Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-04-28

kIuut VI odIu tU6 WluOW anu tc
money that the sale of the carpet and the
mirror will procure will stock il with sheep
and cattle: and with industry and prudence,
my dear boys, we shall soon be as we'll off as
our neighbors.'
THAT you will, sister, said Janet Har-
den, the meekest and most amable of old
maids, who bore the reproach of cclibacy
with the best grace imaginable; who, when
tormented by one Of uncle Williams chill
dren, TO tell him what an old maid was-for
papa said that she, aunt Janet, was an old
maid-answered the child, with benevolent
smile, instead of resenting the implied insult
from her blunt brother-'A wise woman,
child
Aunt Janet, or Jessy, as the children cal
led her, had kindly consented to accompany
her brother William in his emigration; gen.
erously giving up school, from the pro-
ceeds of which she obtained comfortable
living, to assist them in their first settlement,
and superintend the education of their fami-
ly. You have no cause for dependency
continued this truly devoted woman. The
boys are healthy and strong; and even ifyou
should be disappointed in the sale of these
things, if they consent to work on, for few
years, they will soon earn for you focks and
herds
Now, Jessy, don't 60 10 break my heart,
BY talking of their working out as servants.
Could you bear to see your own brother
Johns children brought so low? Is there
one of Williams sons to compare with theml
Il hate comparisons among friends re-
turned Janet, without noticing her sster-in-
laws splenetic speech. The children are
all equally dear to me and if God has given
to some farer faces and better talents than
the rest, pray whose fault is that? Not the
BARNS ; and 10 find fault with the al-wise
Disposer would be to commit sin. AS to
work-,o employ the hands in an honest en-
deavor to provide for the wants of family,
is no disgrace, but virtue. If Providence
has placed the means of living at ease be-
yond our reach, it is our duty to work, in Or
der that we may not be burden to Others
Besides, sister Anne, to work faithfully for
another, teaches US TO work proftably for
ourselves
II is very we'll for you to preach, Jessy,
who are SO much better off yourself; but
we're you in my situation, the case would be
different murmured the widow, who had not
yet learned to cast her burthen upon the
Lord.
DO you suppose, sister, that because |
have two or three hundred pounds of my own,
that mean 10 be idle = said Janet. ITO
tell you the truth, have already forestalled
the larger portion of this sum in paying the
poor Gifiord's passage out. And as it may
be years before they are able to repay me, il
ever, must work hard to make it up
l always knew that your sister Margaret
was your favorite,' said the widow. For
my part, | never could ask favors of any one
although have conferred many in my time.
And here she wiped away the tear, which
! naturally enough, obtruded itself upon heI
cheek, as vain recollections of her former af-
: fuence crowded upon her mind.
My dear Anne, could not help you
, both at the same time,' said the kind old
maid. Margaret has a sick husband, and
four small children. The change of climate
r was recommended for his health, and was
only too happy TO contribute my mite to eff.
! feet this important object for Clifford, you
know, is an excellent man, and his valuable
life OF the utmost consequence 10 us all. !,
is little | want for myself; and if live q
couple of years longer, hope shall be able
} to assist my dear nephews, Robert and Will
: liam, TO settle in life.'
I If the mirror sells for what it ought t.
, fetch said Mrs. Harden, proudly, we shall
not require any assistance
/. 'Confound that useless piece oftrumpery!
!. cried Mr.. William Harden, who had beef
= listening unobserved to the conversation o
the ladies'; am sick of hearing about it
=, You had better not reckon too much upor
the sale of it. You know what have toll,
/, you on that head before
Il know you delight to vex me- said tn
$ widow, and say these ill-natured things Of
y purpose to wound my feelings; but, in spit
. of your ugly prophesies, feel assured tina
@ the mirror will make our fortunes
It You forget the old carpet2' said MI
+. Harden, with a provoking laugh. Is tina
to perform no part IN this important object
4 But we shall Sec
. yes, we shall see, responded the widow
!. Why should not be as good prophet a
y your
r Il have probability on my side.'
g The most probable events are not thos
""Su uoSs HCHuSHt'y souc W pass S"'u III
widow, or most of the schemes Of huma
forethought would be successful, while W
constantly see them overthrow by crcum
s. stances, which no prudence could have fore
,, seen. A few months ago, what would hav
J, appeared more improbable than my presen
e situation? Who could have imagined tina
It should be forced to leave my comfortably
j. home, houseless and pcnniless, to wande
!, over the great deep, with my orphan boys il
!, search Of bread 2 And here Mrs. Harde
l. burst into tears, and her relatives felt griev
i ed tina, they had said anything to wound he
: feelings. Even the rude William Harde
d took her hand, and promised that she shou
If never want home while he had one to Of
i fer her.
o A succession of violent storms put an en-
i to family disputes. For many days the YES
y sci was in imminent danger Of sinking, an
f. all minor considerations were forgotten. i
i the all-absorbing thoughts of self-preserva
d ton. At length it pleased the Almigh
l. Mover of the elements TO calm the winds an