Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-08-23

about discovered "a large open ventilator just
over the head of the couch: that was the me-
dium that conveyed sounds to me. Satisfied, [
sank to my reverie, when the voice sounded
again, clearer and louder, so that l could not
help but hear the words:
$50, BeSs," it said, "you mean to thwart
me; you think, because you have always had
your own way with me that you will carry the
day now but you handle tho ribbons too freely
to win the stakes. For instance, why did you
refuse to dance with Won Holt last night, and
why did you leave the assembly-room without
any escort?"
81 left the room, sir, because Lady Grey was
ready to 60, and refused to dance for the rea-
son that Herr Won Holt had neglected to engage
my hand for set, and"
"And, interrupted the gentleman, "you
took exception at that, when you knew that
Won Holt did not enter the room until the
waltzing commenced Do you want man
tied to your apronstring, Bess? ?"
"No, father" answered the sweet tones,
"l don't wish man to be tied to me in any
way"
81 should judge not, by the clever manner
that you exhibit to my friends. Why do you
reject every attention from Won Holt, when it
is my desire that you should accept them?"
cit is because dislike him"
And whom do you like? do you want
royal duke? Allow me to inform you, Eliza
beth Conyingham, that man of larger for
tune, or better family connections, will never
make advances to you"
go, father" pleaded the voice, " let mo
stay at home with you. Why wish me to ac-
cept this gentleman, this foreigner, who is un-
like me, and who will surely make me unhappy?
w hat is there in marriage tha1 one should rush
into it without even friendship? 1t does not
confer happiness we see that every day. How
many married people do We know even here in
Brighton, | see them that are ill-mated and
ready to be free of their yoke? Do you wish
to condemn me to similar fate? 0, father,
am not dutiful child, that you wish to be
rid of me?"
" The deuce take the perve,sity of women"
was mutered in reply. Somebody Immediately
slammed the door, and the conversation ceased.
| said the voice had piqued my curiosity, and
no sooner was it silenced than felt an over
whelming desire to see the owner of it. How
could accomplish the object? There was the
ventilator, broad aperture through which |
could have leaped if necessary-why not make
use of that? ! softly moved large chair
across the room, and placing it beneath the
opening in the wall, stepped into it, now
confess, looking back upon that time, that for
person of my years and dignity, the act was
contemplate, but am now ashamed to state
that never thought of the extreme delcacy
and presumption of that step, or what might
be the consequences. AS | raised my head to
the level with the sill, saw hlnging opposite
to me, against the wall of the room was
about to reeonnoitre, large mirror, and from
its clear surface reflected the image of q lady
| knew it was the owner of the voice a slender
fairy creature, reclining in Il anteuil, her head
bent down upon her hands, and her whole atti-
tude indicative of mental suffering. l did not
see the face, but cloud of curls foated over
her neck and arms, and were the last insignia
by which | knew should recognize it. So
long as burst preserved my position, but a
J slight movement of the curls started me, and |
sprang down.
X
Early that evening took station in the as
sembly-rooms which commanded a view of the
entrance, and after long and faithful watching
} my patience was rewarded, The Aorid figure
of Lady Grey appeared, and by her side was
Miss Connyns ham a gentleman of dubious
aspect accompanied them a man with lightes
| hair and mustacheS, and small eyes, the light
OF which was nearly extingushed beneath
J bushy eyebrows. did not like the expression
of those green eyes, it was furtiye, and sermcC
constantly looking out for surprises his man
| ner was clearly that Of a man Of the world
t knew that it was Mr.. Conyngham, and my
| eyes soon turned from him to the fair creature
g at his side She wore a plain white dress
! without other ornament than bunch of heath
Q er that fastened it at the throat; her counte
d nance was pale and grave, and she stood in 81
!, silent Indifference, regarding the gay seen
# about her, 50 unlike the silly things that wer
: auttcring their fans and arching their nccks t,
/ show themselves off.