"Well, I'll be darned," exclaimed her father, not coming here, sure-Is he Mabitable." At length Mrs. Chapman spoke-" Theodore stamping with his foot, until he made the piazza shake. "If I ever know'd fickleness equal to this, "My gracious! yes-he has tied his horse to the what do you know of this man; he may rails. Now he springs over, and now comes smibond-you'll kill Theodore-I am ashamed of lingly up to the house-he cannot have heard of her marriage-what is to be done!"

"Dear Hezekiah!" interposed Mrs. Chapman, "I am sure, I cannot tell," said Mrs. Chapman

in a disconsolate tone. It will break the poor boy's on him, he felt, but it was some moments ere he heart."

The sobs of Mrs. Chapman was the only answer he received. She had loved Theodore as a son, and the sight of the misery which she had in a measure brought to his youthful heart, nearly overpow ered her. Theodore turned to go towards her, but he staggered, and fell violently back against theme in my toils for so long a time, are crushed in

year, was delighted when she found he had re-best and gentlest boy in all Varmont-and to think turned, and throwing down her knitting she ran out that proud girl should treat you so, is more than I crying, "my dear Theodore! who'd a thought it! can bear." why sure it can't be you-come in, come in dear boy."

Theodore threw his arms around his mother, kissed her, then sat down with his head leaning on his hand without speaking.

Mrs. Howard knew her son had heard of the marriage of Elizabeth, and sitting down mournfully opposite him, she gazed on him in tearful silence. At length she said-"So I see you have heard all about Elizabeth Chapman's marriage. But don't grieve about it, come, it a'nt manly to be down-hearted about a faithless girl."

66

Mother," said Theodore mildly-"you must have patience with me for a little while. I am a weak boy, I know, and this will have its way; it was a sudden blow mother, and sometimes I think it has broken my heart."

"No more of that, dear mother-if you love me, never mention her to me again. I must try to forget her-yes," he added, pressing his hands over his eyes, "my only chance of happiness must be, in banishing from my heart, all those sweet thoughts and feelings, which have filled it so long. Those airy castles, those lonely visions, it has been my sole delight to indulge in, must fade before the sadness of stern reality. My peace now depends on forgetting my early days-in erasing from my memory all those years of my youth-for they have been spent with her. And Elizabeth! must I forget her, the remembrance of whom has been alas my only joy. But enough of this-I have a task before me, I must walk, or ride-do any thing but think." Poor Theodore found the task he had set himself greater than he could perform. His had not been an active life, he had lived in his study, or in the woods alone, or in rambling with, or thinking of Elizabeth. Her he had loved, with an intenseness and devotedness few feel. The severe shock he had received, he could not struggle with, but all "Ah mother," said Theodore, kissing the tears strength and firmness seemed fled from his young from his mother's cheek, "you must not blame her, heart. He would see no one, go to no house where she could not help loving him. It was not her fault. he had formerly been, but sat for hours leaning his You know it would have been wrong in her to mar-arms on his little table, and his head on them, or ry me if she loved another-love another!" he ex- rambled alone in the silent forest. claimed with an unnatural burst of violence. "I could not prevail on him to see any know her heart, she does not love him; he is rich, friends; his only wish, he said; was to forget and be I see it she has sold herself, for gold and destroy-forgotten.

Mrs. Howard burst into tears. "I am sure I wish this fellow had been to Guinea before he had come here getting Elizabeth's heart away from you, but she's a cruel heartless thing, I cannot bear her."

His mother of his early

ed me. But she shall not triumph-cold, calcula- One morning Theodore took up his hat, as usual, ting being! He shall die-let me go mother. He and was preparing to go out, when his mother askshall not live in her smiles, while I am cast aside ed him where he was going," to the woods, molike a dog to die. Yes, mother, I am dy―ther."

dying."

"How long shall you be gone."

