The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-01-08
CHAPTER w


The day arrived when Lila was TO be eX-
lied from home until absence should obliter-
ate her love for Sedly. Just us the beams
of the rising sun gided the spires and roofs
oftbe empire of the city, Lila, accompanied
by her parents, stepped on board the New
Haven boat, which was to bear her far, far
from her love. With every revolution of the
wheels, Mr. Lincoln found his anger as rapid
ly receding; and ere the boat reached llurl-
Gate, his daughter was his own darling Lila
again. Not n word did he now breathe up
on the subject uppermost in both their minds,
but carcssCd her fondly, MS of old, feeling as
sured that change of scene would soon re-
move her detection, the country air bring
back the roses 10 her now pale cheek. Ar
irving at New Haven, and placing Lila
under the care of friend who would
pass through the village where Mrs Middle
field MIR Lincoln's aunt resided, her parents,
taking an aflGctonate leave of their child, re-
turned to the city.
Dear reader did you ever visit Northamp-
ton, the most lovely of all New Englands
lovely villages? lfnot, note il on your tab
lets, aud when next the hot sirocco breath of
the city burns your fevered brow, and your
fhnting soul languishes for the cooling gades
and fragrant mountain bree2es, then, HE thee
to the beautiful valley ofthe Connecticut, and
in this charming spot where nature and art
have both combined their most pleasing pow
ers to spread forth for your delight land
scape Of uurlvalled loneliness, repose your
wcaried, city-loathng spirit.
Embowered in perfect forest of fruit
trees, near the centre of this same beautiful
town, stood the old fashioned dwelling of
Mrs. Middefeld. Although an old lady her
sell, of threescore years, everything both
within and without the house remained very
much asst had done in the days of her faith
ers. Innovation ofany kind, the old lady
despsed; all fashions she held in perfect alb
horrence; looked upon steamboats, as inven-
tions of the evil one, and groaned in spirit for
the good old days ofspinning wheels and pill
lions. Her little paror still bore the careful
ly preserved carpet which the hand of her
youth had woven. There stood the same
stiff, high-baclled mahogany chairs, which
out living the fickleness offashion, were now
rejoicing in the newly re-acquired conse-
quence attached to their antique proportions,
and the old table too, in their venerable claws
the same balls whicha century since they
had first comprised, as ifready at any mo-
ment, like their MISTRESS TO buri defiance at
all himsy counterieits of their solid worth
Between the windows, with out-spread
wings, and eagle with carved talons upheld
the long, narrow looking-glass in its quantity
carved frame, and in the corner stood the up
right, solemn clock, where, at each revolving
hour, old Time, with scythe and glass, look
ed gloomy out from some dark nook and
shook this fatal weapon, rs if prepared lin
primer phrase) to cut down all, both great
and small
Tie village bells were merely penling the
hour of noon, according to tine-honored
custom. as the stage stopped Mt Mrs. Middle
fields door. No one however, appeared TO
welcome the young stranger, and Lila tim
idly passed up the door through n dense
thicket of roses. The old lion that guarded
the knocker, looked grimly even upon the
small delcatey gloved hand which hesita-
tingly disturbed him in his reposc, yet twice
was the summons repeated ere the door was
opened by an old coored woman and Lila
stood for the first time in the house of her all,
cestors.
Sending in her name, Mrs. MiddIefeld in n
few minutes made her appearance,on greet
ed her young relative with much Kindness
1t was evident however TO Lila, that she had
not been expected, and she soon found that
the letter other father, announcing her arri-
val, had not been received.
But my dear child said the old lady, you
are not the less welcome that you come I'M
expected; 10, God forbid the hollow form of
ceremony should interfere between those
whom the ties of kindred unite. Take off
your bonnet, pretty one, and come with me
to the little chamber you shall call Your own.
! had prepared it for another dear friend, but
the blue room will answer as well, and when
you are rested, my dear, you shall help me
gather some roses to place upon the toilet
flowers shall speak more pleasantly than the
lips of an old woman, my welcome TO you
both. .... ......... ....... ..
Lila found the room assigned to her as de-
lightfll as the most snowy muslin curtains,
antique toilet stands, and windows looking
out upon mountain and meadow,coud make
it. But after strolling in the garden and Or
chard, and watching the chickens flutering
around the coops, and the geese Cabling in
the little brook, poor Lila sat down, sad and
pale, her thoughts straying back to her I'M
happy lover, and dwelling upon their cruel