Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-08-05

and friends and most of all for knowledge
of thee But | come to thee in weakness
wilt thou strengthen me !? l tremble for the
future, wilt thou be my support ?-and if, o!
dear Parent, in thy unerring Wisdom it be thy
will that my life must utter vows to which my
heart does not now give sanction, 0! wilt thou
grant me spirit of patience, and resignation
But if thou hast looked with favor upon the
love which now fills my heart for another, help
me, 0 thou searcher of hearts, to be true
to that love And wilt thou be with the wan
derer, whose beautiful dark eyes have looked
tcnderly and lovingly into mine May he
walk in virtues path, and live among his fel-
low men as one having thy love and precepts in
his heart. And now, 0 Father, Isubmit my
self and all those dear ones, to thy care, be-
seeching thee to teach my heart to trust in thee,
and ever sly, " not my will, but thine, be
done :"
When Nora resumed her seat, though the
bright drops trembled on either cheek, the
weight upon her heart was less oppressive.
Unknown to her, there had been another
witness of the lovely suppliant, than Him to
whom her petitions had been addressed and,
shortly after, she was startled by light touch
upon her arm-for so engaged had she been
with her own thoughts, she had not noticed
the light step behind her.
Turning hastily, she encountered the dark
piercing gaze of old Mag, the witch, fixed with
intense curiosity upon her. Drawing back,
she made movement as if to fee, for though
she had often seen Mag, and listened to her
wild language, she had never been alone with
her. She had heard her uncle say that
she must be a maniac, and feeling of fear
crept over her, as she felt that piercing gaze.
But Mag, quickly interpreted the movement,
spoke, in voice strangely soft and musical
compared with that Nora had always heard
from her lips before:
=" Stay Lady: I have much to say to you"
And as Nora still stood hesitating, she
sprang over the log, and seating herself, mo-
toned for her to do the same. Unused to see
Mag in such mode, Nora felt her fears give
way, and timedly sat down.
1t was a strange picture there, in the shade of
the softly leaving trees that fair girl, and
that wierd-looking woman But the birds, the
only beholders, save God and the angels, were
startled by the contrast.
The moment Nora was seated, Mag again
fixed her eyes upon her face, and said -
You have been weeping, lady what sorrow
have you? Does the tiger oppress his prey?
Is he not content with the tears already shed
for his wickedness, that your bright eyes must
be dimmed also =? /" Say, what has he done to
cause your sorrow?'' she said, as Nora remained
SILENT -
Who do you mean ?" asked Nora.
-" Your uncle, All Lady, you know not his
wickedness. J."
know he is not good, but he troubles Inc
not"
Not him ?-who then ?" and taking No
ra's hand, she continued : " Fear not to tell me,
Lady, if you have sorrow l may assist you,
and l will do so most willingly if possible l
am true friend to the pure and good but not
a friend to the wicked You may not feel like
accepting such a friend, but, lady, you shall
not lose by it,
Thus solicited, and charmed by Mag's gentle
manner, Nora confded to her the cause of her
sorrow. Mag seemed quite agitated, but quick
ly asked ." You are sure you do not love
him p
Yes very sure.'
Then can and ,oiH assist you at least he
shall cease troubling you for the present. orI
have forgotten my arts
You would not do murder ~ cried Nora,
for as she watched the flashing eye her old fears
returned
Murder no child have sinned enough
already. But you shall not wed one SO base as
Jason Malcott''
"My Uncle says it was my mothers wish
that should marry him."
" Your mothers wish, child That is fab
rcaton of his sinful brain believe it not
hhoW lid WiSleo 1oo Woi' Dub HuSG RO now
Cheer up, all will be well they have got old
Mag to deal with yet and they had best be-
ware. Good bye," and she strode away. But
she stopped again and said, " say nothing to
either of them of this meeting
Nora then returned home, and soon after as
Jason and his father were engaged in the field,
they were surprised by the appearance of Mag.
She was passing by them, as if with the intcn-
ton of taking no notice of them, but Jason
! called out: =" Here, old witch, tell my for
tune p
She turned and replied +" you will have
the sorrow of your fortune soon enough with
out being told it, young man.'
Jason laughed, and said, g But see if you
, can t find some good come"
Thus urged, Mag took his hand 6 You
t will endeavor to gain the love of fair maiden,
r who, for the love of her gold, you would mar
ry But you have taken the wrong method
n for her heart is shut against you, and she will
: never be yours"
F: Z" 'Tis fllse," he cried, snatching away biz
# hand, angrily.
T! "Hark ye !" said Mag g It's true, and il
o you do not cease to molest the maid the future
It may be blackcr still" Then drawing near tc
y the elder Malcott, she continued, " you too are
!, urging him on to evil. tell you to molest the
:, girl no more
l. " What mean you woman p he said
;. mean you and your son had better lei
g your niece alone she will never be his wife
e and if you value your life, you had best MOI
: harm her or cause her SORROW
It Begone with your prating, witch bcgone,