Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1843-12-15
VOL. 80, NO. 15.-WHOLE NO. 1899.


death of her husband the house had been shut up |
no vlsiter had been admitted-there had been no !
witness to her agony and tears 1t should be so. |
There are calanies too great for human sym
patty seasons too awful Tor any presence save |
that Of the Eternal. Time, reason aud religion,
mot the hollow mockery OF solemn words and
looks-must heal the heart, lacerated by the ire
mendous death blow Abraham Allcrait had
waited for this day. He saw the gloomy curtains
drawn aside-he behed life stirring in The house
again. lie dressed himself more carefully than
he had ever dcne before, and sifaightway hobbIed
TO the door, before another and less hasty footsep
could reach it. A painter, wishing to arrest the
look OF one who smiles and smiles, and murders
while he Smiles would have been glad to dwell
upon the face of Abraham, as he addressed the
servant man who gave him entrance Below the
superficial grin, there wns as clear as day, the
natural expression of the soul tbHt would not
blend with any show OF pleasantly. Abraham
wished to give the attendant half a crown as soon
us possible Tie dared not offer it without rea-
sou, lie dropped his umbrella, and like gen.
erOus man, rewarded The honest fellow who stoop-
ed to pick tup. The preliminary over, and as it
were so much of dirt swept from the threshold,
lie gave his card, announced himself as Mr. ALI
craft, the banker, and desired TO see the lady on
especial business. He was admitted The ugli-
est of dresses did not delrGct from the perfect
beauty Of the widowed Mprgaret the billerest
OF griels had not removed the bloom still ripeniDg
on her cheek. Time and sorrow were most mer-
ciiul. The wife aud widow looked yet n girl
blushing in her teens. Abraham AcIah gazed
upon the la " as be bowed his arlfu head, with
admiration and delight, and then lie threw one
hurried and involuntary glauce around the gor-
geous room in which he sa,, and then he made his
own conclusions, and assumed an air Of condo
ence aud ulleciionate regard, as the wolf is said
10 do in fables, just before he pounces on the
lamb aud srangles IT,
The villain sighed.
! Z Sad Time, madnm, said he in q ugubrous tone
sad time. Strangers feel it,
Margaret held down her face.
Il should have come before, madam, IL propre-
ty had not restrained me. l have only lew
Lours which | can take from business, but these
belong to the afflicted and the poor
you are very kind, cir
Il beg you, Mrs. Mildred, not to mention it, 1t
was d great shock TO me to hear OF MIR Mildred's
deatl-a man in the prime Of life. SO very good
so much respected
lie was too good for this world, Sir
Much, nadaln--very much and what con-
ISOLATION for you that lie has gone 10 better-one
more deserving OF him. You will feel this more
as you find your duties recalling you to active
usefulness aguln,'
The lady shook her head despairingly.
! hope, madam, we may be permitted To do all
we can to alleviate your forlorn condition. | am
one OF many wlo regard you with the deepest
sympathy. You may have heard my name per-
hnps'
The lady bowed.
You must he very dull here,' exclaimed the
willy Abrahum gazing around him with the inter
nal consciousness that the death Of every soul he
knew would not make him dull in such paradise
- very dull am surep
Ill was a cheerful home while he lived, SIR an
swered Margaret most rueluliy.
'Ah-yes,' sighed Abraham; but now, TOO true
too true.
Il was thinking. Mr.. Allcrait'--
Before you name your thought, dear madam,
let me explain at once The object Of my whit.
am an old mana father and n wIdower-but
am also oh, crafty Alcrail!) ga simple and an
artless man. My words are few, but they express
my meaning faithfully. There was time, when
placed in similar circumstances 10 your own,
would have given the world had friend stepped
forward to remove me for season from the scene
OF all my misery. | remembered this while dwell
tins pluce, have a little box unenanted OF pre-
sent. Let me entreat you 10 retire to it, it Onl,
for a week. place 1t at your command, anc
shall be honored ii you accept the offer. The
house is sweetly situated-the prospect charming
n temporary change cannot but soolho your grief
am father lnadam-the father Of u noble you'll
aud know what you must suffer-
- You anticipate my wish, sir, ind am grateful
for your kiudness. was about to move many
miles away; but it is advisable, perhaps, that io
tor the present should continue IN ihs neishOor
; hood. wall see your cottage, and if II please:
J me, you will permit me TO become your tenan
Tor tme.'
MY guest, rather, dear Mrs Mildred. The OLE
should not be lbwarted III their wishes. Let m
=, for the time imag you my daughter, and act
fathers part
The lady smiled in gratitude, and said that Sh
3 would see and then The following day was ixe'
for short visit 10 the cottage-and then the vir
ateiy to Mr.. Final, house agent and appraiser
The gentleman was empowered TO let Il haDdsom
furnished villa, jusl three miles distant from poo
Margarel's residence. Allcrait hired il at one
Tor one month certain, reserying 10 himself h
option of continuing it for any further period
lie signed tie agre6ment-pad the renl--recciv
ed possession This over, he hurried back L
business, and by the post despatched a letter Il
his absent son. cotyuriug him, as he loved his ia
Iher, aud valued his regard, to return TO -
without an instant's hesitation OF delay
--s~.-a=--s<