Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-07-11


tied with black ribbon, denoted that one in
the prime of life was laid low. Strangers look
ed at it with a glance Of curiosity, and hurried
past Forgetting the next moment, in the bright
sunshine and busy uvocatons of life, that they
received a solemn warning to prepare for like
mysterious change. Acquaintances walked
with slower step, as it caught the eye, and
thought of the sad scenes that must be passing
within that house Of mourning.
Friends said it was ga great blow" and
wondered vaguely what would become of the
wife and children and some knelt at night
surrounded by unclouded happiness in their
own homes, but nevertheless praying with a
full heart for those who had SO suddenly been
| left desolatc.
The day of the funeral came, and the hus-
band and father was carried from the home
that had been almost an earthly paradise to be
laid beneath the "cold clod of the VALLEY" and
the weeping family clung to each other, and
sobbed and prayed as that first drcary night
came on, and they recognized all the vacancy
of hearth and heart. Such scenes are daily
passing; yet the world goes on as ever, and
some dance to the music of gay revclry, while
others put on the "g1rmcnts of heavincss"
with breaking hearts.
And then the return to actual life How
harrasSinT it was when our thoughts are with
the dead, and the living claim our care! Mrs.
Burton found the sad truth of this as, with well
meant, but harsh kindness, she found her bro
thcr waiting one morning, scarce week from
the day that had made her widow, to talk o.
Yer her future prospects He had an ungra-
cious task before him; for he was forced to
communicate what was calling to his PRIDE as
well as distressing to those nearly interested
in the intelligence. Mr.. Burons affairs were
left in almost lneXtrlcabc confusion u pittance
a mere pittonco, Of some two hundred year
was all that would remain to his family: and
what was this when their annual expenditure
had been thousands? He was luxurious in
taste, and had not hesitatcd to graft Y every
whim. He was an indurcnt father and had
lavlshcd uncounted sums upon his childrcn.-
He had not intended to be unjust to them ol
his lovely wife: but he was one of these who
IS seem to think long life secured to them by
present health, and being in excellent business
thought it time to "lay by" when the children
were educated and his boys began to - lool
- out for themselves" Besides, he belonged tc
one Of the oldest, proudcst families in the
city, and lie was not to be out-shone by any OF
them.
But how did matters stand now that, by ar
unalterable decree, he had been suddenly re-
. moved from them: Let us 5 G If he had been
"a Just man." as was pompouSly stated in his
!. epitaph. Lucy. the eldest daughter, was but
- nineteen. beautiful, accomplished, and betr tn
ed 20 the son of an old friend. She was pro-
. yided for, said the world, and, Of course their
relatives could take charge of the younger
childrcn--Gracc, ten, Willie and George, the
one Just entered at a classical school. and the
other almost ready for college, although only
fifteen. Mrs. Burton would have enough to
maintain her no doubt and 50 the matter was
charltobly settled and quietly laid aside for a
discussion OF the last opera night by the ladies
or a sudden rise Of stocks by the gentlemen
upon whose feeling, sensitive mind it had OBJ
truded itself.
Such conversation was passing that very
morning, as Mrs. Burton s1t listening to a hur-
ried account of the pressing liabilities that
would sweep away even her own marriage por-
ton, when for the first time in shielded, pros
porous life, care and business anxiety came up
on her. 1t is not strange that she was COM
peey bcwdered by til. new aspect of af
fairs. She had thought her domestic loss too
great loss to bear up under, and now all this
crushing weight added to it What was to be
done Her brother-in-law had but one thing
, to propose. Lucy would probably marry soon
and Mrs. Burton would no doubt find a con'or-
table home with her, and be of great assist
ancc to the young wife in managing her do
nestle concerns. The children would be dis
, trlbuted among Mr. Burton's relatives. He
himself would take George into his counting
house. lie was Old enough to be of some ser
vice.
Mrs. Burton was devoted mother. With
., all her thoughtcssncss, she was both fond and
proud OF her children, and to have them taken
from her was to bcreave her of every earthly
5 happiness. And George, with his quick mind
and high ambition, tc be tied down in count
0 ing-room, when he had talent for ANYTHING in
the profession he already looked forward to, the
law Willie, proud spirited, afiectionate " il.
lie, and her beautiful Grace, dependents upol
the bounty Of relatives! She could not beal
the thought. But she was not alone in this
c Lucy had been summoned to Join the delibcr-
! alton, and astonlshed her uncle not a little BY
the trmneSs with which she said
:, "'Fhat will never do, sr"
e Well my dear, perhaps YOU can propose {
more feasible plan. Does Mr.. Allen intend tC
II marry the whole family z"
= The concealed irony anl coarseness o.
his remark brought flush to the younr GIRL;
face, and fire to her eyes that made her more
like her naughty relative than ever, as she an
swercd-
81 have not consulted with Mr.. Allen: for
did not know there was any need of consultl
, ton. No doubt he still thinks as | did an hou
ago, that-my father that we were still secur
cd home at lctSl.' And her voice ialtered
for she could not yet speak that name wlthou
tears, and the hnrshncss of their situation wa
forced upon her painfully.
Well leave him out of the question. Some
thing must be done. Creditors are at your We
ry door, harpes that will not be satisfied 5,
long as you are living on Wilton carpets anc
dining with silver that has never yet been pai,
for"
Mrs Burton instinctively turned towards he
daughter, as if she could in reality sugres
some plan by which everything could rcadil,
be arranged. She felt revived by the quci
decision OF Lucy's tone and manner.
81 have no plans. ! can scarcely as vet,
sh said, passing her hand hurredly across he
brow; "but tomorrow at least we can be i
peace until then. Only one thing am certai
of, that so long as have health and strength
my mother and brothers shall not be dependel
s on any onc.'
II "Those hands work. indeed !" returnod NJ