Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-07-16

nave repeatedly assured yOu,l 10 would not
influence them so much as TO cause them to
treat you with Indifference DO not brood
so much upon your troubles forget that un-
pleasant occurrence, as VIC have for we know
you will not err in that respect again,"
returned his father.
"Alice will expect you there added his
mother "she said she would make tive pass
pleasantly for you. The oftener you go into
society the sooner YOU get over these disa-
greoablo sensations"
"Woll, as you are so desirous Of it, will
go; but | much prefer remaining at home
this evening" answered Herbert, as he start
ed to make preparations for the visit.
lie was the hyorte Of his mother, as Al
ice was the idol Of her father. and. although
the latter manifested the affection Of parent
towards him, he appreciated and was truly
grateful for tho sympathy which his mother
showed in his trials and troubles, that in his
estimation were neither few nor slight. Alice
was beautiful, he ordinary in appearance, yet
great admirer of beauty; and as he beheld
his mcagre figure and homely features, regard
ed even too low his personal attractions Al
ice was vivacious, he naturally quict-what
many call "hoavy lad ;" Alice was loqua-
cious, he taciturn; and SO distrusting his
abiltics-ior in depth of sentiment, in solidi-
ty Of Judgment. he was her superior-he came
to be awkward and difident, when called up
ON TO take his place in society.
He was one of that class so numerous in
the community who are designated by their
friends as 'clever follows" amiablo and gem
erous to fault There seemed to be great
coatrarietics in his mental organization.
Without resolution, he had yet much energy
of character, which enabled him to comply
with all the requirements in the way Of duty
at the Office in which he was clerk; vet, i'm
pulsive in his movements, he often fell into
indiscretions which no one sooner discovered
or more heartily rcpcntcd Of. Elo had been
cnticed into one great error, and to this he
had Just alluded. The recollection of this
sin haunted him continually, and added still
greater embarrassment TO his natural difiidence (;
for despising himself for its committal, he
supposed others 90 do the same. lie had ac-
cidenty become acquainted with a set OF fell
lows who were fond of play, and from them
he had acquired love of gambling. In a
moment of excitement, he had laid down his
hthcr's name in pledge for the payment Of a
heavy sum of money but in the calm which
succeeded the frenzy Of that fatal hour, he re-
allied the extent Of his degradation, and con
fesscd his guilt to the parent he had deep
ly wronged, who, magnanmously, paid the
dept; and, in proof of his confidence in the
future integrity of his SON, not only kept the
affair secret himself, but cxtorted solemn
vow from those who had led him astray, that
they would never divulge the occurrence.
Therefore, as his father had said, it had re-
mained unknown to the world Nearly six
months had elapsed since then, and he had
continued an example Of goodness forsaking
the company of those who had done him the
injury. he devoted himself assiduously to his
business.
Alice had become quite belle in society
and his parents wished Herbert to participate
in its gaites. Decidedly mattor-of-iact and
substantial in all things, the small talk - Of
the fashionable world was distasteful to him,
and the nameess graces and compliments
which gallantry and politeness demand OF
young men when in company with ladies, i
attempted by him, were so clumsjy render
ed, he often wished they had been left undone
Alice was aware of his blunders and of his
uncomfortable sensations, but she had no idea
that she could in any way prevent them. "HC
i. so odd. or he lis SO bashful, were al
ways ready excuses for her own neglect OF
the inattcntion of others. Latterly she had
been unusually careless Of bis claims upon
her regard She had formed acquaintance
with Mr. Wallace, a young barristor. Ht
was young man of rising popularity, and
her father had permitted his visits more from
the expectation of advantage to Herbert, il
gaining his friendship, than from the prospect
which most persons would have seen anC
greatly disappointed was he to find that 5,
completely did they monopolze each other
attentions and affections, that Herbert ap
peared to be counted mere cypher by them
certainly he received not his due share of hi'
sisters consideration. This also thrcatene,
the failure Of the fathers plan for the future
He had supposed his daughter to be too young
to think Of matrimony at present, and all il
due time he intended to make arrangements
for securing a son-in-law after his own heart
and good husband for her.
Mr.. Worthington's early years were spen
on the banks of the Penobscot Arriving a
maturity, he went to Boston, that El Dorado
of the youths of those days, expecting soor
to acquire fortune, return, and marry The
maiden to whom he was betrothed, and spenC
the rest of his life without toll or care
Year after year went on, and still he had no
onough--he was not yet satisfied with hi
gains. Mary, his intended, died. From tina
time he devoted all his thoughts and energie
to the accumulation Of wealth prosperity
followed his undertakings, and at the age o
forty he was considered one Of the solid meI
Of the city. lie then married the sister o
Of his partner in business. At sixty he wa
heartily tired of trade and traffic, and wished
for the rest and contentment he had been 81
long acquiring means to obtain. He had moi
forgotten his early home, nor his first love
young brother of hers, a clergyman, he haC
lately met in the city, and he it was whom h,
determined Alice should marry, and thu
whole family 90 back to his native town
[ Then the dream of his life would be realize,
in peace and happiness he should pass tn,
remainder of his days; this was the subiec
on which he wished TO converse with hi.
daughter.
The clock on the mantel had long since
chimcd the hour of midnight, yet Mrs. Wor-
thington awaited the arrival Of her children
wondering at their late return; soon Alice en-
tered, radiant with beauty and joy. "Wher'
is Herbert; asked her mother.
81 have not seen him." said she, admirinl
herself in the mirror.
mot seen him Why hasn't ne been
at MIS- Morton'ss"
80, yes, saw him once but we were
] a. | bnd ~ opnprtuuitv y a