Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-08-08
New Series, Vol. G---NO. 6.

, Miss IIenly,' replied he, interruptirg Inc. 4
have watched and studied you earerlv. and
perhaps understand your peculiar position better
than you suppose and your patient resignation
to the will Of your relations, will never cease To-
excite my admiration
! was now silent from astonisnnent. had
believed myself totally disrcgarIed. and to find
| was the object OF connendition from one
whose rood opinion was 50 highly priced, agi-
tated me IN no slight degree. | did not ans.
/ wcr, and Nh b. went on to say
i have been SO much an object of attraction
on account Of worldly Advantages that had
grown suspicious of all womankind. You
alone have never tried to fix my attention by
studied arts you have never affected anvthiny:
the tenderness of your tones. and the sweet
ness OF our department under adverse circutn-
stances. has had its effect upon me. | reouir,
faithful, aiiectonatc heart. in exchange for
my own and wish, if possible, to induce Won
to become my wife,
Il This avowal was so unexpected that the sur
prise was almost overpowerlng. / trembled So
excessively that | was obliged TO lem heavily
upon my companion Tor support. After strur-
cling for composure | replied
Age has much to do with the pr vatc fan
cies of gentlemen, and this is n pont uDou
which will not deceive you am thirty-three
years of age
4 have no fancy for foolish girls he return
ed, and as | am three years your senior,
shall have no cause for comp'a mt on this score.
But You are pale. you are surprised he contn-
ued' yet by the expression of your couutcn-
ance, can hope that aIn not Indifferent to
you, and you are too generous to keep me in
suspense
Here was Il situation for me an offer from d
man whom supposed 50 inmcasuraby my su-
pcror, that had looked upon him. as some
flower from Its grassy bed might be supposed
to worship the star whose sIvery rays shonc
upon it from the azure dome above. Yet [
must acknowledge he was the only being who
had ever reached my bcGu ,dcai and had long
been aware that hopeless as nv cas- appeared,
IN my secret heart adored him. | smiled at
the pleasure he expressed. when the desired as
Surancc was given, and my reader will excuse
me, trust Tor admitting til t my bosom throb-
bed with no little pride us we walted ND th,
gravel walk in front of the house, especially as
knew, TINT although unseen, my sister, were
watching US At the door we parted; my low
er, before taking, his departure informed me
that he would wait upon papa in the morning.
proceelcd mmotlately to my room, whittier
Ro'" and Selma followed.
Where dld You meet Mr.. Bnryton d" inter-
r rogated Selma IN an angry voice.
AT johns cabin answered, at the same
, time seating myself on the edge of the bed, for
, really was too much agtated to stand.
Here my mother and Constance entered-
/ Only see how pale she is, and how her ewes
sparkle cried Rose with contemptuous laugh.
t 'Rhoda is always overcome with any little
t act OF cWlIlty, added Constance. i dare say
= he met her, and could not W Il get over escort
v ing her home
: 'Whlt vas YOU doing at johns cottage p
= cnqulred Selma spltetully.
e i only called one moment 10 enquire for
: Khoda, VINO IS sick. and Mr.. Baryton was there,
+. and followed me ut
s 4 do not see what he could have to say to
,. You, sand my mother, in tone which implied
great deal, and would have brought tears in
/ my eyes, had been less happy thpn at present
= The reader will perhaps excuse mo, when say
- tnit there was doubtless some triumph in my
i voice as answered. even as my face glowed
i pa pa.ntuIy-
- lie SAID great deal. In the FIRST place he
- told me that he had studied my character. that
= he loved me, and finally asked me 10 becomc
" his wife,
Here my auditors were SO overpowered by
astonlshncnt that they al appeared struck dumb
e Constance and Rose flushed crimson, while
Is Selma turned pale rs death
W 1T Is false do not believe it, she cried in
!! an agitated voice. while her lips trembled So
$ that she could scarcely speak He does not
= know your age, or he would never dream OF
1t marrying such an old maid
y lie does | answered, calmly. 4 told him
T! distinctly that was thirty-three and he said he
Il had 10 fancy for foolish rirls Tomorrow he
G will wait upon my father to ask his consent
IL Here mamma, who appeared to have rainct
IS somc command over herself arose. and alvanc
nc ing towards me took ry hand, and kissing IN,
an salG-'Rhoda my love, Won have ALWAYS beer
M a dutilu and utlcctionatc child. and Won meri
IL the good fortune about to be bestowed upor
" Won. | crave Your forgiveness for any it'll,
IS difference may have manifested between 20,
to and your sisters, and must s,v If you mani
fest the same spirit as wife. winch has dis
to tngul>hcd YOU a. daughter. do not fear TO
on the happlucss of Your husband
,ut Ny mohcrs kindness cute ovcrcamo me
rd and falling upon her neck. burs, into tear.
get She embraced me tcnlerlv. and left the room