Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-04-29
Select Gales.
THE BLACK DEMON,
"Greatness, thou gaudy torment of our souls,

Bernard, and was situated in the most remote
and retired portion of Dorsftshlre' MY father
dvino when was but ten years old, threw al
deem and lasting gloom over the hitherto Joyous
shirts of nv mother. From that period she
withdrew herself altogether from that society of
which she was so great an ornament, and deVo-
ted herself entirely to the education Of her chill
dren.
! was an only son, and consequently not the
least thought Of in the family, After | had
passed the age of eighteen, began to sigh for
nearer acquaintance with the world, from which
had been kept such stranger My mother
over and over again exhorted me to be content
with the blessings | was enjoying, and not break
her heart by leaving her. She pictured to me
how keenly my sister would miss my protection,
and that she herself would pine away life.
My rowing desire was overcome by my strong
affection for my only parent Although appa-
rently acquiescing in my mothers desire, my
mind was still busy picturing scenes alar off.
longed to render my name glorious, by the hon
orable conquests which had read of others eff
(ecting on the battlefield the tameness OF my
preSCUI HE dppCdICu uloCdotClul W anu
pinned in secret to be emancipated.
Ny mother perceived my dissatisfaction and
spoke to me on the subject After many elo-
quent but vain arguments, she saw she could
not turn my mind from its former bent, and our
interview ended by her promising, if my mind
remained unaItered when obtained my twenti-
eth year, she would allow me to 60 forth into
the busy world.
The period soon arrived, and with eXutation
| prepared to leave the home Of my forefatherS.
My mother Was sad and sorrowlul, my sister
weeping and subdued, when the drawing room
door was opened by Joseph, to say that the car
rage was ready. My mother and sister rushed
towards me, clasping me in their arms.
1t is yet time to give up this hateful journey
they said do remain with those that love you
so much
my mother l exclaimed, 81 have now arriy-
ed at the age of manhood, and | am determined
that my name shall be yet associated with the
gallant exploits which have rendered that Of my
ancestors so renowned, both in the battles of
their country's cause, as well as the court of
their sovereign
'And when you are gone Bernard, what will
become of mel?
'You will be proud and happy in hearing Of
your sons success, my mother
'And if you are killed in battle, responded
my mother.
%! there is no fear of that only fancy my
returning to you in few short years as colonel
of dragoon regiment, and with all the honors
of successful conqest.'
And how will that advantage you, my son 2
% considerably; shall be more thought of,
and much more respected
And what then 2 demanded my mother.
why, shall be the first man in the country
'WelP
why then shall marry my cousin, Henrict.
Ia, and we shall live with you, dearest mother, OH
the land and property bequeahed to me by my
father
'And why not remain now, and realize your
pictured happiness Your father has left you
the most splendid estate and castle in the county
look around you on all sides, and see if there is
aught to be compared with it, or can you any
where see more magnificent inheritance than
Castle Bernard, Quit us not then, my son =
remain where you are, with your sister and your
aged mother; for probably, when you return,
you will no longer find them, Do not let a
troubled spirit, yearning after vain glory, embit-
ter the days that pass so happily and quickly at
present Life Is precions do not expose it
needessly your country is a glorious one, and
the sun of Dorsetshre appears to shine with a
peculiar briancy,'
On saying this she threw open the easement
Of the drawing-room, and exposed to my view
the magnificent wood and water, hill and vale
by which | was surrounded the rich lilach anC
dropping Iaburnum, the bursting rose and mod
est lilly, with their dewy heads glistening in the
sunshine.
In an adjoining room were collected the old
and trusty servants, silent and sorrowful, whose
very sadness seemed almost imploringly to say
Leave us not
But all was unavailing; my head was SO filled
with honor, glory and renown, that resisted
the combined entreaties of both mother and sis
ter, together with the eloquent silence of my be
loved Henrietta, and | tore myself from them
exclalmmg, i shall soon return happier and
wiser man.
AS was about entering the post chaise,
turned my head to take a last view of those
loved so deeply saw female figure at tn
head Of staircase; it was Henrietta she wep
not-she spoke not-but pale and trembling sh
appeared scarcely able to support herself Sh
held white handkerchief in her hand, wit
which she made faint signal of adieu, and fel
sensele's to the ground
rushed towards her, encasped her in m
breathless grasp, and swore, while lite remained
would love her with the same intensity as
did at that moment; and when saw conscious
ness returning, left her to the care of m
mother and sister, and rushed forward to tn
carriage without once turning my head.
If had again seen Henrietta, should nc
nave had resolution to part from her. A fe
minutes after, the chase rolled swiftly upon tn
road towards 7 nd