The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1848-06-06

by stranger, a man of coarse, repulsive as
pect. Lucy felt the loss of that acquain.
lance.
Within month after her mothers death, she
was compelled to resign another of her engage
ments; her employer, widower, having made
dishonorable proposals to her. She advertised in
the papers, but could not meet with an appoint
ment. She had removed into lodgings now.
One night-it was a cold rainy November night
Lucy Hinciff sat in her little room by her fire
rendering much over many things, but chiefest
what it was fitting for young girl like her to do
who being so unprotected, was exposed to so ma
ny insults. She gazed at her mothers portrait
over the mante shelf, and seemed to ask
advice of the dead But the dead replied not
Only the bleak wind whistled. Only the rain beat
against the window panes.
There was a stir below, as Of feet coming up
stairs. Lucy heard it without heed. The feet
came higher and higher. however, and halted at
her door; upon the panels Of which rap sound
ed as from determined sturdy knuckles The
governess started, and cried, Come in" and a
man came in.
1t was her old acquaintance, the toll-keepcr-
but not dressed as he was formerly. No. He
wore a bran new suit of superfine Saxony cloth,
and gold watch-guard communicated with his
vest pocket. AS far as equipment went, he was in
all respects the gentleman. And in the heart be-
sides-in the heart besides.
81 beg your pardon, Miss, for intruding upon
you" he said, bashfully. 81 am come to speak to
you about educating my children"
Lucy bowed She thought she had misunder-
stood him.
Il am come into large fortune lately, Miss-a
very large for:une-a matter of q thousand year.
| knew no more Of it three months ago bless you,
than the man in the moon and l think, and my
wife thinks. that our girls ought 10 be educated"
Certainly" said Lucy, vacantly. She thought
she was dreaming.
And so VIC agreed that if you would come and
live with us-we live in a fine house now-and be
one yourselves and teach the children we thought
that we should take it very kind ofyou."
ayes, asscntcd Lucy, mechanically, for she was
not whit the nearer waking.
"And if you would think two hundred pounds
year, anda room of your own, enough, it is yours
tomorrow, and that's all about it."
The speaker, in the excitement of having &C.
complished his Grand clapped his hat ON his head
and breathed freely. But he recollected himself,
and took his hat off again.
"You wish me to be governess to your chill
dren. Do l understand you Alright Z" said Lucy,
only half conscious that the scene was real.
yes. Miss, if you please: and if two hundred
year would satisfy you, why-why its done,
and that's just where it is"
81 thank God" cried Lucy, bursting into tears.
She was wide awake, and understood all now.
1t was all truc-tat was the best of it. The
man had really Inherited large fortune left him
by some relative, hitherto unheard of. And was
not his early thought about the poor governess,
who gave him good word every morning, and
inquired after Billy, who was scaldcd Yes; for
he had heard of her mothers DEATH and the proud
consciousness Of being able to confer a benefit
on an orphan girl elated his heart as much as the
possession ola thousand pounds per annum. Luz
cy, Of course would not TO receive the sal
airy he had named. How it was finally settled
this chroncler knows not but Lucy dwells with
the Quondcm toll-keeper, and looks happy-very
happy.
A small white stone has been erected at hcI
mothers grave. You may see it. if you will walk
for the purpose to Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke
Newington.