Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-04-14
Coo Sandstone.
A TALE.

1t is quite possible for man or woman
either, to be too handsome. We do not |
pretend that this is an original remark,
springing from our own sapient brain, be-
cause our conscience forces us to acknowl. |
edge the working. Nevertheless, it is an
observation which few make. and fewer still
will confess to be true. Therefore, we in
tend to enter the lists in behalf of ugliness.
From this declaration, it will doubtless be
concluded that we are some old bachelor,
ugly enough 'to brighten the crows as
country children say; but, decidedly, such
is not the case.
Having thus given out our thesis, it is
our intention to illustrate it by n tae-an
over true tale,' as the ANIMALS would
write; and, moreover, we Judge it best at
once to acknowledge that it is love-tale
nothing but common place love.tale
no wonderful selfdevotion, no herosm in
humble life,' will be found therein there.
fore, gentle reader, it is useless to seek it.
And, after this exordium, we will begin.
Philip Heathcotc lived in country town,
where he was the henn mar or~o'l"nco,
the Adonis, Apollo, Narcissus, of almost
every young lady, from fifteen to fifty
and, TO tell the truth, Philip was indeed very
handsome. We have no intention of de-
scrbing categorcally his eyes, nose, and
mouth, because beauty is entirely person.
al matter. 1t is seldom that two people a
gree on the subject. Each one has his or
her ideal of perfection, and judges others to
certain extent as they approach to, or di-
verge from, this image, formed in each
mind Uginess becomes beauty, and beau
,,n'e, Enp
There is no glamour 50 complete as that of
loving eye. Therefore, let each fair one
picture our young hero as resembling her
own, and she will like Philip Heathcotc all
the better.
Philip was one of those fortunate persons
who seem born with talents for every thing.
His conversation was winning enough to
vile bird off a bush : he was a man
, of infinite humor,' as Shakespeare has it, and
possessed that ever-welcome quality of max
; ing the dullest party merry when he enter.
, ed it. Then he was the best dancer, tho
best singer, the best flute player, for miles
around Wrote poetry. composed songs
|, drew likcnesses in short, Philip was q
> pattern of perfection. His praise rang thro
I the country round none were insensibc
Z 10 IL. save Ollc: tllc NcIN ldSt Hc Nouiu nav
r wished to be SOL young girl, named Mar
5 garet Lester.
With that peculiar contradiction which
e charactcrizcs love, young Heathcotc's hear
n If he had heart, which some doubted
was given TO one entirely the opposite o
himself Quiet, unassuming, not beautiful
h only interesting, with no accomplishments
n save a sweet voice, which could MARBLE for
i. ever. Margaret Lester had yet stolen ava,
all the love which the snowy, fascinating
A. dashing Philip could bestow; and, won
:, derful to tell, was quite insensibe to he
b prize. She was not in love with any on
le else-that was certain; and that the sweo
gentle Margaret was heartless--oh tina
&c was quite impossible, too but she did nc
;, care for Philip in the least. She neve
n. asked for his poetry; seldom sang with him
e. was perfectly happy to waltz with any on
le else would quietly, without changing col
or, acknowledge his personal and menta
b. qualities, and praise him with the creates
Mt unconcern. SO, for months and month,
Gu these two moved through the circles of cour
- try gaiety; meeting constantly, and furnish
nc ing for some time grand subject for spec
ulation.
or In worldly matters, both were equal
av neither very rich nor poor-well matched
y as the gossips said. But it was all useless
j.. and Philip at last, mortified with the cali
a .e indifference which his homage won from Il,
~ ~ gentle girl, ceased all outward show of it
he paid attention equally to every new an
pretty face, and seemed determined to da,
he zle and charm without ever really lovin
fly or being loved.
,m Margaret was as apparently unmoved b
mt her lovers dereliction, as by his previor
"a alteration. Her real thoughts on the sui
leI ject were only expressed to her mothe
m "u who naturally wished to see her only chi
ne settled.
he 'Why could you not like Philip Heat
he cote ? asked Mrs. Lester. You kno,
My love, he has good prospects; every one a