Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-10-20
BY WIN. Il. RY HER.
ME DAIRYMAN'S BILL.


dom of choice, will leave warm 6reside
Tor a walk in the shelterless streets. But
with the worthy man whom we are about
to introduce to our readers, there was no al
tentative. Sandy Patterson was dairyman
in the suburbs of Edinburgh, who main
tanned his little family by the sale of the pro-
duce Of two cows His wife and their only
child, comely girl of nineteen, were all
Sandys household and every member of it
took a share of the labor which supplied
their few and humble wants. Their small
cottage was neat and clean, as were also the
inmates themselves, though their counte-
nances, on the rainy February night in ques-
ton, betokened depressed and sorrowful
hearts. Heaven speed thee, guide man ?
said the wife, as Sandy Patterson threw his
plaid about shoulders, and prepared to en-
counter the blast without Heaven speed
ye or else we'll be harried and ruined
creatures the morn. What night too, to
gang o'doors in. Rap yourself up, and pu'
the bonnet firm on your head, for that wind
is enough to tear the coat off your back
But the trial maun be made Her husband
drew his bonnet tightly over his grey and
scanty hairs, as he was desired, and, after
speaking word of hope and comfort, left
his spouse and daughter alone in their lowly
tenement.
The dairyman was too much Injured TO
exposure at all seasons, to feel any great dis
tress from the sleety rain, which fell in litiul
showers around him as he proceeded along
the causeway side, toward the centre Of the
city. Few passengers were in the streets
that night; the many closed shutters showed
that all who could remain within doors were
enjoying themselves in their parlors. Poor
Sandy walked on, scarcely conscious of the
storm, having that on his mind which rem
dered him needless of any personal incon-
venience. He reached at last one of the
most fashionable streets in the new quarter
of the city, and stopped in front of hand
some mansion, which, unlike the generality
of those around it, was not closed and shut
tered up. On the contrary, a brilliant flood
of light came from the windows, and the
sound of music and mirth were audible even
an the street. Sandy Patterson was the
least envious of mortals still he could not
forbear signing as he listened and gazed-
With slow step he mounted the stair of
that abode of enjoyment, as it seemed TO him
to be, and applied his hand timidly to the
bell. No answer followed his gentle pull I;
the sound was perhaps drowned in the revel-
ry within. Sandy pulled again, with very
little additional energy. A man servant, in
plain clothes now opened the door, To the
question, what do you want 2 Patterson
replied, Il am sorry to give you trouble, sir,
but am the milk man. have been once
or twice of late, about the bit account for
the milk that the family has forgotten and
tho it is an untimeous hour, i would be
greatly obliged if it could be settled the
night. | wad hae been laith to trouble We,
but am in sair want ont The servant,
who had been listening to this speech, with
the door open to the least possible extent,
that the blast might not visit the interior,
now asked the petitioner in, while he should
mention the matter to his master. Sandy,
with many scrubbings his feet, did as he
was required, and took a chair pointed out
to him. Here his patience, and he had a
great deal of it, was not long tried. The
man having gone up stairs, returned in a
minute or two with the answer-It was not
convenient to settle the account now this
was an extraordinary time 10 come in quest
of money; he must call again in day or
two-on Saturday or Monday
The answer was a dreadful blow TO the
humble dun. The sum which was owing
by this family to him amounted to not more
than between four and five pounds; but that
sum was of the greatest consequence to him
He had already called for payment pretty
nearly dozen times, although he had mod
estly mentioned but once or twice. and sad
necessity alone had pressed him to renew
nc Iatn on ha TTDIn
he procured the sum he was in quest Of hi:
cattle and his furniture-his ALL in short
would be seized on the morrow by legal ex
ecution, and brought to public sale. The
dsconsolate petitioner attempted, in Ian
guage broken by the heaviness of his heart
TO make the footman aware of the state o
matters, but seeing that his words made nc
impression, drew his plaid about him, ant
turned away from the scene of his disap
pointment
On returning to his home, Sandy Patter
son well nigh gave way to an agony of des
pair. Without hearing a word from hi
lips, his wife and daughter read in his looki
the Illustration of their hopes.
so they have just served you as usual
Sandy said the wife at last. Just the ole
story call Ggain-nor convenient was thu
husbands scornful reply what is to b.
done now, Nanny continued the poor maj
rising, and striding in agitation up and dow
the floor what is to be done now doc
we are clean ruined. Not even the mean
left to us o'winuing our morsel o'meat. AM
you too Peggy, puir thing topping and lay
ing his hand on his daughters head 'thi
disgrace may gar some folks slight you, AM
that would be sair for you to bide.'
Nae fears o'that,' said the daughter, q
Wiu.... L = l.. Il L.