Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1857-12-25


that he should establish himself in the viii
lage of L., whore the prospects Of
success were far less promising than the
hopes held out by his ardent affection to
his confding sister. Lodgings were engag-
ed, and they removed thither. With some Of
the events Of the first day of their residence
the reader is already acquainted.
Richard was not without his fears that his
resources would prove inadequate to the sup
ply Of his sisters wants, but he carefully con-
cealcd them from her knowledge To her in
quirics respecting his success he gave cncour-
aging replies. "Why," thought he, ''should
her fair face be clouded with anxiety Why
should shadows fall upon her path :" It
should not be his should be the toll and care
Beautiful. o, brother, is thy fond affection
but far better were it that it be not exercised
at the expense Of truth.
CHAPTER II.
The summer flowers had displayed their
beauty, and exhaled their fragrance, and de-
partoti aud a russo, hive baese., y, --tcol over
the landscape. which was viewed. each pleas
ant evening, by Richard and Louisa. from the
heights that overlooked the village. The sis
ter leaned little more heavily on the arm Of
her brother as she assembled the ominonce,
and her check acquired additional Transparent
cy. There was something in her general form
and carriage which attracted the attention
even Of the unobscrying rustic, and produced
a feeling that she was not long to be an in
habitant Of earth
The devoted tenderness of Richard for his
sister won for him the respect oven Of those
who fail in the lesser duties of affection. upon
which so much of the happiness Of life de-
pcnds
1t did not. however. in the same proper
ton, promote his professional prospects A
share of the legal business of the place, per-
haps as large as he could reasonably expect,
found its wav into his Office but the avails
were not sufficient to meet his expenditures.
This fact he deemed it necessary to conceal
from his sister, at the frequent expense of
truth
Mrs Halcs, who loved him for his devotion
to his sister and loved that sister with al
most a mothers love. was panied at the de-
ceptou practiced upon the unsuspecting girl
On a fitting occasion she reluctantly called his
attention to his fault Would your mother, -
said She ,she was we'll acquainted with their
history approve of such course towards
one who confides in you with her whole
hearti'
"sho would not" was the reply, but what
can do :"
"Tell her the exact truth. and see how
nobly she viii bear up under it. Give her
the privilege of sympathzing with you, and
Of feeling that she has your entire confidence -
In her feeble state of health it would
crush her Ii is far better that she be kept
in ignorance. 1t is heavier load for me, but
that care not for, if she is not burthened" 4"
"She cannot always be kept in ignorance,
and when the discovery is made that she has
been deceived, the pain will be far greater
than a knowledge Of what you arc conceal
''That discovery need hoe De maze.
at will be made. There is that in your
manner which she will observe, and nothing
but the true statement of the case will salts
fy her. My young friend, permit her to share
with you the burden which an all-wise Provi-
denco has laid upon you"
at was oy my urging that she consented
to come here"
''No matter, onfdence-permissio to
sympathize with those she loves. is all that
the h, art of woman asks for / trembie for
the happiness of that dear girl and for your
own. He that can resist the claim of duty,
though it be in consequence of the pleadings
Of strong affection, may be led to neglect it
from other causes.
Il am sorry, deeply sorry, that it is neees-
sary for me to depart from the truth in any
degree; but in my sisters state, the knowl-
edge of my situation would crush her. 1t
would not be safe to tell her the truth"
at is never safe to do wrong"
II beg you will say nothing to Louisa on
the subject
Forgive me for interfering thus tar-noth-
ing but my strong affection for her could have
induced me to do so. You may be assured |
shall not allude to it again.
"Thank you. | doubt not your motives
are of the kindest nature. l regret that in
eyitablc circumstances forbid my following
your advice ] hope soon to be relieved from
the sad necessity"
"How have you been to-day ~ said Rich
ard as he entered Lousa's room one evening,
and stopped to bestow the kiss which she
held up her lips to receive,
Much as usual l have been rather lone
ly, but that is no consequence now that you
have come sit down near me-you look
worn"
81 have been hard at work to-day"
"You have not to return to the Office this
evoning}'
at is not absolutely necessary that should
do so"
''Do not think of it, then; stay with me
and rest
IL need little exercise said he. throwing
out his arms in the manner of performing
gymnastic exercises.
"Altor tea you must take a walk :"
"And leave you still longer alone; -
''You will not be gone very long, and it is
of more consequence that you should preserve
your health than that | should not be alone ;
will lie down and rest while you are gone.
so that l can sit up with you till you wish to
retire"
''You will be ready to go Immediately after
tea, said young man, now a fellow boarder
as they were seated at the supper-table. Lou
lisa turned to her brother with an inquiring
look. The blood mounted to his temples,
but she did not observe it.
my sister insists on my taking walk
then, but we can despatch that business in a
few moments. | can take the Office in my
way. You have the papers in readiness :"
"Yes"
Mrs. Hales saw the look of intelligence
which passed between the young men, and
was satisfied that something was going for
ward which was to be concealed from the
knowledge of Louisa Her confidence in the
moral rectitude Of young Hyde was by no