Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-06-04
THE TWO PURSES.

giant trees that lined the wall. The ground
was covered with snow, upon whose surface
the light Of the moon fell with dazzling splon-
dor studding the incrusted ground with brill
liant diamonds As the Old South clock
struck nine, a young man, wrapped in his
cloak sought the shade of the large trees in
the park, from whence he watched the COM
ing Of numerous carriage loads Of gaily dress
ed people of both sexes, who entered one OF
tho princely houses on Beacon street
Through the richly stained glass windows,
the gorgeous light issued in a steady food,
accompanied by the thrilling tones Of music
from full band the house illumted at ev-
cry point, seemed crowded with gay and hap
py spirits. The stranger still contemplated
the samc,--his cloak, which had enveloped
the lower part of his features, had fallen. dis
closing face of manly beauty, full dark
eye, with arching brows, and short curling
hair, as black as the ravens plumagc setting
off to a great advantage his Grecian style Of
fcature-a becoming mustache curled about
his mouth, giving a decidedly classic appear
ance to his whole face. The naval button on
his cap showed that he belonged to that class
of our national defence
"Shall | enter, said he thoughtfully to
himself, "and feast my eyes on charms | new
er can possess; Hard fate that / should be
bound to the iron chains Of poverty -y yet |
am a man. and have soul as noble as the
best of them. We will see, and crossing
over to the gay scene, he entered the hall
He cast of his overshocs, handed his coat and
cap to a servant, and uuannounced mingled
with the beauty and fashion that thronged the
room Gradually he made his way among
the crowd, in whose centre stood bright and
beautiful being, the queen in lovelness Of that
brilliant asembage. The bloods Of the
West End focked about her, seeking for an
approving glance from those dreamy blue
eyes half abstractcd, she answered or spoke
upon the topics Of conversation. without ap-
parent interest. suddenly she started, blush
ed deeply, dropped half courtesy in token
of recognition TO some one without the group.
Her eyes no longer languid, now sparklcd
with animation, and our naval friend en-
tered the group about her, she laid her tiny
gloycd hand in his, saying
Welcome, Ferris. we had feared that your
sailing orders had taken you out to sea this
black weather
1--WE would not have lifted anchor without
first paying tribute to our queen was the
gallant reply.
litter ran through the circle of exclu-
sives at his appearance among them, but when
the lady appeared, there was no room for com
plant.
The gay scenes of the night wore on, sew
eral times had Ferris Harvard completely put
at fault the shallow Drained fops around him
placing them in anything but an enviable
light.
Ferris Harvard was lieutenant in the ma
Wy and depended entirely ON his pay as an
officer, to support widowed mother and
young sister, to both of whom he was devot-
edly attached. His father was a self-madc
man, had once been successful merchant.
who sailed and freighted some of the heaviest
tonned vessels that sailed from the port Of
Boston; but misfortune and sickness over
took him, and he sunk into the grave, leaving
his only son to protect his mother and sister
from the wants and Ills of life Ferris had
enjoyed liberal education, and having en-
tered the navy as a midshpman, had reached
n lieutenancy, by reason of his superior ac-
quirements and good conduct. His profess
sion had led him to all parts of the world
and he had carefully improved his advanta-
ges-though constrained by reason Of limited
means, to the practice Of the most rigid econ
omy.
He had met with the only daughter Of
Harris H, one of the wealthy citizens of
Boston, at fete given on board the ship to
which he belonged, and had become immedi-
ately enamorcd Of her but he well knew in
his own heart, the difference in their fortunes
formed a barrier to his wishes He had been
a casual visitor for several months subsequent
to the time our story commences, at the house
Of the H family
~ must think other no more" said Ferris
to himself. "If am jeered at by her friends
for offering her common civiltics, with what
contempt would her austere parents receive
proposition for her hand, from ono so poor
and unknown"
Harris Il was indeed stern old man,
and yet he was said to be kind to the poor,
giving freely his bounty to the needy. Still
he was strange man; he seldom spoke TO
those around him, yet he evineed the warm
est love for his only child, and Aune loved
her father with an ardent affection. His de-
light was to pore over his library, living, as
it were, in the fellowship of the old philoso-
pliers. On several occasions when Ferris
was at his house. and engaged in conversa-
tion with Anne. he observed the old mans
gaze bent sternly upon him, when his heart
would sink within him, and he would wake
to the reality of his situation.
Ferris was one evening in Beacon street, at
the house Of Mr.. II, where in spite of the
cold reception he received from those he gen
orally met there, he still enjoyed himself in
the belief that Anne was not Indifferent to
his regard. He had been relating to her,
with her request, his experience with differ
ent national characters with whom he had
met, speaking of their peculiarities, and des-
cribing the various scenes of different coun-
tries. Anne sat near sweet geranium
whose leaves she was industriously engaged
in destroying Ferris bending close to her
ear, said;
"Anno will pluck me that rose as a token
of affection you must know how ardent is
mine for you--or stop, dearest, behind it
blows the condruft. You know the mystic
language of both, will you choose and give
me one :"
''Hush-hush, Ferris" said the blushing
and trembling girl, plucking and handing him
the rose.
This passed when the attention of the com
pany present was drawn to some engaging OBJ
ject. Never before had Ferris received an
evidence Of Annes love, save from her tell
tale eyes. The flower was placed next to his
heart, and he left the apartment He had
but few stems from the houso