"I know not."

without food-indeed it is wrong; you will get sick, you will die, then what will become of your poor mother. My son," she continued, endeavoring to suppress her tears, "I have never spoken to you about your sorrows since the first day of your return, but I must speak; it grieves me to the heart, to see my only child give himself up to such misery and despair. Now don't sit down to that table again. I cannot bear to see you there, leaning your head on your hands for hours. It is not right, my son; you must employ yourself."

The violence of his passion now abated as suddenly as it had arisen, and he fell back insensible in his Dear Theodore, you must not wander so much mother's arms. The unhappy young man was pla-alone in the forest. You must not stay out all day ced in bed, and his weeping mother sat by him, smoothing back his damp glossy locks from his pale forehead with her trembling hands. The tears rolled down her withered cheeks, as she gazed on her only child, in whom she had taken so much pride, bowed down by a blast of misery, lying motionless and insensible before her. The physician, who had been sent for, now came, but it was a long time before the unhappy Theodore showed any signs of life. Then, medicines were administered, the curtains closed, and his sorrowing mother seated herself by his bedside, and watched him until morning. Theodore awoke the next day, calm and rational, but neither the presence, nor the caresses of mother could raise a smile. was stamped in every feat and although he replied to

D me

er

"Dear mother, what can I do. If I attempt to read, the letters are all dim, if I would write, my band trembles so that my writing is illegible, tell what would you have me do."

is difficult at first, I know, but try again my all have troubles sent us from our Father, our duty to him, to bear them as lightly as I cannot expect you not to feel: but to as you do-to exhaust your

food-to spend your day

y, is unfitting you for er

ar acceptance in the r

distress you, but I

your mother is t you owe her

ing

а

ou

are sacrificing her health and peace, as well as your own

"Dear mother-I will do all you wish; what shall I do to please you."

roga, added to the variety and soft beauty of the scene. Elizabeth was in the meanwhile, sitting in a musing attitude, apparently engaged in watching the ripples which were dancing around the boat. "Why, in the first place, you must accustom Malitable was one of those inconvenient personyourself to see Mrs. Graham-nay, do not start so; ages who are born without tact, and turning to stop, you must hear me. It is your only course, if Elizabeth, she said in a low tone, "I dare say you you wish to recover peace of mind. You must hear are thinking now of what just came across me. her name spoken, and see her also; promise me The last time you and I were together on a boating you will try For the sake of your poor old sor-expedition, poor dear Theodore Howard was with rowing mother, do endeavor to seek her. "Mother, I promise."

us."

"Yes, I confess that my ideas were on that sail"That's a dear boy! my own Theodore now-ing party, and it was with the greatest reluctance remember, I have no husband-no one but you to I came to-day; for I cannot bear to enjoy myself, look to for happiness." when I know he is so unhappy-and through my means. Ah, indeed, it sometimes makes me quite wretched."

Well, mother, I have promised."

"Then, why not go to day."

Nay, not to the house; there is to be a party to fish on the lake."

"You need not go in the same boat with them, but go with others, and do not let that Graham say you are pining away with grief, because he got your love away."

"I am in hopes he is getting over it now,” replied Mahitable-"I passed the house yesterday, and seeing his mother at the window, I asked her how Theodore was. She answered, "quite well." I then asked how his spirits were. 'His spirits,' she said, drawing herself up- his spirits are very good, I assure you: there is nothing the matter with him, and I hope you will tell your friend, Elizabeth Chapman so.'

"Ha! does he say that. I'll go mother, I will visit all my old friends, indeed I will, but not to-day. I am unfitted for this yet, give me but this one day to prepare myself for this great effort, and I promise Elizabeth sighed, and shook her head. She you, dear mother, I will ride up to Mrs. Chapman's knew him and his mother too well to hope this. and face them all-nay, more, I will laugh and look Arrived now at the fort, the party ascended to ramgay, and they shall suppose every unhappy feeling ble around the ruins. Melancholy is generally is erased from my heart. Will that satisfy you-mixed with our sensations while gazing on a ruin ; This day I must have to school my heart."

