Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-12-21

tor every nook and corner of the rural garden,
they repaired to the little alcove before described
and in music and conversation, passed most
delightful evening.
On the following morning, at an early hour,
Mr.. Stanton took his leave, and in company with
Eugene, started for the city. As soon as they
were out of hearing, Stanton, who could no lon
ger repress an expression of his admiration, ex-
claimed
Eugene, your home is the sweetest spot
have ever seen, though l have traversed not a
little of the world and in the possession Of a
mother and sister like yours, should think you
would deem yourself one of the happiest of men"
Eugene repressed the sigh which rose to his
lips, and rephed-"I should be indeed migrate
full, if in the possession of such treasures, did
not esteem myself best"
From that time the visits of Stanton were fire.
quent, and soon the hours of absence became
almost WEAKNESS to the heart of Amelia. To.
gether they delighted to ramble, and often in the
balmy moonlight the fair girl might have been
seen leaning on the arm Of Stanton, listening
with wrapt delight to his engaging words, as they
fell in rich undertone on her ear; or seated in
the little acove, he in his turn gazing admiring-
y on the beautiful Amelia as she swept the
strings of her harp-hanging with devotion on
every sound of her sweet natural voice, as it
fondly thrilled his heart.
Eugene rejoiced in their happiness although
it painfully reminded him of like communion,
that had been his scarce twclvemonth previous.
The usual time for the arrival Of MIR. Moreland's
family had passed, and he was congratulating
himself on escaping a trial of his feelings. when
in passing near, he CHANGED to see their car
riage.
"Aas they have come!" he exclaimed to
himself, "and with them an hour Of bitter trial"
From the time vain were all his efforts to appear
cheerful, and Stanton, with an aching, heart,
witnessed his sorrowfu manners
One morning, as they were taking an early
stroll, Stanton said indifferently, 81 wonder if
the Moreland's are yet at their country resi-
dence! 1t strikes me it is not far distant"
"Do you know thom2" asked Eugene, starting
with surprise,
"They we're formerly friends of mine," replied
Stanton 'probably you have seen them, or at
least heard of them, as they reside for some
weeks in the year sonear you"
eyes" said Eugene sadly, 81 know them well,
too we'll for my own peace ofmind"
''What mean you? are they not worthy peoplel"
excuse me, said Eugene wildly II have
said too much''
Stanton replied halfreproachfully-"You then
fear to confde in me-"
it, will ex plain 10 you the cause of my strange
conduct
II do, as | esteem you" replied Stanton; and
soon he was deeply engaged in listening to re-
lation of the trials of his friend When he con-
cluded, Stanton said with deep sympathy
"Yours is sad story; but can there be nothing
done?"
"No, nothing; and we have vowed to meet no
more on earth"
"You are quite too desparinng," hopefully
replied his friend; remember the adage, faint
heart never won a fair lady"
"Would to Heaven there might be hope" said
Eugene, "but it is vain; happiness such as would
then be mine, never bleat mortal in this vale OF
tears"
A few days after, Stanton entered theroom of
his friend, and with countcnance radiant with
happiness, presented him an open letter.
1t was from France, purporting that his uncle
there had died suddenly, leaving his whole prince
ly fortune to him, Stanton, he being the on heir
Alter perusng it, Eugene returned it, and
warmly congratulated him on his good fortune.
Stanton replied-"Eyer since you told me the
sad story Of your love, I have been deyisinr
medlis by which might assist you. ais morn
ing went to the Office in utter despair, and you
can Judge of my satisfaction when received
this, which | consider boon from Heaven, ex-
pressly for the purpose, since it enables me to
| place you in circumstances where you can I'M
hestatingly ask the hand Of Miss Moreland."
Murray my noby generous friend do not
question your sincerity but surely, you know not
what you ask! Think you heart like mine
could be happy in the acceptance of gift which
must render me forever your debtor beyond the
power of lquidationl"
'Not in the least" replied Stanton; 81 have
already more than enough and in the acceptance
Of this YOU will relieve me. | have been amply
compensated by the pleasure | have enjoyed
with you and yours, and have favor to ask
the granting of which will insure my happiness
also, and throw me in your debt-which is nc
less than the hand of your beautiful and accom-
pllshed sister-Who has consented to be mine
provided it meets yours and your mothers appro
baton"
Eugene vainly essayed to speak his thanks
and unchecked tears flowed freely over his
face.
Come, come, Eugene, none of this, said his
friend gaily "get your pen and ink, write pref
ty note to Miss Moreland, inform her that an un.
embarrassed fortune has unexpectedly come into
your hands, &c, &c.-a lovers dictaton is
best"
Thus saying, with light heart he left the as
tonished youth to recover HIMSELF and the same
evening found the generous Stanton in the soci
ETY. of his betrothed Amelia, and the happy Eu.
gene once more treadng lightly the path which
he had never once pressed since his painful part
ing with Anna. AS he proceeded, wrapped in {
passion of delight his heart beat quicker anc
quicker, and when, in the same sweet bower o
their early love, he beheld his true-hearted one
he could repress himself no longer, and rushing
without ceremony into her presence, he cried
Gamma, my own, my faithful, we meet to par
no more. come, though unworthy, to wipe
away your tears, and in the devotion Of my
future life, repay you for all your soGerings"
lie was not long in explaining to the aston
ished, happy Anna; and together they mingled
their rapturous tears over the unexpected, bril-