Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-12-24

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hat leads by the house. There is bright
flow upon her cheek. and perfect health is re-
'ealed in those features which once came so
lear to the darks valley Of the shadow of
leath, A rich carpet covers the floor Of the
Dom in which she is sitting, epa hung upon
The walls, paintings meet your gaze at every
jurn. In the centre Of the room stands table
oaded with books, while beside il leans harp,
Ind these have all been the gifts of Doctor
Grayson. Since that memorat,,ss New Yeats
Eve, when the voiqa Of w, g. g. faOnI tho. rs
he then thought, dying lips os Alice Graham
sounded in his ears, he had been changed
man. Life has new beauties for him now, and
the wine-cupis spurned as if it were the death
sting Of viper.
At last form is seen coming up the walk,
and rising from her position, Alice opens the
door.
GOOD morning, Doct. Gnyson,' she ex-
claimed, extending her hand.
" Doctor Grayson, Alice " he replied, in
tone of reproach. "Am then such stran-
ger here that you must needs be so formal as to
call me Doct, Grayson9"
"What should call yOul -"
"Tom IT'S the only name would hear
from the inmates of this little cot"
1--WE are under deep sense eof gratitude for
your Kindness" replied Alice as he seated
himself, yet the relative positions we occupy
in society entitle you to receive respect from us
rather than familiarity"
"Do you remember, Alice, that my name is
but byeword-a thing for contumely and re-
proach; and after this do you talk of respect
Say that, instead of this, am rather casting
reproach upon you by my visits here" he added
bitterly.
"Tom, you shall not speak thus" she replied,
laying her hand earnestly upon his arm. " Why
bring up the past when you have redeemed that
one false step by your subsequent course -
Redeemed Do you talk Of the redemp-
ton of my name from the stigma of iuebriation!
No, no. Alice. Your mind may see it thus, but
mine does not. | went to my fathers house to-
day, and sent up my card, and the servant re-
turned with the reply that my father could not
see me.
=" The time will come when he will repent"
" "Never. know it too well for that. He
loved me, nay worspipped me, once. was
tempted, and fell. From his stand point Of
. virtue ne sees HE az All tiTsw FoE as ohe f5-
formed, but the victim Of pernicious appetite,
a At times when flood of selfreproach sweeps
! over me, making my life u scene Of sorrow and
: regret, there comes the half-formed resolution
to let go the little hold have of virtue, and
sink again in the pit into which once fell y
"Oh remember the reputation that is yours,
even after death"
81 know it; yet to me it is but triaing
y thing. There is but one thought that restraints
IL me-
l. "May know it."
"You may. The remembrance of the coun
=. sci you gave me when you were lying almos
- - at the gates Of death, comes bofore my vlsioI
| and dispells the clouds which shroud my mind
~ Alice, have but little claim upon your respect
u far less upon YOUR love ; yet any whole happi
ness has been in the words Of praise that iel
from your lips. They have been like drops o
:" water to my nature, parched as it has been b.
the fires Of sin, making my heart fresh an
green at times, with the hope of better life."
~ He ceased as he felt her hand tremble violent
'p ly, while the rose-tint fed from her cheeks.
-. 81 have offended you, Alice Forgive mt
~ if such is the case.'
"No, she replied in scarcely audible tom
-. And yet, would you had not spoken thus
,, at is as feared but no worse than d
- served | see now that your interest in me HI
:, arisen from no other motive than that Of graf
tude.''
= May, Doct. Grayson, it is not
w. Again she ceased, while the hand he he
90 was gently withdrawn from his grasp.
ou "Well, Alicel" exclaimed Grayson, in
earnest tone, gazing anxiously into the pa
~. face by his side"
Excuse me, If was about to say somethi
" which would prove source of regret to
'O' bolh.''
"Wly a source of regresF Have new !
NV mors lessened your confidence in me, Alice
"No; far from it, cannot, indeed | CT
not, give you an explanation, Doct. Graysc
Do not think me ungrateful, but they are
idle words when say, it were better had
never met"
"Alice, promise me that you will answer
question am about to ask you"
cath II can make no promises, Doct. Graysol
she replied, in q slightly cold tone.
You must answer it, Alice. My repuiat
my all, depends upon your answer. Did
fray, ever love me, do you love me now, dear Alice
dis Her face was scarcely less pale than his O.
had as he leaned over and awaited her answer.
The "Doct. Grayson, cannot answer you. ,
tiers subject is painful to me-
for :" Your answer may save or ruin me-"
ssed took her hand once more. Alice, Alice,
and have been my guardian angel-do not refuse
and this request"
each Z" Doctor Grayson, motives of gratitude
ense, would prompt me TO answer your questi
the were it not for your many kindnesses to u
who our poverty, my lips should be sealed. | |
and loved you with passion as deep and lastn
with life; yet can never be yours. Do not
ny me-" she continued, as he was about to sp
ium- " for can give you no other answer.
sur have talents there it a road open before
win. leading to fame and distinction; forget
you ever saw me, and fulfill the destiny W
here is allotted you"