The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-01-09
ST. JOhnsbury, Vt January 9, 184z

could not bear TO he the rival OF my slsier'-
We have indeed been like two cherries on
ono stalk and Gun never voluntarily inflict
on her such Indebtedness as may lay her
in her grave. No, no-my heart would with
or beneath such rivalry
Afer few weeks letters came from Ath-
erton- one was for Ellen. Fortunately she
met her fatherin the yard with the letters in
his hand. After some hesitation she said
1T will be better not 10 speak TO Grace of
my letter father, she will feel sighted, per-
hnps, as Iperceive that it is not addressed 10
both of u.s.
Perhaps the next will he for her. Why
conceal this? 1t will not be treating your Sis
ter kindly
Il would not for the world trent her with n
shadow ofunkindness, but indeed IT will be
best Grace is in avery critical state of mind.
Have you noticed her wild spirits and alter
nate fits ofdepression since Gerald's depart
ure? must tell you, father,or some evil may
result from your Ignorance on the SUBJECT
Grace is strongly impressed with the belief
that Gerald loves her, and / am sure that he
only regards her as II sister,
whence do you derive this convicton|
suid DIR Clifford, turning suddenly toward her.
The vivid flush that nantled her features suf-
ficiently replied. 500, he has been MAX
ing love to you, presume. Is 1t not so"
Ellen overcame her confusion, and raising
her clear eyes TO those other father, said firm
ly-
lie has given me to understand that, at
some future day, when he feels authorized to
net for himself he will Then seek me; bu; my
father, as you love me, dream not that have
harbored one thought of treachery toward
Grace. Until the day ofhis departure, did
not know that she loved. From that moment
4 I,I thpnu,f IF snpurinH
happiness, at the sacrifice of hers. IL is easier
far 10 give up Gerald than to deal a death
blow to my sisters heart. Do you understand
and appreciate my motives, father"
yes, my honorable. my noble minded child
/ feel all comprehend all; yet, Ellen, do not
too hastily sacrifice yourself This fancy
may pass away, and Grace forget it, She is
very romantic, poor child! but she is very
young, and absence may erase the impress
sions her imagination now deepens. Time
can accomplish much. Do not deprive Ger
aid ofall hope, for after all, it is you ;hat he
loves and not Grace. His father would he
delighted to have you for daughter, for a
hope of that nature is limited in this letter.
Gerald Atberton is all that could desire in a
SON. Two years must pass before he can
claim you. and long before that time Grace
may laugh ut her present penchan.'
Thus encouraged, Ellen suffered herself 10
cherish hope. until new change in Grace
banished il from her heart. More than year
had elapsed, when the young CARL began to
droop visibly, and her variable spirits settled
into a deep dependency. She would weep
for hours alone in her room, and exhibited
anger and irritation if her sister interrupted
her. Vain were all Ellcu's efforts TO draw
from her the cause of herunhappinoss. Her
constitution, never very robust, yielded be-
T. l,.,,. ind nd in NlNnl
delirium of fever, Ellen learned from her
rawlings tint she had begun to fear that Ger
aid no longer loved her. In the weary time
which had elapsed since his departure, she
had received no line from him, and even her
sanguine hopes began TO fade away.
The crisis passed, and she again stood be-
meath the vines that clustered over their door,
but she was not the same joyous and affect
tomato creature she had once been. NOR
bid melancholy seemed to huve taken firm
possession of her mind, and the once gentle
temper had become so passionate and Hrlta-
BILE that il was almost impossible for even
those who loved her to bear with her capri
ces Each evening, as the sun descended,
she insisted on walking to the summit of a
neislboring bill, whence the road could be
discovered, and there she would sit until the
shadows of evening concealed the passen-
gers from her sight, watching for Geralds
return, and each evening the sorrowful tone
in which she repeated, lie comes nor, Weht
to the heart other sister.
II wos strange, but during all this time
Grace had not once suspected that Ellen
might also be attached TO Atherton; she was
too deeply absorbed in her own feelings TO
remark the flush of pleasure which lrradated
her expressive face when he was named, or
the paieness which of late had settled as an
abiding guest OH her cheek. We have nitro
duced them TO the reader at the close ofone
of those evening walks and the tenderness of
heart, the self sacrificing nature, of Ellen
were sufficiently apparent. ..
Grace was quite indisposed for several days
atler the Storm and required the constant at
tention of her sister. Ellen sat beside her,
soothed her Impotence and mlnstered 10 an
her wants. She even read aloud in an unfal-
teripg voice, though her own heart was the
seat of deep inquietude and bitter struggles
The hour for her great sacrifice approached
"a letter from Anterior lay next her heart,
in which he announced his speedy arrival,
authorized by his father to offer has hand to
his beloved Ellen.
Ct will not be the rival ofmy sister, was the
tbouoht ofthe heroic girl. How can secure
nv own happiness, when my act may prove
a death blow to my darling Grace?'
She fervently prayed for strength to bear
the burden of her great sorrow, for IN the re-
cesses other usually calm spirit was enslirin-
ed the image of Gerald. Her fathers words
Ind toight her to hope for forgetfulness on
the part of Grace, but now she could nope
no longer. The crisis had arrived, and on
her decision, she believed depended the life
or reason of her beloved sister. Her father
had left to her the task communicating the
expected arrival to the invalid; she at length