The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1868-07-07
MISCELLANY.
THE TWO PURSES.


LIFE AMONG TIE BOSTON ARIsTooRACY
Ii was cold winter night, and the
winds whstled through the bare limbs OF
the giant trees that lined the wall The
ground was covered with snow, on whose
surface the light fell with dazzling splen-
dol, studding the interested ground with
brilliant diamonds. As the old South
Clock struck nine, a young man, wrapped
IN his cloak, sought the shade of the large
: trees in the park, from whence he watch
ed the coming of the numerous carriage
loads of gaily dressed people of both sexs
es, who entered one Of the princely houses
ON Beacon street Through the richly
stained glass windows the gorgeous light
issued in steady food, accompanied by
the thrilling tone of music from full
band the house, illuminated at every
point, seemed crowded with gay and
happy spirits The stranger sill contem-
plated the scene--his cloak, which had
enseloped the lower part of his features,
had fallen, discovering face of manly
beauty, full dark eye, with arching
brows, and short curling hair, as black us
the raven plumage, setting off to great
advantage his Grecian style of feature
becoming moustache curled about his
mouth, giving decidedly classic appear
anco to his whole face. The naval but
ton on his cap showed that he belonged to
that class of our national defense.
"Shall l enter" said he thoughlfully,
to himself, "and feast my eyes on charms
| can never possess Hard fate. that |
should be bound to the iron chains of
poverty-yet l am man, and have a
soul as noble as the best of them we
will see," and crossing over to the gay
scene he entered the ball room He cast
off his over shoes, handed his cloak and
coat 10 the servant. and unannonnced,
mingled with the beauty and fashion that
thronged the room. Gradually he made
his way among the crowd TO bright and
beautiful being, the queen in loveines. of
that brilliant assembly. The bloods of
the West end focked around her, seeking
for AN approving glance from those dreamy
blue eyes; half abstracted, she answered
or spoke on the topics of conversation
without apparent interest. Suddenly she
started, blnshed deeply, dropped half
courtesy in token of recognition to some
one without the group. Her eyes, no
longer languid, now sparkled with ami
nation, and as our naval friend entered
the group about her, she laid her tiny
white hand in his, saying
Welcome, Ferris we had feared
yonr sailing orders had taken you to sea
this bleak weather" -
We should not have lifted anchor
without first paying tiibute to our qneen, "
was the gallant reply
iiiter ran through tie circle ut rs-
clusiv"a at his appearance, bat when tie
lady appeared pleased there was no room
for complsnt
The -, scenes of the night wore on
Several Times had Ferris Harvard com
pletely put al fault the shallow Drained
tops around him, placing them in any,
thing but a'n enviable light
ferris Harvard Was lieutenant in the
navy, and depended on his paw as AL of
h"er t" support widowed ::mother and
| younger sister, 10 both of whom he was
dev"tediy attached. His father was a
selt-made man, had once been snccessful
merchant, who sailed and freighled some
OF the heaviest tonned vessels that left
Boston hnt misfortune and sickness. over
took him, and he sunk into the grave,
leaving his only son to protect his mother
and sistr, from the wants and ills of lie.
Ferris had enjoyed liberal education
and having entered the navy as mid
shipman, had reached "a lientenancy by
reason OF his superior requirements and
good conduct. His profession led him to
all parts of the world, and he had care
fully improved his Advantage, though
constrained by reason of his limited means
TO the practice of the most rigid economy.
He met with the only daughter Of
Harris H., one of the wealthiest citizens
Of Boston, at fete given on board the
ship to which he belonged, and had be-
come Immediately enamored with her,
and he well knew in his own heart the
difference in their fortunes formed a bar,
rler to his wishes, He had been casual
visitor for several months subsequent to the
time our story commences, at the house o.
the II. family.
81 must think of her no more" sale
Ferris to himself" if ! am jeered by hel
friends for offering her common civilties
with what contempt would her austsr,
parents receive proposition for her hanC
from one so poor and unknown"
Harris Fl. was indeed a stern old man
and yet he was said to be kind to tn,
poor, giving freely of his bounty to tn,
relief of the needy. Still he was a strang,
man; he seldom spoke to those abou
him, yet he evinced the warmest love fol
bis child; and Annie, too, loved her faith
er with an ardent affection. His deligh
was to pore over his library, living as i
were in the company Of the old philoso
pliers. On several occasions, when Fer
ris was at his house, and engaged in con
verse with Annie. he observed the olt
, mans eye bent sternly upen him, whsI
his heart would sink within him, and h
would awake to reality of his situation
Ferris was one evening in Beacon st.
at the house of Mr.. III where, in spite O