Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-08-12

This was the pet name she had given her new
sister. She soon commenced learning Silver
Bird to read and write, and as she proved an
apt scholar, it was not long before this was ac-
complished.
And how was Silver Bird pleased with her
new home? Her heart was running DER with
happiness, for besides being idolized by Mabel
Mr. and Mrs. Dean treated her as if she was
indeed their own child, and then she was every
day, almost, near Ernest. A few weeks thus
happily glided away and then cloud came.
Ernest had never told her of the relation in
which he stood to Mabel. But gradually as
Mabel's strength began to fail, and she saw
his increasing tenderness towards her, and once
heard him urging her to say they might be
married immediately, the truth dawned upon
her heart. But true to the noble nature she
had inherited from her mother, it did not lessen
her love for Mabel. She felt she could not
blame him for loving one so near like the an
gels, of which they had told her, better than
herself. But great resolution came over her ;
she felt she could not remain there longer, and
in the guilelessness of her heart she judged
all the pale faces by those she had seen, and
determined to trust herself to their mercios.
She would 60 far away, for she had passed
through several towns with Ernest after they
left the river, and she thought she could find a
home in some of them. One thought panied
her very much What would these kind
friends think of her She felt they would grcve
for her loss 90 but oh Icannot stay, and they
will soon forget me-" she would then think
She dared not take her own life, as she had be-
fore thought to do, for she had learned much
about her heavenly Father from the gentle Ma
bel. She could not bring herself to tell th'
cause of her departure to any one ; but at las
she arranged her plans. There was larg
pond not far from the village near the road AM
here she would leave, such traces that the.
should think she had drowned herself, and n o
search for her, she thought Ernest would cred
it this, as she had intended to do after h
should leave her on taking her canoe to escape
One night then, about the middle of June
with many tears and the deepest agony of spir
it. she left the home where she had seen s
much happiness, and went forth to the care an
guidance of the Great Spirit.
Sorrowful indeed were the hearts of the Dca
family, when after search for the missing girl
thew found her bonnet and traces of her foot
steps by the shores of the pond. She ha
twined herself closely among their affection
during the short stay, and sadly they mournc
her supposed death
To all, the reason why shehad done this wa
mystery. Mabel, said Ernest few day
after, " why did Silver Bird do this ?-who
shadow could have come over her mind sh
seemed so happy never thought but she was
" And so did yet found her weeping or
} day and this she would not tell me why.
: thought she seemed less joyous after that.
q" Poor girl what could it be Dear 81
yer Bird he said, the tears filling his eyes,
he remembered all her gentleness and kndne
Y to him il" Oh had you told us we might ha
/ saved you from so sad fate. "
: i" Ernest, little thought when | used to LOO
upon her bright face and thank God for sendll
e her to take my place, when | am gone, that
would precedc me" !"
J. When you are gone, Mabel, don't thi
. of such a thing as leaving me; you are g
o ting better, and l hope"
!, Nay, Ernest, you must not hope va
hopes and we must think Of my leaving for
1t DiN be So"
Dear Mabel, this sad loss we have sustain
J. has made you nervous, and you think you
s. worse, when really think you are better.
I d" Ernest, do you know the doctor says ca
6 live long ?"
l. " When did he say SO ?" said Ernest growl
le pale. for he could not think he should have
| lose her too.
" The last time he was here, begged him
e. tell me if conld ever get well, and after lc
to time he said not in this world and / thi
you cannot livelong at the most | have lc
Or thought SO, Ernest, and when Silva came, a
l loved her so much, l thought God had s.
he her to take my place in your heart, but he
SO ordered it otherwise and he knoweth best. T"
ne A long time they talked on this subject
about Silver Bird but we must leave them @
look after some other of our friends.
fro BE CONTINUED.