Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-06-02
MISCELLANY.
[From the Albion.l
LOVE, ITS SUNSHINE AND sHAn-

VIII ke6p 1t by recording the
events that led 10 my present position let not
those stay to read, whose hearts have grown
too old to relish love-story.
AT eighteen, / was one of tho most thought
less of human beings My widowed father, a
rich London merchant, had hnmored every whim
fiom infancy, and asked nothing of me in re-
turn but lght-heartedness and affection. No
one could have known less than of the shad-
ows and sorrows of life, or have been more
childishly occupied in the present Ii was the
night of my first ball, TO which was going to
be introduced under the most flaitering auspices;
| was half wild with excitement, and the mo-
mcnt my toilet was completed, | flew down
stairs toshow myself to my father, who was not
going with me, as at first arranged being pre-
vented, he said, by sudden and insurmountable
engagements. Well | remember how impa-
tienty burst open the dining-room door, and
with what bound of elation | sprang towards
the spot where he stood, spreading out my
beautiful dress, and making before him sweep
ing courtesy. | seem 10 hear now tho soit rus
lie Of lace and satin 10 feel the glow that
burned on my cheeks, and the quick throbbngs
of my happy heart. had not at first noticed,
IN my eagerness, that the table was covered
with papers, and that my father was not alone.
Mr. Lacy, barrister-at-law, his friend and mine
for had known him from my cradle-sat op-
poste 10 him, and second glance showed me
how grave and anxious were the faces Of bolh
What is the matteri' | asked, laying my hand
caressingly on my father shoulder. He look.
ed at me fondly, till saw the tears brim his
eyes.
My darling!' he said in an abrupt passion
ate way. I'VE will not tell her, Lacy1 1t
would be cruel. Let her have at least few
more happy hours she need not know tonight.
How will she bear itl' Mr. Lacy looked ncreas-
ingly grave. | had become very grave, TOO
my childish excitement seemed 10 have given
place to sudden and almost womanly serious
ness. 1t is of no use hiding anything from
me- said, trying to smile, though trembled
from head to foot in vague forboding. Il could
not go TO the ball now; tell me what has hap
pened' The expression of my fathers face
deepened into anguish he put his hands before
it, as if the sight of me was too painful to bear.
turned to Mr. Lacy.
DO tell me = mplored Mr. Lacy fixed
upon me the fine searching eyes, whose reproof
had been the sorest penalty of my life hlther-
to, and kept up the scrutiny till | could bear it
no longer, earnest and kindly as it was. |
knelt on cushion before him, and leaning my
arms on his knees in fayoriie attitude, re-
turned his gaze with steady though fearful
one.
Try me, said perhaps am more than
the giddy child you think me- Besides, it can
not be so dreadful-you are both alive and
well =
A peculiar expression passed over Mr. Lacy's
face lie seemed hesitatng whether to draw
me into his arms, or TO push me from him he
did neither, but rose up suddenly, putting me
gently back, and took few turns through the
ROOM
'ialford,' he said, presently, and in agi,ated
tones, 'once more renew my offer. OF what
use is wealth like mine 10 a louely man With
the help can give, you may keep your credit,
and breast this storm. You shrink from an
obligation there is chance of your never being
able to cancel Well, will change places
with you. Give me in relun-that is, il |
can win her to eOnsent--your daughter as my