The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1856-04-30

deposited III IN tne basket containing all
that was left unsold of her wardrobe. AS
she was thus employed, and while she
was darkly revolving in her mind the
fearful alternatives of suicide or life Of
beegary and disgrace, her eyes fell on
Captain Lotion, standing on the opposite
side of the street, whom she heard gen.
tloman near her pointing out by name, as
an American sea captain of fine qualities;
and the sudden thought struck her that
she would throw herself on his mercy But
as she approached him, her courage fail.
ed her, and she suffered him to pass away
without attracting his notice. II was.
however as she thought, her last hope,
and she timidly followed him till he turn.
ed and took her burden from her hands.
She could not even then open to him her
wishes, or tell him what the basket con-
tanned. And knowing that the truth
might the next moment be revealed, and
fearing it would bring her bumiiating
repulse, she resolved in her desperation,
to throw her child on his beDevolence.
and take herself away to some lone spot
to die. Accordingly, with a hastily
broathed prayer for her child's safety,
and with some directions TO him, she
scarcely knew what, she passed hurried.
ly into an alley and fell down in swoon
at the door of benevolent lady, by
whom she was taken into the house, re-
vived, pitied, retained in the family, and
in few days invited tn 90 with them to
their home in Bermuda. where she be-
came a permanent resident, and where
she once, and once only, had the unspeak-
able pleasure to learn, accidentally, that
her child survived, and had been adopt
ed By him 10 whose hands she had left it.
This is all can offer by way of pal
lation," said the lady, as she concluded
her story.
And what more or better could be
offered, dear lady" responded Captain
Lotion, in frank and cordial manner
'for me it is enough h-abundantly enough
to confirm the charitable view of the
act which / have ever contended it should
receive"
am deeply grateful to you sir" re-
joined tho other with emotion, for the
construction put on my motives and con.
duct and for this part of my obligations
( feel that can never sufficiently reward
you. But for all the rest am happy in
having it in my power to remuncrate
you And now | offer you a pecuniary
compensation for all your sacrifices, ex
penses and care of my daughter in such
a sum as you shall name"
AS to pecuniary reward" observed
the captain, | never expected any, nor
can | think Of accepting any. The act
of taking charge of and adopting your
daughter was, on my part. wholly volun
tary; | will now reIinquish her to p
mothers better right"
81 may not deserve the boon. SIR"
said she, " but for one purpose will | ac-
cept it. You decline all pccuniary re-
ward but should remuneration of an.
other kind be desired by you. YOU have
now empowered me to award il"
You overpower me fair lady BY
your offers But you have considered
well, in view of the respective positions
in which we three have stood, and now
stand, towards each other"
Another choice, certainly. II equally
acceptable, might be happier for us ALL"
replied the other with crimsoning check;
but you can expect me, unsought, to
give you further option ~
AT that moment of sweet embarrass.
ment they looked up and beheld Mary
standing in the doorway. She came for.
ward, and taking a hand of each of the
others, joined them together.
1t is better thus" she said, and dart.
ed from the room.
The fine apartments of the good ship
Mary, on her homeward passage, were
graced by the presence Of not only one,
but two, of the most lovely females-one
with the still unchanging title of iaugL.
ter, and the other with the still endear-
inc t,tla of ,r,fo