Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1851-12-18

and gentle, now seemed doubly so to her
daughter.
My child, this long silence upon the
subject nearest to your heart has often pain
ed me- should love to have your full and
unsolicited confidence fear your attach
ment for Herbert still continues-am !
right, Marie ?
Oh, yes, mother it does, and it always
will, for / could never be happy without his
love. Think how different he is from the
one you have Just mentioned, and tell me,
if you blame me that cannot change. Do
not let father think of sacrificing me 20
such man-do not let him, for | should
rebel, ! should forget my duty, am sure /
should
Mrs Moudesley had no time to answer,
for the door leading into the back part of
the house was opened by Mr.. Moudesley,
who with no very pleasant expression walk
ed up to the Fireplace, and tossed letter
into the flames. A sudden suspicion flash
ed across Msrie's mind. Could it be pos
sible that was her letter She remembered
now that it was not the first time she had
seen her father throw folded letter upon
the fire but before, It had awoke no sui
misses Now, the peculiar look which he
cast upon her, convinced her that il must
be SO, aud it seemed 10 her as though the
throbbiugs of her heart were as audible as
the ticklng Of the house clock in the corner
opposite. Her hands trembled So violently
She could not sew, and her ewes were burn
ing with the hot tears she was striving TO
force back. 1t was relief TO her, when
her father left the room Her mother OBJ
served her agitation aud with an instructive
delcacy She gathered together her sewing
aud left Marie alone
II VAS rearly twilighl-the rain which
had been threatening all day now poured
from the misty heavens, aud the wind
moaned and s1bbcd about the easement ike
waiting child.
Every breath Of the rising blast blew
clouds of golden leaves from the swayng
elns and Marie, leaning her forehead l.
galnsl the window, unconsciously watched
them eddyIng and whrlng 10 one continued
stream TO The cold damp earth below. Sud-
denly She cast umid glance about the
room-thore was no one To observe her, aud
she moved noiselessly to the large Fireplace
and anxiously peered amongst the embers
To see if one lragmeut-one yestge of the
coveted letter remained No, not even a
corner, and with a sob Of disappointment
she turned away; her mothers fayorlte
chair was close beside her, she leaned back
in II and watched the bed Of Goals where
her lovers words had persisted From be-
hind the huge backlog thin blue smoke
was curling up--the wind swept down the
chimney, and blew the smoke one side
Marie bent eagerly forward. She could
scarcely suppress scream Of JOY as she
drew the smoulderlng remains OF the letter
from its hidnE-pace and soiled as it was
with ashes, aud the oozng sap of the green
log. she C. nceaed it in the folds of her
dress, and stole to her room 1t va, toe
dark to read the half erased words upon
the scorched paper. aud wrapping 1t III az
envelope she replaced 1t ia its hdingpace
) and with lighter heart than she had fell
for weeks, she descended the stairs, anC
awaited more favorable opportunity Al
= ter supper Marie took light from the table
= and turned to leave the room.
ST. down awhile, Marie, have some
thing to say 10 YOU, said her father
Imolunary She placed her hand upot
her bosom where her letter was concealed
and iremb.ingy awaited her father, words
= But he SAID no more until the table wai
, cleared, and Ms Moudesley had drawn he
chair 10 the lule stand, where she wa
, now busy with her knitting.
Joel Lewis IS very sensible young
man, Marie
She made no answer
a very sensible, and worihyyoung man,
2 he continued he has requested permis
sion to address YOU, and | expect you to re
cel,e and encourage hun
cannot do it, father, should only b,
acting lie
Mrs Moudesley looked up from her KNIT
5 tiug-not sure that she had heard Marie a
= right Mr. Moudesley KNIT his brows, AM
Marie was almost surprised at herself 70
her resoiule answer, aud at her father for hi
calm receptions OF what she well knew h
would consider obstinate and unduuful-
I The calm was but the precursor Of a storm
5 So you have been acting a lie to m
= Marie, while | supposed you was obeyln!
= me to the letter / repeat 10 you ! expec
e you to encourage him, and as he wishes
T speedy marriage, ! shall insist upon yol
making yourself ready by the first of th
. year at the furlhermost DO you under
stand ?
r Il do, answered Marie, now pale with al
- fright; but, father, wicked as may appea
p 10 YOU, 1t would be stilI worse for me, IN IN
S sight of God 10 we'd one for whom have no
one sentiment of esteem or love
You have said enough interrupted he
e father; | give you until tomorrow 10 de
= eide whether YOU will obey me or leave TN
roof
Mr.. MoudesIey my husband = ejacuI
} aied Mrs. Moudesley IN terrified tones. d
! not speak 50 severely, / beg you.
a Will you uphold your daughter in he
= unduululness
: No, mol would not do that, but remem
2 Der how young she is--how--"
a That Is no excuse for her. Leav
the room, Marie, and do not appear be
fore me until you can obey my wishes.
Not unwillngly did Marie leave
She closed and locked the door, and sd
. down TO read the fragments of the lon
: expected letter.
Her surnises were correct. Letter al
L ter letter had been written. He did nc
chide her tor not answering him, but h
e begged her 10 be tue to him, to let II
d commands, no persuaslons change her.