Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-04-08

old resolution-either an actress, or a
duchess fate might decide which, but
one or the other she would be.
She had been sewing in family who
settled near her old home to spend the
summer. In that house Hetty found the
evil destiny which darkened all the years
of her girlhood.
Tue family owned son-a young
fellow, by several years Hetty's senior
hendsome, poetical, with great artistic
talent. OF course, she loved hint
was the working of her fate--and Het--
ty loved as she did everything, with all
her heart and soul.
There is no story of sin and shame
on her side. He was as immoral as
most romantic, poetical youths of twenty,
but Hetty was proud and honest. She
would have sacrificed herself without
hesitation, could she have benefited him
by doing it; and from the fact that she
would have thrown herself away, from
the strength of her love, there was no
danger of her being lost by its weaker
side.
Before the summer ended, the family
learned what was going on. They came
down on Hetty like the Assyrian of old,
and there was no angel to interfere in
her behalf
Not satisfied with blasting her char
acter in the way most terrible to wo-
man, they persisted in believing that she
had stolen a sum Of money which had
disappeared, and talked Of having her
arrested.
The whole neighborhood Joined in the
chase like so many bloodhounds. Lau-
renee Gordon was sent off In all haste.
OF course, nobody blamed him, and the
contemplate wretch never attempted to
aid her. He allowed people to shake
their heads, and call him naughty boy,
with a smile, and never opened his lips.
Hetty went away. AT first she felt
inclined to remain and brave the storm
but Laurence was gone, not even her
mothers grave left sacred to her, and, be-
sides, her destiny called her out-neiiher
an actress fame nor duchess coronet
were to be cleaned there.
You can imagine where people said
she had gone, but their imaginations
were blacker than Hetty's life.
She found her way ihto another state
when her money failed, she walked, and,
at last, took up her residence with lady
whom she had formerly known we'll
the principal of school for young ladies',
IN town upon which Hetty stumbled.
Hetty studied hard during the two
years she remained there, teaching and
doing everything in her power to make a
return. Her dreams were put off in
defnitely-her kind friend would not
hear of them but another change came.
Mrs. Power died-the school passed
into other hands. The new principal had
been a teacher there and hated Hehy
cordially; but she did not have the sat-
isfaction of turning her away, for Hetty
left before she bad an opportunity.
She went to New York. Perhaps she
should find Gordon in the great city--her
new life and the fame she coveted must
be there at all events.
She went on the stage, but found-as
many young aspirants do-that the top
of the Ladder is not reached in siugle
bound.
Hetty had dreamed of making her first
appearance as Juliet, of being nearly
crushed under load of bouquets, and
having her carriage dragged home by an
enthusiastic crowd.
She made her appearance in part of
two lines-was so frightened that she for
got those-trod on the train Of the female
star-and, when the curtain fell was in
formed that her services would not be
longer required.
Three months after. she was a 'gen-
eral utility woman in travelling COM
pany, treated barbarously, and so poor,
that more than once she crept crying TO
bed an3 bit her fingers to delude- herself
into the belief that she was eating some-
thing.
She gave up at last. Her courage
had not failed, but her health did. She
found her way back to New York, and
into the hospital.
The first time she spoke, after her fe-
yer abated, made the nurse believe her
more delirious than ever. She opened
her eyes and looked sbout-recollection
came back. She was SO weak that she
could hardly lift her hands.
'Humph ? said she. Il am not to be
~, ootrass I, annaars All rioht Cat