The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1851-10-04

"""h4 through Nhlch "e we're passing gave
me a glimpse ola vonan's figure, standing on
the second rail Of fenee, and apparently on
the look for some uhe, The intervening
trees quickly hid her again from my view
IN . minute OF two aAervatd,. ve emerged
from the trees but short distance from The
woman ! had seen, who was looking in Anoth-
or direction from that In which we we're com.
Ing We we're close upon her before she OBJ
served u.s. Then the voice of Merwyn. who
called "Flonne !" startled her, and she turn
ed upon us her beautiful young face, glowing
with health, surprise and pleasure. paused
In astonishment Was that the indolent, Ian
guid city belle, who could sraroely sit erect
even with the Aid Of cushions, now standing
firm and straight on fence rail, and looking
more lovely and graceful than she had ever
seemed In my eyesg
She recognized me In amoment, and spring
Ing from the rail, eAmo bounding toward me,
fall To Overlooking Of life and spirits, Grasp
mg ny hApd, she eSprrssrd tie whrmest
pleasure at seeing an old face, and asked me
a dozen questons before could answer one,
found them occupying neat little birds
nest Of a cottage, In which were two ~ sweet
little children a. have ever scon. While
sat and talked with Merwyn, holding one
child upon my knee. and he the other, Flo
rine busted herself in gaitioP the supper
Her only domestic was away, Ever and anon
caught glimpse of hefa she passed In and
out Of the adjoining room where she had
spread the table. A very long time did not
'elApse before | sat down with my old friends
to meal that enjoyed a. well As any | have
ever eaton. The warm, whiio biscuits wcrc
baked by Florino; the sweet butter she had
herself ohurned, 10 she said, and the cake and
preserves were her own.
~ am surprised at all this" said I. after
tea. elbow Is IL possible for you Ia be 40
cheerful and happy under such n change P,
How was Il possible for you to come 10 ofIic-
icntly into a mode of lie, the very Antipodcs
Of the one 10 which you were born, and in
which YOU were educated ?"
Misfortune" replied Mcrwyn, "bring, out
whatever il efficient in our characters. This
has been particularly the case with Us. We
had both led artificial lives, and had false
views Of alnos, everything, when, at blow,
the golden palace in which VIC had lived was
dashed 20 pieces. We were thrown out into
the world, with nothing TO depend ppon but
ctr individual rrruurrgE, which were. At IiTsT
you may we'll believe. exceedingly small
The suddcnncss with which our fashionable
friends turned from us. and the entire eNolu-
sion from fashionable society that followed,
opened our eyes TO the utter worthlessness of
much that we had looked upon ~ Of primary
consideration. The necessity Of cur circnm.-
stances turned our thoughts.at the same time,
% ttthgs 0f TTSii iiS6Jne6f The true Importance
Of which grew daily more apparent Thus
We were prepared for other steps that had to
bc taken, and which / am glad To say,wo were
able TO take checrfully. We now lead atrue
and useful life, and am sure Florina will
join me in saying, that it is n happier life
than was ever led before"
''i'cs, with all my heart" replied the young
wife. 81 have good health, good spirits, and
a clear conscience; and, without these, no
one can be happy
"Sill," remarked Merwyn, Eve look To
growing better of in the world, and hope, one
day, to bo surrounded by at least portion
of the elegance and luxury Of early times
But uutil that day comes, we will enjoy the
good things Of life that fan to our lot; and
should Il never come, we will have lost moth
ing by vain anticipati6ns."
When ] parted with my old friends on the
next day, felt that their lot was, beyond
comparison, more blessed than il would have
been had not misfortune visited them; and
wished, from my heart that all who had met
with similar rcvcrses would initiate their good
example. Still, wondered at the change
had seen and at times could hardly realize
its truth. rsA.