Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-03-24

aud reputation for the time being; though
he very nearly spoiled all by several times
starting in reply when he heard his "
name much TO the establishment OF Lou.
Use, who thought Mr. Edward Duncan grew
wonderfully distracted. They rode, walk
ed, sung, and read together, as merry and
happy a little party as could be found
Daily as health returned, Ned discovered q
thousand new graces in Miss Fletcher, and
though she sometimes wondered why Mr.
Morris was always left as her escort, and
thought Mr. Duncan the most devoted OF
brothers, she ceased TO wonder at the ar.
rangement in the deep interest which she
felt in the conversation Of Mr. Morris, aud
ofieniimes almost enyicd her friend that she
should have one so wise, so amiable, us a
constant companion.
The time allotted for her visit was nearly
at an end. Indeed, il had been twice ex-
tended, and her aunt grew inpatient at the
delay.
"Can il be possible that | have been two
whole months with you p said Louise, as
she threw herself languidly upon a lounge,
and watched Carries preparation for a ride
with her father. 1.-TWO long months, and
now for a life Of vanity and y%exation of spi-
rit.' How | wish | could stay with you al
ways"
Carrie echoed the wish, aud something
whispered il was near its accomplishment.
But she gave no sign and praying Louise
not to get dismal in her solitude, lamenting
the absence Of the gentlemen, she obeyed
her fathers summons, and they drove rap.
idly away on tedious visit to some tedious
country neighbour.
The solitude which Carrie so lamented
was a luxury to Louise. She buried her
face among the cushions, and recalled event
by event the whole Of her past life. But
one thing startled her think Of whom she
would, The image Of Edward Morris came
ever before her. She found herself dwell.
| ing upon his words. admiring his character.
! She stroye to repel these thoughts, but q low
manly tone fingered in her ear, and words,
, merely Of friendship, she knew, yet they
. had breaihed the warmest admiration, were
again recalled. while his dark eyes seemed
$ once more reading her own. The truth at
G length burs, as a flash of light upon her
she loved, yes, loved with deep and passion
j ate devotedness the betroihed husband oil
her friend There was madness in the
' thought-madness and ingratitude in its in
] diligence; and the strong true mind OF
: Louise Fletcher resolved never TO look up
: on his face again.
+, ~ 90 Tomorrow" thought she "and
] ere we meet again they will be united
while | will be cold aud proud, hiding my
e sorrow as ever before. II is but one panl
4 more or less. | was destined from my birth
n to a life Of misery"
Il Poor child, the woman oyercame the he
roine she covered her face with her hands
a aud as the hot tears gushed through tht
slender fingers, sobbed aloud a weary, heart
& broken woman, as she thought Of her futur'
o lonely lot Of the past sadness and dissp
g pointment. But she was not alone, as sh,
gave way TO that burst Of feeling. Edwar'
Duncan had returned just as the gorgeou
sunset faded from the crests of the pupil,
hills. lie sprang gaily upon the yerandah
his heart beating high at the thought OF meet
ing her whom he loved. even though the sep
%aration had been but for a few hours. A
II he passed the long windows OF the drawing
room, a glance revealed her lying in he
ID mournful musings and as her face was con
We cealed, he fingered in the shadow Of th
- INV ~ gu tuC GA4otoitC bCahAI " W.
p which her careless attitude revealed.
sh So the twilight crept over the room, an
er still he fingered, unwilling to disturb he
no rest, and gazing upon with lovers tendel
ness. But the first low sob that burst GroI
IN her burdened heart reused new though
~ within his own. He forgot the decepiio
Ike Nhich he had used-the uncertainty of II
eyenl-he only knew that he loved her lei
DIS derby, and that was in sorrow. In a momel
re, he had knelt beside her-ihat hand, stl
VI wet with tears, was clasped within his owl
EN- as he poured forth his earnest and passiol
ate love, praying that it might be returne
How did his heart sink within him as u
hand was coldly Withdrawn; and Loui
To- Fletcher, with flashing eye and curling Ii
reproyed him for treachery. ay, insult h
~ bound to her friend, dared to pour such
'm avowal in her ears. The reproof %recallt
raj to Edward the extent of his folly his ia
re- was in her hands, yet he must abide b
nat own rashness. He told her all-all-aT
nd pleaded his love and his fears as his excus
Up Was he forgivent So it would seem 4
Oh he was no, rsSuked when his arm sto
gently about her waist, aud that dear hel
I'LL rested for an instant upon his breast.
Oh how the tide Of gladness sweiled
ier the heart OF Louise Fletcher. when she b
nd gan TO realize The strange tale 10 which II
to- listened Could il be true that lie low
be- her-that she had a right TO return that
lection? Perhaps her illness had returne
this might be a feyerish dream But no.
an was a blessed reality. The orphan was alol
ev- no longer. Then she hid her face in
on bosom, and the tears gushed forth agail
TO but they were tears such as they who a
Ied TOO happy for words, alone may know.
RED The loud grating Of carriage wheels up
ex' the g~raveled walk reused them and VIII
ion Mr. Duncan entered the room with Carr
'he Edward led the shrinking. b~lushing Ia
ing Use toward them, o new claimant for a laI
'er- er's and a sisters love.
MI 81 am SO happy" said Carrie, as she fol
red ed her arms about her friend.
,os' 1--WE arc ali so happy" chimed in T
be- ward Morris, who had just joined The groI
ale "You shall all be married together
tie, whispered the delighted Mr. Duncan, kissi
had both the b~lushing girls "and we won't hs
any more maslueTadinp. remember that.