Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-08-14

unworthy sister-to show her better things.
When the old Roman soldier was blind, he was
led by STRIPPING boy-as one child would lead
another; not that the old man was less wise
than he had been, but he wanted sight, and the
youth lent him the only faculty he needed. On
the same principle, may not give to her, who
is ten times greater than am, the one quality
she needs--the only one possess-and so rem
der her loss gain ?' Having thought so
much, Annette looked into Lady Leslie's face
it retained the traces of recent tears. and was
more than usually pale. 81 will not speak yet"
thought her sister and without saying a word,
she took her lutte. and striking few wild
chords, began the beautiful song of the witty
and accomplished Carew =
ale that loves q rosy cheek,
Or coral lip ntinires,
Or from star-like eyes doth seek
Fuel to maintain his fires
As Old Time makes these decay,
SO his flames must waste away"
She paused for moment at the conclusion
of the first verse, and stole a quiet glance at
her companion hut there was no expression
that could induce her to continue or forbear.
She again sung
"But smooth and steadast mind,
Gentle thoughts and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combin'd
Kinde never-dying fires;
Where these are not despise
Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes"
"You are fond of the laws of old time" said
Lady Leslie, with sigh but | care not for
either the modern or the ancient rhymsters !;
why should care for anything, when nothing
cares for me? ?"
"If you care for nothing, dear ster, that
same nothing shows marvellous wisdom in car
ing for you. l wish | could initiate it But
will you not read me Leslie's letter P" she con-
tinued, or, at least tell me what he says? Here
have sat, the perfect picture of maidenly pa
tience, singing and sighing from fair curiosity
to know what writes my lordly brother"
80, you may see it all !" but stay, | will read
this passage myself =
"'Since YOU have so long enriched the abbey
with your presence, | fear | can hardly hope
YOU will continue there after my return tell
me- dearest do you not pant for the court of
which your beauty was so bright an orna-
ment p"
"You hear, Annette" continued the proud
lady, rising from her seat and pacing the apart
ment with the grace of Mary and the irrita-
ton of an Elizabeth: "You hear Did he know
of the evil have suffered, it would be i'll talk
ing of beauty; perhaps he would not think of
returning"
"And have you net told him, then ?"
"Told him, Annette! o no, silly girl Do
you think did not want to see him once more
him have so loved? But your childish ma
ture cannot unde stand such love you love
linnets, and doves, and wild roses, and"
"You, sister !"
"Forgive me, Annette, forgive me !" said
Lady Leslie, with one of those sudden transit
tions of temper to which petted men, women,
and children, are so often subject: "Some al
lawance would he made for king who had lost
his crown--for a."
you have not lost your crown. 1t is now
my turn to be forgiven. for again interrupting
you. have read of a virtuous woman being a
crown of glory to her husband and do you
know what fancy should be married woman S
crown ?--Iler husbands love-"
"Granted; my husbands love was what
priced on earth-more than earth's-all earth's
tful |"
"My dear sister!'
"What mean ye, girlP" inquired Lady Les
lie, with returning haughtiness OF manner.
THAT you deceive yourself; grant he was
your principal but not your only object. Ad,
miration was your flod-your existence depen-
ded upon it If he were not present to give
the necessary supply, you took it from other
hands. Nay, do not look so sternly on me.
own from him it was Soeeter than from any
but, sister, it was sweet from ALL
Lady Leslie gazed upon her young sister with
astonishment. She had ouly considered her an
afectionate, kind girl she had not sought 10
penetrate her characters vain people seldom
care for others sufficiently to scrutinize their
minds. And now astonishment at her bold
ness was blended with veneration for her truth
Annette continued-''if my beloved sister would
| IL, tho r;ol, e,o = ko, "A
and cultivate the affections of her heart, she
would be more beloved than ever by her hus
band, and command the respect-if, indeed, il
would be worth commanding-of those who
Aattered and better still, of those who neve
soiled their lips by flattery or falsehood"
"Annette Feversham, the philosopher !" ex
claimed the lady contemptuously.
"Annatte Feversham, the naturalist, if yo,
will !" replied her sister, playfully. "May | tel
you tale? 1t is very short and very true
You know that when you were engaged in tn,
business of fashionable life, your boy was turn
ep over to his childish aunt, as companions wei
suited to each other. Well, sister, | hav
learned from childhood more wisdom, more O
, that natural wisdom which comes direct from
God than / ever learned from men. The
| goodness is so active, and their thoughts give
with so much honesty. | love to hear then
plulllt VI lutlE uOpth anu IcuTs, Uc
fore deceit has taught them mystery or con
cealment. Do you remember the first day yo
ventured to your dressing-room, you ordere
Edward to he brought IMP | was well lon
before, and had seen him frequently but som
weeks had elapsed since he had been permitte
; audience of his mother Sister, YOU took hir
Z in your arms, kissed his fair brow a thousan
, times and wept salt-yet sweet-tears of JOY
D they were brighter to my eyes than the ga
jewels of your coronet for they were nature
4 tears"
"Perhaps they were tears of pride, shed at m
. own sad change"
/ "I'll not believe it he too had suffered tn
| disease. but had 'scaped without bemsl
e All, good sister you wept for joy-to see h
d brow unscratched,"
. ~ did did,"
It 81 knew you did, took him to his chan
her and after grave pause, he looked int
i my face, and, clasping his tiny hands, e'