Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-09-30
THE STORY TELLER.
MARIA, THE ORPHAN,
Oh
THE FORCE OF PRINCIPLE.
BY A LADY OF THE COUNTRY.

place attached to the Stone Chapel There
were deposited the remains of Mrs. Lawrence,
and with them the pecuniary dependence of
two orphan daughters. Mrs. Lawrence, until
year previous to her death, had lived in the
greatest opuIence but, unfortunately, her hus-
band became surety for a friend to large
amount, which he was obliged TO redeem
This, added to many other losses, left him with
comparatively small pttance for himself and
family. This blow was too great for him.
What. give up his fine residence, his splendid
furniture, and carriage, and come down 10 the
vulgar method of living1 Mo- he could not
he would not-and the grief occasioned by
this change in his fortunes soon caused his
death.
His wife bore her trials with Christian-like
fortitude. With the small lfe-annuity which
she possessed, she found an agreeable home in
the family of distant relative. She devoted
her time TO the improvement of her eldest
daughter Elizabeth, and in wa,chng the unfold
ing beauties of her little rose bud, as she fond
ly termed Maria.
The struggle of noble soul, contending
against afliction is often too great for its fra
tenement. With Mrs. Lawrence, the chord
which had been too tightly strung, snapped
asunder; its ETHEREAL tones still thrilling the
hearts of its auditors.
The family with whom Mrs. Lawrence re-
sided kindly offered to take charge of Eliza
beth, (now nine years of age) and bestow on
her good education. But Maria-who would
supply the place of mother to her! No one
seemed inclined to take the care of child two
years old.
How ephemeral the friend of the present
day They iutter around the glare and
splendor of wealth, and bask in its Sunshine
but, eXtingush its blazonry, and where are
they. Like the insect they personate, they
fly to some new illumination, and are seen no
more.
Accordingly, none offered to supply the place
of mother TO Maria until Mr.. and Mrs Harris.
who had been befrended by Mrs. Lawrence III
the days of prosperity, aud were distinctly re-
Iured, odm0 10, ,~a,d. rney resided about tl,ir-
iy miles from Boston.
twill be but poor place for gentlemans
darter,' said Mr.. Harris; but perhaps when
she gets bigger, some of her Boston relations
will make lady of her.
Maria was happy in her new home A ride
IN the wagon was as agreeable as a carriage.
Aunt Hannahs turnover and little cake on
baking day pleased her as well as the Ich con-
fectionery her mamma used to give her. The
checked linen frock, in summer, the red and
blue worsted, in winter, was quite as comforta-
BILE as the satin and merino to which she had
been accustomed; and though she said Stick
stick! aunt Hannah when the course wooden
stockings were put on her delicate little feet,
she soon forgot it, in looking at the boys as
they coasted down the steep hill at the back of
aunt Hannah's house.
In childhood, the country seems peculiarly
adapted TO the unfolding capacities. The youth
full exuberance of spirits has free scope. All
nature, animal and vegetable, bursting into life
and activity, appears to coincide with the ex-
panding mind better than the confined haunts
of the city.
Maria's growth was remarkably forward
She pursued her studies, at the district school,
from books furnished by her sister Elizabeth,
who regularly made long visit at aunt Han
nah's in the summer season, and impaired all
the knowledge her sisters mind could receive
These visits proved of great benefit to Maria,
who, though unacquainted with city life, was
an elegant little girl, and readily distinguished
from any child in the village.
No change occurred in Maria's situation, un-
til the summer in which she completed her eev-
enth year. During the recess of her school,
one fine afternoon in August, spendid sum
mer vehicle leisurely passed the school house.
The children, with one accord dropped their
most profound courtesies, when joyful cry of
Sister Elizabeth! sister Elizabeth caused
the carriage to stop. A gentleman ahghted
and inquired for Miss Lawrence. Maria ran
hastily forward, and in few moments was
seated by her sister.
After mutual interchange of affection be-
tween the sisters, Elizabeth introduced to Ma
ria, Mr.. Arthur Ellngwood as her brother
Maria's surprise, at first, overcome her natural
Pollteness, but soon recovered herself, she
greeted him with her sweetest smiles, and i'm
printed kiss on his cheek, which was warmly
reciprocated.
Oh, sister! why did you not come before!
My roses all boomed and faded without vour
having one; my strawberry bed was loaded
with the finest fruit, but they all decayed l.: I
would not touch them till You come. Then I
picked and picked whortleberries until I was
tired. don't know how many times have
gathered fresh flowers and bushes to adorn
your favorte little chamber,-but twas all in
vain. Aunt Hannah had letter from Boston
D the other day, but would not tell me the con-
tents
The very counterpart of yourself, sweet
Elizabeth said Arthur, artless and unso-
phistcated.'
The conversation was interrupted by their
arrival at Mr.. Harris's, and the greetings Of
aunt Harris were long and loud.
You've got sweet critter for your wife,
Mr.. Ellingwood,' said she, so clever and
obligin.' And SO you're going to carry off nv
Marial
.ohl I'm s1kg to Boston I'm going to