Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-08-31

she exclaimed again, more earnestly than be-
fore; "Poetry is as good and strengthening as
it is sweet and delicious. ErcesS is what has
injured me. / have shut out the world too
much from my heart, and studied the ideal
too intensely. will not forsake poesy She
shall go with me into the world to protect and
guide my heart. will be her pupil but not
her slave
From this time change took place in Phe-
be's habits of life. She loved not nature and
fancy less, but God and humanity more She
saw that her life had been false and selfish,
and she determined to elevate and enlarge it.
Almost daily she might have been seen issu-
| ing from the park gate, bearing in her hand
an elegant bouquet of carnations and roses
with which she designed to brighten some in
valid's chamber, or the gloomy home of pow
erty She formed friendships, too, with the
young people of the village; made little parties
for them a, the cottage, and exerted her vari-
ed talents to contribute to their happiness.
Her life had hitherto been so retired that
though her beauty and accomplishments were
not unknown no one had ventured to offer ad
miration. Now that she was found to be ac-
cessibe, she was beset with numerous appli-
cants for her love. Without pausing to anal
we her motives, she gave them all an instant
rejection. Phebe had an ideal which they did
not reach.
In alternate study and active duty, Phebe
reached her nineteenth year. Her beauty,
her intellect, her character, seemed now fully
developed, if not matured. All that her
childhood bad promised was more than fulfill
ed Though the unpretending and familiar
associate of the humblest of her neighbors, she
was fitted for any strtion in society, and for in
tercourse with the highest order of intellect.
1t was proud and happy day for Apple
ton Place when Gerald returned from his trav-
els. Instead of two he had been near four
years absent having spent considerable time
in the schools of Germany, and in otherwise
adding to his stores of knowledge. He was
much improved in manners and personal ap-
pearance; had visited courts, and attained all
the simple dignity he SO much admired in no
blemen and princes His character was as
gentle and maguanimous as in the days of his
boyhood. Who can wonder that his parents
looked on him with pride?
Mother, you have beautiful flowers here
said Gerald. as they sat down to the tea-table.
yes, and they were sent me by beautiful
girl You remember Phebe?'
'Phebe Indeed do, mother Imust call
and see her in the morning hardly expect
ed TO find Phebe a girl yet 1t bespeaks poor
taste in the village beaux to leave her in the
shade so long.
tits their misfortune, not their fault, that
she still remains unwedded. Poor felows!-
they have sued earnestly enough-some of
! them
What Phebe coquette? Always so with
your beautiful girls, though had hoped bet
ter things of Phebe.'
'Phehe is no coquette,' replied Mrs. Apple
ton. But her mental superiority forbids her
marrying in her own sphere. If you were as
romantic as some young men, Gerald, | should
have sent this pretty gardeners daughter out
off, your way. Asst IS caution you to be care
| ful Of your hearth
Gerald laughed. 4 have a good deal of
affection for her already, dear mother What
ever little softness of character possess,
owe to her sweet influence l shall always
love Phebe.'
The next morning Gerald took an early stroll
down to the cottage. There had been smart
shower during the night and the flowers lay
PROSTATE along the walks. AS he turned the
corner of a tasteful little summer house, he
come suddenly upon a bed Of rich carnations,
before which Phebe was kneeling, in the act of
| tying them up to the rods from which they
had escaped. He contemplated her figure a
moment before she perceived him. She was
very simply attired in dark morning dress,
and her beautiful curls were partially hid by
little drawn cap. But she needed no adorn-
ments of Dress The glow and lustre impart-
ed to her countenance by her graceful exer-
else made her sufficiently captivating.
Gerald reached out his arm carefully, and
shook the long branch of a rose bush that hung
over her head. A shower of rose leaves and
dew-drops fell upon her neck and bosom
| She started to her feet with ii blush that man.
tied her whole face. The years since they
We're playmates together seemed to vanish
Gerald clasped her in his arms and kissed her
burning cheek; and before they were aware
they were both wiping tears from their eyes
Gerald led her into the little summer house
and they sat down together as in early days
! why, Phebep said he impulsively, you were
captivating when child; why did you grow
up SO beautiful %
'Ah,' said poor Phebe, you who have been
in the halls Of princes, and gazed on the mag
nifcent ladies of courts, should not talk to d
cottage girl of her beauty!'
i Art made their beauty, love; God made
yours!" A moment Phebe cast down hel
timid eyes, Then raising them frankly, she
said, Il am very fortunate in retaining youl
friendship SO long, l think your heart has not
travelled
you are right 1t was born and viii die
in Appleton Place, 1 hope dear Phebe will
have the same destiny
Perhaps some tutor will steal me away,
said she, a little archy
That 1 forbid. Appleton Place without
Phebe! Why it would be desert!'
These earnest expressions, though Phebe
had sense enough to regard them as the care
less compliments of man of the world, did
nevertheless, find their way into deep recess
of her heart. She treasured them all as so
many jewels to be counted over with miser's
greediness.
Let US walk about the garden said Gerald
rising and drawing her arm through his. They
walked some moments in silence. All at once
the contrast between their Dress and differ
ent position in society, struck her sensitive
mind. She drew away her arm. 1T IS not
| r. IL