The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1852-09-25


ANTS of IIolly ybrook :" rang out upon the fra
rant air.
CHAPTER II.
1t was beautiful April evening, some eight
f ten months subsequent to the above, when
Dr.. Howard, (for thus we must begin to call
lim,) returned from his professional labors to
lis sequestered home. Inez' little sitting-room
vas evera welcome and refreshing retreat for
he Doctor after the fatigues of the day, but
,ever did it wear more cheerful and invit-
ng aspect than tonight. \ bright blaze was
uniting its grateful caloric from the cozy
ire place and the little tea-tablc neatly spread
with tempting viands prepared by Inez' own
hands, was drawn up in front of the fire,
where Bertrand's slippers and favorite arm
chair were placed as tokens of his young
wifc'S care for his comfort.
"You are not we'll to-nig ght ?" said Inez.
softly approaching her husband, who had
been sitting. while she was removing the tea
things, with his feet reclincd upon the fender
in an unusually sober and thoughtful atti-
tude.
"Not precisely" returned Bertrand, as he
drew her arms more closely about his neck
and pressed the little fair hand to his lips
1T makes me almost sick to think of LEAVING
YOU. Love and duty have met in my path
way. and I cannot choose which to follow
"What-lcave me pray explain YOURSELF
exclaimed Incz in tone of alarm.
"Then listen :" said Bertrand, as he drew
a letter from his pocket and read the follow
ing:
"My dear nephew Il am suffering under
a severe, and fear fatal neural gic attack
Day after day 7 lanruish-my frame is tor
turcd and wastine-mv spirits are fast sink
inc to despair. To whom shall turn in NJ.
distress? Will it be practicable for you t.
spend a few weeks at Mt. Pleasant, that may
enjoy the benefit of your skill and your socic
tv? you shall not return without generous
reward: and as an imprcst. you will please
accent the amount within contained"
Mr. William Howard, (who was Bcrtrand'
only paternal unclc) was bachelor and pos
scSScd immense wealth. The prospect OF
cold seemed to his miserlv mind. the mos
tempting inducpmcnt he could hold out to hi
nephew. to hv to his aid This, indeed. NIGH
have given additional importance to the oh
iect, bnt far nobler motive led to his dcri
sion. He felt deeply for his unclc's misery
which he believed it in his power to alleviate
and he could not shut his maGnanmouS hear
against so loud call for mercy.
'But what will my sweet wife do in m
absence ?" said Bertrand as he bent his hca
afcctionatcly to hers. and hcdcwcd her rave
locks with his manly tears. ''I may not re
turn for MANY weeks. and who will love m
dear one as do, and make her happy in thi
solitude ?"
] "Banish all anxiety for nc. dear Bertrand
and devote vour ardent heart ts this noble
and more worthy cause You cannot fail t
derive happiness from this discharge of sue
almost filial obligations. As for me-. the prid
| shall feel in the tuifillmcnt ot' this duty. an
my admiration for your Sel!->acrifcing Spir
will resign me to vour absence. 1lcrbc
and Florine shall take up their abode
ITollvbrook, and in their company the tin
will soon glide away"
This was said with much effort, for I'M
Howard deeply loved her husband. and ii
thought of being parted from him for a sing
week was painful to her aficctionate heal
Il have little plan for your consider
tion." said Inez, the next morning after
Howard had departed for his unclc> sout
ern home. "You know have always Ike
it secret from Bertrand that the little bla'
pony belongs to me, for the reason that
wished to take him by surprise, when shou
present it to him on his next birthday.
Beautiful Kitty with her raven name 10
= her like friend; but I've been think
| what an agreeable surprise it will be for Be
5 trand, on his return. to find llollybrook &C
= verted into Just such little Paradise as
t has often described to me, and have Diet,
S mined to secure means for the same bv pa
g ing with my Spanish pet Don't you thir
r Herbert, that father will advance ME lib
y al sum, rather than have poor Kitty turn
l. from her native fields into the gruff hands
IS strangers Ifhe will buy her, she will S
be mine to love and look at, and Bertra
e shall have delightful home beside"
If "Admirable girl" exclaimed her broth
Al s.vou are worth a million to Howard this vc
e moment. With all ny heart will aid y
i in your generous plan"
Not gcncrous," said Incz, blushing, s'
J. cause selfshness is its principal element.
e thought it would help beguile the gloom
~ Bertrands absence
And so it did. Every morning Flor
e and Inez accompanied their brother to so
a new portion Of their little farm, that was
If be fenced, or ornamented with trees, or |
out in walks, or undergo some new and W
"a derful improvement. But while the b
< trio were projecting and executing to tn
satisfaction and delight, Bertrand was
sorbed in far different train of thought {
occupation On his arrival at Mt. Pleasa
he found his uncle in much lower state
I health than he anticipated. Day after
the unhappy man sank under his incura
Ill l. FOL hat a