Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1849-05-18
CHAPTER w.

CHAPTER Nv.
The first weeks Of Emma Dudey's en-
gagement as teacher passed YEARLY aud
heavily TO her. How calmly she looked
back now and reviewed the feverish haste
with which she had rejected The then hu-
initiating present for the uuknoYn future.
All deeply did she regret the wretched
pride which had kept her from conlessng
her faults TO the husband who had been so
lenient and kind TO her many errors. How
plainly they rose before her-those same
errors which had led 10 her selfbanshmeni
With patience aud without murmuring she
bore the penance she had inhlcied-her life
became one Of continued effort, but she ia-
tere not in the painful path she had cho-
sen.
al will become worthy Of him." was her
constant thought and this gave her strength
TO persevere when her delicate frame was
wearied, aud her spirit faint with sell re-
proach, which, constantly nesting IN her
bosom, stung her heart TO its inmost core
Daily from its wounded depths arose
prayer and thanksgiving, that in the wild.
ness Of her grief. when her mind had been
shrouded in darkness and bitterness, and
she had sought The quiet OF the graye-that
in that terrible moment hand had been
outstfetched 10 save her from such fear
full sin.
Twice, by merchants who had LEFT the
1 village 10 purchase summer goods in New
York, she had sent long letters TO her moth
e., teiiiug Of tier Occupation IN ner Village
home, but as they were mailed from that
city, her parents received no clue 10 discoy-
or her retreat.
Mrs Easlon had proved most excellent
friend. She was fully convinced that there
was some secret connected with her pro-
tege's past life, but with delicacy which
Emma appreciated. she forbore aludinp 10
the incidents of the day Of their meeting,
and Emma's secret remained untold, and
even uneonjeciured.
Alone in her school.room Emma sal
She taught drawing in the afternoon, aud
her music lessons were given in The morn
ing II was near sunset, aud Emma had
remained 10 finish several drawings for her
pupils. She heard from afar the bugle horn
OF the slage-coach with which the driver
always announced his approach TO the VIII
lage.
She leaned her head upon her hands and
wepi. With the tears came memories of
Wv $1,000 NhS hhC always Cdtsscu hcf
more londly when any light grief had over.
Swallowed her Joyous spiril--yearning mem
ories which would not he sihed or sub.
dued.
"Ah, Cecil" she sobbed, k"what have
done? how can live through this separa.
ton, my husband and III alone am to
blame p
A door opened from an adjoining room,
and Mrs Easion passing through, drew a
seat beside Emma's
} "My child, you know me too well TO
think have come 10 you with any motives
OF curiosity. heard your violent weeping.
and hesitated in disturbing you, but |
overheard what ! know you did not intend
, or wish me 10 know, and came 10 tell you !;
aud TO beg Of you TO make me the confdant
of your troubles-will you tell me, aud let
me sympathize with you"
, 81 cannot-l caunoi," sobbed Emma
they are all my own fault, and deserve
no sympathy would only despise me,
! if you knew"
: 81 have studied your character for a
month, Emma, aud am sure you could
never have done anylhing intentionally bad
I --noihing for which could despise you
! offer you my warniest sympathy for your
5 sorrows, whatever they are will you accept
5 III"
"No, | thank you, dear, kind, good Mrs
Easion, but you do moi know"
: 'No Emma, know do not, neither
b shall unless you con6de in me-" aud Mr..
: Easion drew her tendery towards her.
/ Emma's heart opened at once, aud clasp
Q ing the hand of her friend, she poured out il
broken words the history Of her married
i life.
Mrs Easlon was astonished al the reel
e ial--astonshed that Emma could havesst
y resoluIely bahished herself from such
!, home-astonished at the want of knowl
e edge of the world, which she had shown il
u Drawing is opinion. Her heart bled as sh'
thought Of the undreampt of modification
d which were in store for her sensitive spiri
Is the many hours Of unayaiiing regre
- which her impulsive act would ever caus
her.
], She saw nt glance the agony Of the hus
re- band-the keen modification Of the ma
Of the woodland the distorted view whic
le Emma had taken, forgetting in her ow
ID wretchedness the misery she was infilctin
rs upon others but although this immediatel
ID presented itself TO her mind. she hesitate
e. In inflicling new pangs in tie heart Of III
II, already sufficiently suffering Emma.
IL Suddenly shadow fitted pest them. an
W. raising their eyes they both rested them uI