Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-05-07
HER CONFESSION.

AT the age OF 16 my aunt had succeed
ed in having mo finished to
the fashionable patent. I was beautiful,
willful, utterly selfish and devotee Of the
art Of flirting. So accomplished, returned
to my old home A gay party went with
me, with whom I was to make the round
Of watering places after short visit to
my father.
The Sabbath before we wereNo start we
oil went to the old village church. I shall
never forget that day. AS we all sat silent
there was slight rustling Of leaves and
the imporceptible stir that announces u
newcomer, and / turned to see that the
clergyman had entered noiselessly. He
was knceling at his dosk, but when, after
moment, he rose saw pale, intelleo-
tual face, grand head covered by light,
waving hair of golden brown, a tall figure
finely proportional, but a little too slight
for the indication of robust health. was
attracted and interested at first, but when
hc began to read the deep melodious in
Elections of his voice completed the charm.
listened cntranccd.
From that instant saw nothing, felt
nothing but his presence, until the service
and the sermon were ended.
Mechanically followed my friends into
the porch. a sudden summer shower Vas
gathering, tho air was, chill, and nature
yyorc tho gray bue 40 ominous Of her COM
ing commissions. had been unconscious
Of the change. but the chill wind had been
blowing upon mo from an omen window as
[ sat in church. and now I sbuddered as.
taking my fathers arm. hurried home
ward. Before we reached the house the
storm broke, and all but the swiftest pc
dostrians were thoroughly drenchcd. Ere
niphtfal burning fever aitcrnatcd with lev
chills in my frame. and the effect Of draft
and drepchine declared themselves.
Mr.. Fletcher had been invited nv nv IA
tber to dine with us. hut had excused him
self with the simple remark that his duties
absorbed the entire Sabbath day. But
durfhu the week and after our friends had
left us he called saw him in the little
morning room where I rested upon a
couch. and he dned with my father. This
visit was followed by many Others. until
and spent most evenings In listening to
my performances upon the pianoforte OF
in convcrsing with mo-
saw the effect Of my charms. knew
that / was beautiful, and the world de-
clared me brilliant. And I brought every
art that had learned to lure this silent,
grave youth to my feet. 1t was triumph
to bond his intellect to girls will, and I
liked him too. But / am sure no thought
of the future or of the consequences of my
act ever intruded upon me.
And yet / suffered, too, for was not
destitute of sympathy and my heart not
wholly untouched, either, by tho profound
devotion of the silent, grave man, when
listened to his declaration Of love and
spoke the words that separated us forever.
baIf a,
myself. But l stihed the silent monitor,
and ordered my maid to prepare for the
journey l was about to undertake to join
my friends at Newport.
The morning / left home my father
mentioned, casually, that he had heard
that Mr.. Fletcher was very ill., felt my
self grow pale and cold, but stiflcd my
emotions and in q constrained voice ex-
pressed my regret and begged my father to
inform me In his letters of his state.
Two wears later was in Italy with NV
busband-tho husband OF NV Aunt st.
. Glars choice. had made grand match
but was not happy.
One night I saw nv husband making
his way toward me through crowded sa.
loon. / pressed forward. for I felt the need
NJ his protection from advances that were
insults' though porbeps not intended az
such. He drew my arm in his, but did
Q not speak until we reached the anteroom.
Then he told me that he had been sum-
! moncd to the bedside of q dying country
man and that he had come from this mel
, sncholy visit to conduct mo thither. He
S would tell me no more, and when re-
4 fused TO 20 he compellcl me. almost by
0 force to accompany him.
7. ,,os 30 A. El.tobar ,yo ,yora ,oi,,
We found him in humble lodgings, for he
$ had spent his last dollar and was reduced
TO die in the midst of poverty and dopriya-
tion. He had heard OF us, had seen lis
o when he crawled forth upon the piazza and
: had yentured TO send for us in his extrem.
o ity. He uttered no reproaches though he
r told me in hollow accents, that nv rejec.
ton had been his doom, and now that he