Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-10-29
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THE LOST FOUND.
TALBOT vERmoNT,s EARLY HISTORY
CHAPTER ".
HE VISIT.

TALEOF VERM0NT'S EARLY HISTORY
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CHAPTER ".
THE VISIT.
Hattie Milford had become the tavorite OF
the town, and generally loved, because she was
worthy. Nature had not been wanting in her
favors, and education had refined and polished
the work, as the hand Of '4he artist bringsoutt
of the marble, the shape, due proportions and
appearance Of the man She had spent much
time coming over the few books OF the family
library, and for want of Intellectual food, had
learned the Latin language that she might
avail herself of literature contained in the IL
brary Of the parish minister, who was ever
ready to solve her difficulties and aid her in her
onward efforts, for he was not what some EN-
body in their idea of minister, considering
him a man, stiff, stern dogmatical and un-
bending, but social, calling around him the
young, and weaving net about their affections
which bound them to him, and made them
willing to go to him for advice, which they al
ways found to be good whenever followed.
But the crowning glory of Hatties charac-
ter was her moral conceptions; although far in
advance Of her humber neighbors in mental
culture, it was never thought of by any one in
her presence. Though among the richest in
town, she was often found by the bedside of
the sick and suffering poor, ministering, as an
angel of mercy, to their wants, and comfort
ing them in the hour of trial and sorrow I; ana
there were many opportunities for the exercise
of such virtues in those days, for many hearth
stones were made desolate by the ravages Of
war. To such an extent were her virtues known
and appreciated, that it was common to hear
the remark" She is as good as Hattie Mil
ford" if praise was intended.
Her uncle in Boston had often invited her to
visit the city and spend the winter, which in
vitation she had long wished to accept, but the
proximity of war had utterly forbidden it and
when peace came, smiling as May morning,
she decided to leave home for little time, and
make the much desired visit.
September saw her seated upon her accus-
toned saddle and guiding her favorite pony,
upon which she rode up the hillside, dashed
through the streamle,s, and gently ambled
along by the side of the Connec ticut. He was
always gay, but never gayer than when he bore
Hattie Milford on his back
Many weary hours were spent in travelling
over the rough roads, for, far different was it
then from what it now is, when one takes a
seat in the car, and finds himself borne rapidly
along by the snorting, putting iron horse
On the fourth day, just as the sun was shed
ding his mellow light over Boston, the father
and daughter entered the city, and the pranc-
ing Of Hattie's steed showed that his spirit had
not been crushed by the journey, for though
unaccostomed to the city, he seemed to say tc
the beholder in the street, is there horse
prouder thanI,
MIR. Milford was merchant, and largely en-
gagged in the India trade living in the style o
merchants of that day. in one of those old
looking houses now remaining in Cambrldg
Street.
Maria Milford, Hattie's cousin was youn
lady of good and cultivated mind, but proud
and much inclined to think every one from til
country, especially from the Granite Mountai
State, quite verdant. She was polite to he
new visitor at times, but much inclined to cri
icisn, particularly if she found her in her f;
theirs library reading book of history ii
the Latin language, she at once inferred it wa
all afectation.
By degrees this state Of mind stole on MARI
the street, she treated her as one she wished
be rid of; and SO uncomfortable did this rendt
Hattie's position, that she made up her min
to leave, and return to the enchanting valley
the Connecticut. She soon found an opport,
nifty to communicate her wishes to her uncle i
ne library, where they had often met, an
where Mr.. Milford had learned to estima
Hattie's true value. lie was not long in learl
ing the cause of her desire to return, for
was not unconscious of his daughters faul, ,b'
would not consent to listen for moment,
her decision
Ere long the honse of Mr.. Milford was fill,
with the beauty and fashion, as well as those
mind and sound learning among whom Hstt
glided as lightly as mountain nymph, leanir
on the arm OF her uncle, and many were d
lighted with her simplicity and beauty
Maria took u seat at the piano at the reque
OF her friends, and performed a piece OF mu,
which called forth much admiration B
when sne rose from the instrument, and 81
her father, Captain Wilson who command
one of her father's ships,-just returned fro
India, aud Hattie engaged in spirited convt
sation, she said to friend in Latin, with
clouded brow and a naughty curl upon h
lip,
g wish that country cousin was at home
which caught Hattie's ear, and she. with
down-cast look, the tear starting in her e,
meekly replied in the same language,
g 1t would please me much to be there I"
1t would be difficult to describe Maria's ct
fusion at the reply, for she had no idea IL
hor cousin understood that language, viii
was noticed by her father, who unwittingly
creased it by asking Hattie if she could pl;
and led her to the seat. With the same 81
plicity which heretofore characterized her,
commenced the same air her cousin had p
formed, accompanying it with the voice.
So fine was the expression and so sweet
tones, that many gathered around, admir-