The Factory Girl | Page 4

that seclusion, dear to her by so many pleasing recollections, and of leaving a father, mother and broth er, to find another home for herself, at the tender age of sixteen years. But she was prepared, and well prepared, for the task. Her mind was forti fied by virtue's shield, and well she knew the prayers of her parents, and Marcus, would daily meet her own at the sacred altar, for her protection. Thus was she happy in the anticipation of the journey of the next day, and we leave her, simply remarking, that no life can be truly happy unless it is approved of virtue.
CHAPTER II.
She left her home she left her friends,
To act her part upon Life's stage;
While beauty its effulgence lends,
At "sweet sixteen's" precarious age.
THE shades of night had disappeared, and Aurora had taken her seat in her oriental chariot, while Sol, her grand representative, by his smiles, chased every cloud from the horizon, and bade the flower and bud unfold their beauty, to add fresh fragrance to the sparkling dew-drops, to unfold their chalices again, and to pay their tribute to the Power which planted them, caused them to vegetate, and painted them in all their variegated and beautiful hues.
Again were heard the merry notes of some favorite air, as the farmer, whistling joyfully, as the feast of a contented mind, took his may to the field, to commence the labors of the day, and an imated nature in all its varieties, found a tone to echo in the glad strains which characterize rural life. All was life and animation, and beauty crowned the scene, as the dew-drops, like crystals, sparkled from their thousand petals, while the forest, the hill, and the vale, were attired in their livery of green, wrought in multiform varieties by the hand of Nature.
But while yet the morning twilight lingered in the chambers of the east, Calliste had offered her devotion to Heaven. She had arisen and gone forth to walk, and to catch the rich perfumes of myriads of flowers, borne on etherial wings, while she sought the invigorating and salutary influence of the salubrious atmosphere of her native hills, once again, ere she left them for other scenes.
All things were ready for her departure, and she felt a mixture of joy and grief rising in her breast joy in the anticipation of the accomplish ment of her object, and grief at the thought of the separation which must take place between herself and those near and dear to her heart; and in consideration of the many temptations and dangers to which a city life renders the young and inexperienced subjects.
She returned, and as the happy family of which Calliste was a much loved and worthy member, seated themselves once again together around the humble board to partake of the bounties of providence, and then gathered around the family altar, to join in a song of praise, and to bow in humble prayer before the Majesty of Heaven, no wonder if Calliste felt indeed a pang at the thought of separation. It is natural to humanity to desire that those scenes in which we take the most in terest may be perpetuated, and the hour which is to sever us from our highest enjoyments, must necessarily bring with it, unwelcome feelings to the heart. But Calliste had formed her resolutions, and resolved to bear the pang that separation must occasion, with a firm courage, and to that end had resolved to appear cheerful. She wore a gem that is the safest helment the best shield and that gem she trusted to preserve her from every snare, and enable her to resist every temptation. It was the gem of virtue, gentle reader, crowned by true piety. This is the defence of the heart, the safeguard of the graces and accomplishments of the mind, and the beauties of the person.
The hour had come when the adieu must fall from lips unaccustomed to speak the word. The last counsels of tender parents had been given, and Calliste had been commended to God. The stage coach was at the door, and she must go. Then did the reality burst upon the mind of the fair one, and almost did she regret the step which she was about to take but it was too late; and though the tear-drops forsook her eyes, when the last embrace and kiss were given, yet she cheerfully took her place in the stage, and soon was far from the scenes of home, and the familiar faces which remained. She had an object in view of sufficient importance to cause her to relinquish her own happiness for a season to secure its attainment.
But what were the feelings of that fond and pious mother, at parting with the object of her