heart 10
do Is We'll, Ellen, saw him whisper TO
- ,,L,t s,;d be? Did he tell YOU, what