Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-01-15
MARION HERBERT;
rRg saouT OF TEE LAKE,
i ROMANCE OF THE REVOLUTION.
(coNTiHuED.)
CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.
The Wanderer---An Adventure
After young Clayton had left his father s
roof, he walked on With no well defined purpose
in.tis mind d V,,ile hi~4C,asure -ar----s- -ilel
had already determined to join Aliens band OF
Green Mountain BOYS on the first opportunity
that presented itself, but he did not know their
rendesyoue, and that for the present wcs ont oil
the question He reviewed in his mind the
conduct of his father, and in whatever light he
might place it. he could draw but one concn-
sion, and that was, that he was right IN the
course he had taken. While thinking of these
subjects he came opposite Mr.. Herbert's man
sion and the sight Of it seemed to arouse HIM
from his royerie, for he opened the gate and en-,
tered There was no one in the drawing room
but Marion, who arose as Clayton entered and
extended her fair hand with glad smile, which
Clayton warmly grasped, at the same time ta-
king a seat by her side.
Something troubles you Edwin. Make me
your confessor, and perhaps can drive away
these sorrow traces upon your brow
:: Nothing yon can do, Marion will alter the
witIeripg effect of "a parents curse.
"A parents curse, Edwin! What mean
You"
.sS,mply that am wanderer on the face
Of thc earth, with no place upon which to lay
INV head, except upon my mother earth, which
inflow thank God it is not in man sspower to
take from me-.
% = Explain, Edwin, | do not understand you.
"a " 1t will take but a few words, a very few
words. This morning was expelled from my
fi,ther's house, and ere went he most bitterly
oSsfaed me, as ifa parents curse was an idle
word, impoten to harm"
i You did not deserve this, Edwin!'
" Deserve t9 No. Forsooth, because would
MOI ioin to fight for these British hirelings, he
must needs drive me from his favor and curse
me like dog" exclaimed young Clayton bit
terly
Ind eas that all -
Yes ALL but enough to forever blast my
eL.arscter insmy latler's eyes.
Marion looked thoughtiully for moment
and then turning her eyes to Clayton said
IA thinkyou are right Edwi y
= Thank You FOR those words Marion. 1t but
confirms my own hearts promrtings.
q And you are determined to enter this war,
and servo your country What if you should
fallin,
at would matter but little. Men never die
but once. Ny lileis burden, and care not
how soon the flame ceases to flicker
Edwin. do not say thus Your life is not
given into your hands to use rashly, or need
lessly expose"
"True, Marion, you have taught me les
son will learn to look upon it as space OF
time in which great ends can be accomplished.
Is this view correct one, Marion
Yes. We shoald so live rs to love and be
loved by every one. This is the true aim OF
lfe"
And is it an easy thing to command the
love Of all those with whom You are associated ,
Marion bushed as she saw Clayton looking
eagerly into her face for an answer, aud re
piled
eff we but keep our character 50 perfect
that the shafts of envy and malice find no course
to direct their weapons against you, you can
easily gan the love of all.
Perhaps you arc right Marion. If we've
to ask you If you loved me, for instance what
n would be your answer, dear Marion =
IN Marion blushed, hung her head, but did not
q reply.
In earnest then,' said Clayton, taking
}iarion band in his: will the possessor OF this
l.tc treasure permit me to love her with some
thing more than mere triendship?'
Marion did not answer, but the hand was moi
removed and Clayton continued
'Say, Marion, dearest, will you give mt
this T.
Marion looked up, and while 4 slight busi
mounted her temples making her features still
more beautiful, she softly murmnred, Yes"
What magic there is one simple word,
least 50 Clayton thought as he pressed the iirs
warm kiss of reqaitcd love on her pure brow
for she was unused to the arts OF coquettery
and she felt that it was no sin for Clayton t.
press his lips SO fondiy to hers, lie placed hi
arm ollectionatelv around her waist and draw
ing her towards him, she pillowed her rad II
calm, conGding hope upon his bosom She dl
not fear to rest it there, for in Clayton hear
there dwelt no thought of guile -nought bnt
pure, holy love for the being who 50 tFustns
con6dod her happiness into his keeping.
:" Yon have made me very happy dearest F."
" Have ], Edwin !'' she murmured softly.
aYou cannot realize how much OF happnet
Won have given me- One half the load OF Sol
row that rested so heavily upon me is removed
And you viii always love me thus
80 long as he lasts, Edwin, The heart
first emotions of love can never change, and J
whatever circumstances you may be placed
high or low, rich or poor, my love Will ever r'
main true to YOU"
. | believe you Marion. shall never fear ft
the love you have given me. Bat your lathe
\ Marion, will he sanction your love Remen
her. dearest, that have no wealth, not even