Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-02-17

been half envyng her sisters, received a small
hand-brush and buster. Each one also yielding
some favorte wish Alice had paned series
of assemblies. Margaret had hoped for brilliant
party on her next birth night Kate desired a
superb volume of engrayings which she had seen
in bookstore, and the smaller one had dreamed
of expensive toys.
And yet, that busy fortnight, which the world
deemed full Of humiliation ana regret to the
Westons, was. in truth the happIest period of
their lives. They were occupied but not bur
dened An earlier breakfast hour, regularity
and efficiency brought each duty in its appro-
PIRATE place, and the leisure thus secured was
far more acceptable, than that, which being con-
stantly possessed was never priced. They were
acquiring feeling of independence aud power
by the use of their faculties. They were learn
ing the rare beauty of the domestic relations, the
wonderful excellence of which they had compare
lively overlooked. They grew thoughtful for
each other, prodigal of little kindness, and, while
performing the services before left to servant,
the sweet affections which had been checked by
defective education sprang up and filled their
hearts with perpetual joy.
AT length Mr.. Weston returned. The children
surrounded him with their accustomed glee, but
they were less bosterons than usual in their well
come. The tea-table did not present its accus-
toned array Of tempting vlands, and when it was
over, George instead Of ringing for servant
placed an easy chair at the fire, and brought his
fathers dressing-gown and slippers Margaret
too, asked leave to read the evening paper, plead
ing the fatigue Of the traveller, but secretly de-
signing to make it practice if she should find it
agreeable. As the evening advanced, instead of
the usual deI,cacies Alice quietly placed basket
of choice fruit on the table, and having partaken
of it with the rest she returned to her needle
All was simple and unostentatious, but Mr.. Yves
ton though surprised asked no explanation.
The next morning Alice dispersed her gay
group, and sitting down by her father gave him a
fall account Of her arrangements and their cause.
When she had finished she looked up to him for
approval, but he could only articuIate, God
bless you, my daughter" and kissing her brow
he stepped hastily into the street. The first per-
son he met was Edgar Morris, aud in the pen-
titude ofhis joy and gratitude he gave him the
history of her noble efforts
The young man paused moment in embar-
r ssment then he shook the hand Of his friend
muttered some ncoherant congratulations, and
turning into the opposite street walked away at
a rapid pace. He was not altogether without
excuse for his abrupt temeanor. He was strong
| Il, L,.
judgement and good sense he had relraned from
expressing his affection because he believed she
did not possess the sterling merit which he de-
manded in a wife. The communication of Mr.
Weston at once removed his doubts, and left him
at liberty to obey the dictates Of his heart He
chded The lingering moments, and as soon as the
hour permitted he called upon Alice The sub
lect of their conversation must have been of alb
sorbing interest, for Mr. Weston vino had re
5 turned for paper dropped in the morning. stooc
I before them before they noticed his entrance
Both started aud blushed, and Edgar in manly bu
l very earnest language begged the hand of Alice
Mr., Weston granted his request, promising
t however, that she should remain IN his house un
= til the arrangements she had so wisely mad
e should be perfected, and the family have becom
a accustomed to the mode of life she had intro
e duced.
=, Mr.. Weston grew young again when exemE
e ted from excessive care. His family were dc
:. prlved of no comfort His table was abundan
!, y, but not ayishy served His children were ne,
l. in attire, courteous and unpretending in mannt
e industrious, loving and happy. He coufesse
e with fervent gratitude the merces of his lot, an
= only regretted the want of irankness, which ha
a for SO long time rendered peace a stranger
s. his BOSOM Chr. Watehmdn
e.