Marguerite Verne

Marguerite Verne, by Agatha
Armour

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Title: Marguerite Verne
Author: Agatha Armour
Release Date: November 2004 [EBook #6945] [Yes, we are more than
one year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on February 16,
2003]

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Language: English
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MARGUERITE VERNE, BY AGATHA ARMOUR ***

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MARGUERITE VERNE;
OR:
SCENES FROM CANADIAN LIFE.
BY
RE. AGATHA ARMOUR.
CHAPTER I.
NEW YEAR'S EVE.
"Every one for his own. The night is starry and cold, my friend, And
the New Year blithe and bold, my friend Comes up to take his
own."--Tennyson.
New Year's Eve in the fair city of St. John, that queenly little city
which sits upon her rocky throne overlooking the broad expanse of bay
at her feet.

Reader, we do not wish to weary you with the known, but love for our
own dear New Brunswick is surely sufficient apology.
It is one of the feelings of human nature to be possessed with a desire
to worship the great and titled, to become enamoured with those
appendages, which are the symbols of social distinction. Let us
consider how we, as a people, are privileged. Is there any grander title
this side of Heaven than found in these words, "I am a British subject,"
and next "I am a New Brunswicker"? You who have travelled have
often felt your hearts rebound when listening to the eulogiums passed
upon our country and its gifted sons through the medium of the pulpit,
the platform and the press. "He is a New Brunswick boy." Ah, those
words are sufficient to inspire us with thoughts ennobling, grand and
elevating. There are to be found growlers in every clime, and it is only
such that will desert their fatherland and seek refuge under foreign
skies. We have liberty, right, education, refinement and culture in our
midst; we have a good government, noble reforms, and all advantages
to make us good and happy. Then let us cherish every right and
institution which makes our beloved New Brunswick the pride of its
loyal people. It is such feeling which prompts this work, and if the
different scenes throughout the province which we will endeavor to
portray, the usages of society, custom, &c., and the few characters
introduced from real life, meet your approbation, our highest
expectation will be realized.
Now back to our fair city.
On this New Year's Eve the moon was holding high carnival. Wrapped
in a costume of silvery radiance, she was displaying her charms to the
busy throng beneath with all the coquetry she could summon, to her aid,
darting quick glances at youths and maidens, and by covert smiles
bringing even the middle-aged man of business to her feet. The air is
also influenced by her wooing, and is inclined to be less severe than
some hours earlier. Floods of light are radiating King Square, giving
even to its leafless trees a charm of softness and effect. Pedestrians are
going to and fro, while several halt in the vicinity of the fountain to
smoke their pipes and discuss the news of the day. Presently a quick

step is heard approaching, and a trim little figure greets us, wrapped in
a fur-lined cloak, which, despite its ungainliness, cannot conceal the
grace of the wearer. As the maiden casts a passing glance we are
impressed by the sweet purity of her face--a face that will stamp its
image upon more than one heart, and leave memories that cannot be
forgotten.
Such was Marguerite Verne as we now attempt to introduce her in the
fond hope that others will see her as we do.
"Marguerite," exclaimed the child who had overtaken her as she
reached the pavement in front of the Royal Hotel,