64

Well, go my son, but remember to-morrow I shall depend on you, who has never broken a promise to me."

Early that day three wagons drove from Mrs. Chapman's door. Beside Elizabeth and her husband, there were all the young people of the town. The ride to Lake Champlain was delightful. The morning was bright and clear, and the air filled with fragrance, which the dew had extracted from the flowers. The songs of the birds re-echoed around the woods, while through openings of the forest, the waters of the lake were seen glittering, and quivering in the morning sun; occasionally a summer breeze wafted aside the thick foliage about them, and gave the gazer a passing glimpse of the deep, and pure cerulean heaven. Our party arrived at the shore in high spirits; every thing combined to wind them up to an unusual pitch of enjoyment. Leaving the wagons, all embarked in sail boats, to "ride on the lake," as they express it. Edward and Elizabeth, with James Chapman, Mercey and Mahitable, and young Bennet were in one boat, while

but here their only feelings were those of proud triumph and gratitude to heaven for their country's freedom. The deeds that were done there were recounted, and they gazed on the crumbling masses, as monuments of the heroes who once fought there.

James Chapman, who had stood with his arms folded, and his eyes fixed on the fallen fortress, now suddenly clasped his hands together, and, while his eyes flashed with enthusiasm, exclaimed, "By gum! I wish I had been here!"

"Gracious me! brother, what's the matter?" said Elizabeth.

"I was thinking of that cute exploit of Allen and Arnold. What rare sport they must have bad! Graham, do you see that rock, on the other side of the lake? Well, there did that valiant band embark; over this very spot they came silently on, headed by Ethan Allen, and took the fort before a single gun was fired. Now, why can't I ennoble my name by some such exploit ?"

"Come," said Mahitable, "you had better join the fishers, and get some fish for our dinners, or the

a larger one contained the remainder of the compa-daughters of your country will starve." ny, and that important accompany ment to all pic- While the gentlemen were catching and cooking nic's the collation. The sails were hoisted, and, the fish, the ladies spread a cloth under the shade filling with the summer breeze were soon far out of some trees, and covered it with their rustic fare. in the blue waves of the lake. James Chapman was constituted waiter, and throwGraham gazed around him with increasing plea-ing a napkin over his arm, he flourished around sure for his eyes had seldom rested on so fair a with so many smirks and graces, that poor Mahitascene. At one time, they were under a mass of ble was almost convulsed with laughter. The fish bold cliffs, which towering to the clouds, threw its dark shadow far out in the lake-then again the level shores, and cultivated tracts, claimed his attention, or some lonely isle, whose deep verdure was spotted with clumps of magnificent trees, while the distant hills, and the outlines of Fort Ticonde

were declared to be cooked to a charm, and the feast was seasoned and concluded with jokes and joyous laughter. The clouds had been flitting about all day-now spotting the broad surface of the lake with shadows, and now sailing far away in the blue sky. Now, however, they gradually

congregated together, and the western sky assumed I saw him far below me, but fainted before I could

tell them. Oh, Theodore-dear Theodore! go." Theodore gazed on her, and out on the dark lake. A flush of joy rushed over him; but striking his heart violently, maddened that such a thought found harbor there, he sprang into the boat, calling to Elizabeth, "I will save your husband, or die." James followed him, and they were once more on the waters. The floating wreck was attained again, and both gazed down in search of the lost Graham. They espied him at last, and Theodore sprang out of the boat, and down through the water. James watched him anxiously. Theodore worked with incredible exertion to release him, who had made the world a desert to him, and arose twice for air, before he succeeded. He was at length loosened, and Theodore arose with him to the surface; he was placed safely in the boat, and James turned to assist Theodore; but at that moment the blood gushed out over the face of young Howard, and relaxing his grasp, he sank heavily down through the stormy waves. Sorrow had so wasted him, and his extraordinary exertions that

