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

strained and distant welcome. being a wo-
man of no great conversational powers, she
always retired quite carly, conducting her in
tercourse with society in the most formal
manner. Ferris was much surprised that Mr..
II had taken no particular notice Of his
intimacy at his house. for he seldom saw him,
and when he could, the old mans eyes were
bent sternly upon him in anything but a
friendly and inviting spirit. In this dilemma
he was at loss what course to pursue, since
Anne's acknowledgment of her affection for
him, and now he was equally distant from the
goal of happiness, for his better judgment
told him that the consent of her parents
could never be obtained.
On this occasion he had taken his leave as
usual, when he was met by the beggar Of the
former night who again solicited aims, de-
claring that he could find no one else to as
sist him, and that the money that he bestow-
cd upon him had been expended for food and
rent Of a miserable cellar where he had lodg-
ed.
Again Ferris placed purse in the poor
mans hand, at the same time telling him that
he was poor and constrained to the practice
of rigid economy in the support Of those de-
pendent upon him. He left the beggar and
passed on his way happy in having contribut-
cd to the alienation of human suffering.
Not long subsequent, Ferris called one eve
ming at the house of Mr.. H, and fortu-
natcly found Anne and her father alone, the
former engaged upon piece Of embroidery
of new pattern, and the latter poring over
volume of ancient philosophy.
On his entrance the old gentleman took nc
further notice Of him than a slight inclina.
tion Of the head, and good evening, sir.
He took a chair by Aunes side, and told
her his love in low but ardent tones. begging
permission to speak to her father on the sub.
jeot.
80, he will not hear a word of the matter,
| know, said the sorrowing girl
'No longer ago than yesterday he spoke to
me relative to a connection with R
can never love but one man, said the beauty
giving him her hand.
Ferris could bear this suspence no longer.
In fact the hint relative to her alliance to an.
other, spurrcd him to action. lie proceeded
to that part Of the room whore Mr. IL
sat, and after a few Introductory remarks. he
said
"You have doubtless observed. sir. my in
timacy in your family more than year past.
Prom the fact that you did not object to my
attentions 10 your daughter, have been led
to hope thatit might not be altogether against
your wishes. May ask sir, with due re-
spect, your opinion in this matter :"
81 have often seen you here, replied Mr..
IL, land have no reason to object to your
visits sir"
Indeed sir, you are so very kind. have
neither fortune nor rank to offer your daugh-
ter, but still emboldened by love, ask you
now for her hand"
The old man laid by his book, and remov-
ing his spectacles, asked
docs the lady sanction this request;"
"She does"
"My daughters hand is yours -
Ferris sprang in astonishment to his feet,
saying:
II hardly know how to receive your kind
ness, my dear sir l looked for different
treatment
"Listen, Young man" said the father, "do
you think I should have allowed YOU to be-
come intimate in my family without first
knowing your character; Do you think
should have given this precious child land
here placing her hand in Ferris to you be-
fore ! have proved you No, sir. ont of
Anne's many suitors from the wcalthiest and
highest in society, long since selected you
as one in whom | could feel confidence The
world calls me a cold and calculating man
perhaps ! am so but had duty to per-
form to Him who had intrusted me with the
happiness Of this blessed child; have en-
deayored to perform that trust faithfully-the
dictates of pride may have been counterbal-
anced by desire for my daughters happi-
ness, | chose you frst-she has since volun-
fartlv I e.. Ii
your means and prospects---you need tell
me nothing. With your wife you receive an
ample fortune the dutiful son and affection
ate brother, cannot but make good husband
But stop, will be with you in moment, "
and he left the lovers together.
The story Of your marriage with r.
was only to try your heart then, and thicken
the plot, said Ferris to the blushing girl
AT this moment the door opened, and the
beggar, whom Ferris had twice relieved, en-
tered and stepped up to Ferris and solicited
charity. Anne recoiled at first at the defect
ed and poyerty-stricken looks of the intruder,
while Ferris asked in astonishment how he
had gained entrance into the house. In
moment, the figure rose to stately height.
and casting off the disguise it had worn, dis
closed the person of Anne's father
The astonshment of the lovers can hardly
be conceived.
81 determined" said the father, addressing
Ferris, "after | had otherwise proved your
to test one virtue, which, of all
others, is the greatest-Charity.- had
you failed in that you would also have failed
with me in this purpose Of marriage. You
were weighed in the balance, and not found
wanting. Here, sir, is your purse it con
tanned six dollars when you gave it to the
beggar in the street-it now contains a cheek
for six thousand and here is your second,
that contained five dollars, which is also null
tiplied by thousands. Nay" said the old
man, as Ferris was about to object to it,
there is no need Of explanaton--it was a
fair business transactian."
This was of course all mystery to Anne,
but when explained, added to her love for her
future husband
a MIxED-UP LAW SUIT. - Our exchan- /
ges are relating the following story, and as
signing the locality TO Vermont. The story
goes that Smith shot rabid dog that was
tresDassinp on his lot and helonginV TO one |