Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-06-30

or disagreeable,"
"Well, what could we do OIc does
not want TO be rude, you know"
"Do could you not, Florence, you who
have always taken the lead in society, aud
who have been noted Tor always being able
TO say aud do what you please You
not have shown him that those remarks
were unpleasing to you. as decidedly as you
would have done if they had related to The
character Of your father or brother To
my mind, woman of true moral feeling
should feel herself as much insuied when
her religion is treated with contempt. as il
the contempt were shown to herself Do
you not kn 10 the power which is given TO
you women TO awe and restrain Us in your
presence, aud Ia guard the sacreJness Of
things which you treat as holy Believe
me. Florence, that Fouesque. infidei as he
is. would reverence a woman with whom he
dared not ,rife on sacred subjects"
Florence rose from her seat with height
ened color, her dark eyes frightened through
tears.
II am sure what you say is Just. cousin.
and yet have never thought Of II before.
will am determined to begin. after
this, TO live with some better purpose than !
have done"
And lie, me tell you. Florence. in start
ing new.-conrse, a. in learning to walk.
taking the FIRST step is everything. Now, |
have first step to propose TO you"
"Well, cousin"
"Well, YOU know, suppose, that among
your train Of adorers you number Colonel
Elliot I"
Florence smiled.
"And perhaps you do moi know. what is
certainly true. that among the most discern
ing and cool part Of his friends. Elliot is
considered as lbs, man"
GOOD heavens! Edward, what do you
mean !"
simply this. that with all his brilliant
talents, his amable and generous feelings,
aud his success in society, Elliot has not
self control enough to prevent his becoming
confirmed IN incorporate habits"
II never dreamed Of this" replied Flor
ence. II knew tina, he was spirited aud
Tree. fond Of society, and excitablc, but
never suspected anything beyond"
"Elliol has tact enough never to appear
state for IT, replied Edward, "but yet II Is
So"
And is he really so bad y
lie stands Just on the verge. Florence
Just where a word fifty spoken might turn
him lie Is n noble ereature. full OF all
sorts Of fine impulses and feelings, the only
son Of a mother who doais on him. the idol.
lied brother Of sisters who love him as you
love your brothers, Florence; and he stand,
where word, look--so they be Of the
right kind-might save him"
"And why, then. do you not speak Il
him ," said Florence.
because am not the best person, Flor
ence There is another who would do !
beuer-one whom he admiies. who stand
| in a position which would forbid his beiGl
angry person, cousin, whom l ha''
heard in gayer moments say that she knew
how to say anything she pleased, wlthou
offending anybody"
"Oh, Edward % said Florence, coloring
edo not bring up my foolish speeches agains
me-and do not speak as II ought 10 IN
ierfere in this matter, for indeed canno
do II. could never IN the world-l an
certain could not"
"And So" said Edward, lyon, whom
have heard say 50 many things which no on
else could say or dared 10 say, you, VIII
have gone on with such laughing assuranc
in your own powers Of pleasing, shrlnk froI
trying that power when noble and gene
Gus heart might be saved by it. You has
been willing TO venture a great deal iof III
sake Of amusing yourself and winning al
mra,ion, but you dare not say word IL
any high or noble purpose. Do you M
see how you confirm what said Of the &c
fshness OF you womenl"
"But you must remember, Edward, til
is matter of great delicacy."
The word delicacy is a charming cove
. all in al these cases, Florence. Now, he'
is fine. noble spirited young man, avs
r from his mother and sisters, away from an
family friend who might care for him. temp
ed. betrayed, almost TO ruin, aud a lie
) words from you, said as woman know
hnw 10 say them. might be his salvaiion'-
But you will look coolly on and see him
r to destruction, because you have too niue
deiieary to make the effort. like the ms
b. who would no, help his neighbor out OF Il
J.. water because he had never had the non
# Of an Introduction to him."
/. "But, Edward, consider how peculiar
n fastidious Elliot is how Jealous OF any
!. tempt to restrain and guide him"
!. "And Just for that reason II is that
H man Of his acquaintance can do any'h'
|. with him. But what are you women MAJ
r with so much tact aud power oil charni'
,. for, if il is not TO do these very things u
: we men cannot dol II is delicate matt
/. true; and has not Heaven gwen you
rs fine touch and nice eye for Just such &c
~ cate matters Have you not seen, INC
h. sand times, that what might be resented
j, an impairment interference on the parl
a, a man, comes 10 us as a frIering expressl
is of interest from the lips Of a woman y
"Well, but, cousin, what would you hI
IN me to do! how won you have me do II
M said Florence earnestly.
lie "You know that Fashion, who makes
re many wrong turns, and SO many abs'
u, ones, has at least made one right one,
o. il is now fashionable thing to sign
n, temperance pledge. Ellio, himself wo
ii be glad 10 do it, but he foollshly commit
-. L;.s.oIf ...o;,., il in the outset and n