After Theodore left his mother, he betook himself, as usual, to his solitary rambles. His favorite haunt was a hill, which rose abruptly from the shore of the lake. Here, throwing himself on the grass, beneath the shade of a chesnut tree, with no sound near save the rustling of the leaves in the gentle breeze, he gazed sadly out on the lake, and over the varied and beautiful country beyond. "How often," he said, "have I looked on all this with delight! What bright visions of the future passed through my mind! Ah, how happy I was! How incredulously I listened, when the old people, shaking their heads at youth's day-dreams, spoke of the almost certainty of disappointment. There is no change here. The glittering lake at my feet-day had so exhausted him, that he burst a bloodthe wild forests around-the lovely shores, and the elysian islands-all are the same; yet every soft and gentle feeling is tainted by that bitter fountain which lies in the recesses of my heart, and all this beauty gives no pleasure now.'

vessel, and sunk to rise no more. James, in great distress, rowed around, and lingered in hopes of seeing his unhappy friend, but convinced he was gone forever, and knowing every minute was of consequence to Graham, he sadly took his way to the shore. Graham recovered slowly, but Elizabeth, miserable at the fate of Theodere, was taken home in a state of high fever and delirium.

Mrs. Howard had felt in remarkable good spirits that day, for she now hoped to see her beloved boy recover from his state of gloomy sorrow; and with her knitting in her bag she stepped over to take a dish of tea with neighbor Peabody. At that mo

home. The widow ran to the window. "Well, Jimmy," she said, “I'm glad you have brought them home safely. I was terribly afeard when I heard the thunder, that some accident might happen: but where's the rest? I hope they are all

"Oh, yes," said James, turning pale with his endeavors to speak calmly to the bereaved woman; "they will be all here directly."

A clap of thunder aroused Theodore-he started to his feet and gazed around him in dismay. The sky and water were of one dark hue. The blast, which just then burst down on the land, bore the largest trees to the ground, and filled the air with leaves, and branches, and dust. Out on the cliff's extreme edge-quivering with the idea of the danger of her he so deeply loved; for out in the lake were two boats, with their masts bent to the water.ment James Chapman drove up to bring Mahitable With incredible exertion he let himself down the rocks, and stood on the shore. The larger boat had arrived safely, and landed its terrified passengers. Theodore looked eagerly among them, but she he sought was not there. Wildly he gazed at the other frail bark. Its sails touched the water-safe." it upset, and turned completely over! One groan escaped Theodore; then springing into a boat, followed by others, with the assistance of sails and oars, they succeeded in forcing their way through the waves. Young Bennet they met, swimming to the shore, with Miss Wayland, and after some exertion, had the happiness of rescuing them. Straining every nerve, the upset boat was at length reached, and there, almost faint with exhaustion, James Chapman was seen clinging to its side, supporting Elizabeth. Mahitable had fortunately returned in the other boat. With a burst of gratitude Theodore received the insensible Elizabeth in his arms, and in a few moments the weary crew brought their rescued friends to the shore. Theodore bore Elizabeth to a sheltered James gave his horse a cut, and drove away. spot, where, with the assistance of others, he "Good heavens!" he exclaimed, "I should have wrung the wet from her hair, rubbed her hands, gone raving mad, had I stayed there another moand soon had the satisfaction of seeing her revive. ment. To hear that poor old soul speak so cheer"Oh, my husband!" she cried, gazing wildly fully, so much livelier than she has been for some around her. "6 Did you save him? Where is he?" time past, and to know the blow that is hanging "He must have swam to the shore." over her is horrible." "No, no, he is drowning! Go immediately," she screamed wildly; "He is entangled in the sails!

The poor unconscious mother ran on talking gaily, until a cold chill crept over the party as they gazed on her smiling countenance, and thought how soon anguish would be seated on every feature.

"I am so glad my Dorey did not go with you," she continued. "I urged him to go, but I should have been in an agony of fear had I thought he was on the water in that storm, for should he be drowned, I don't know what would become of me. He is no doubt sheltered somewhere. But drive on-you all look so weary."

As they rode along, they were hailed from many a house, to know the fate of the party, and soon