Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-09-08


y happy, and once more pursued his avoca-
ton. Between Change and the coffee
house he filled up the days of his existence,
and increased his fortune
There came, however, "lull'' in bust
ness, and he was miserable, for he required
the excitement consequent upon money ma
king; and, like gambler, becoming despe-
rate, he made "spec," aud lost a conside-
rable sum-
A change came DER his golden dream,
and he was induced by some wealthy mer-
chants to become director in ono of the
bubble companies of the day. The compa-
ny failed and Merton being an opulent man,
became the mark of attack the rest Of the
"board' proved men of straw. Action upon
action followed, and he was mulcted in
large amount of damages in every case, I'M
til the old merchant found himself under the
necessity of becoming bankrupt, to save
himself from the prison, and he did find one
who struck friendly docket. He obtained
his certificate but he was literally beggar
He had no friends-not soul on earth
who cared for him, for he had in his pros
perity cared for none; and he quilted Lon
don; and no one knew whittier his steps
were bent.
Twelve years had elapsed since the unfor-
tunate marriage Of Maria,-and old Merton
had had no tidngs of her fate, for Freder-
ick was as proud as the old merchant was
inhexble.
1t was beautiful day in May,-ihe haw-
thorn was in full bloom, and the birds were
singing merrilv and filled the air with their
sweet melody. All nature smiled at the re-
turn of summer
A beautiful iair-haired girl was playing with
a pet lamb in a meadow adjoining hand
some farmhouse, where the bailiff of the
lords estate resided
A poor old man, with grey hair, and bent
double with age and in6rmity, walked slow
ly up TO the stle which divided the meadow
from the high road, and resting his arms up
on the upper bar, regarded the child.
He was not long unobserved, and with all
the elasticity and sprighiliness of youth, the
little creature bounded toward the mend-
cant.
"Poor man." said she, "you look fatigued
have you walked farl Shall bring you
a bowl of milk? Here, sit on this bank
and take care of my lamb will you L
shall be with you presently"
And away ran the joyous little creature to
the farm house, and quickly returned with
a wooden bowl Of milk and slice of bread
"Thank you-thank YOU" replied the old
man, and heartily devoured the welcome
meal, while the little girl toyed with her
pet, and at last, weary and rosy with her ex-
ertion, seated herself al the beggar's feet
a beautiful picture Of innocence
"Who taught your heart charity towards
the poor 2" said the old man.
"What do you mean p said the artless
child
"Why do you give me this bread and
milk 2"
Because | thought you were tired and
hungry, and poor" replied the child "and
father would have been SO angry if had let
you 60 on without offering you something
Oh, he is so good, and every body loves
him, and | love him and my mother better
than all the world"
"And are they rich ~ demanded the old
man.
ooh, no rich people ride in carriage,
you know, and are so proud; but we have
every thing we want, and can always give
something away besides. Did you ever see
any thing like Jessy look, how she butts at
me. She is so naughty and yet feed her
and wash her every day. Come here, do,
You thing, and let me cuddle your little wool
ly neck"
And she entwined her little arm around
the lambs neck, and Rugged it to her.
"Bless you, and thank YOU" replied the
old man, returning the bowl and taking his
staff"
Don't hurry yourself. am sure you
are tired" replied the child "and you may
stay here as long as you like, and sleep in
the barn, too, if you please"
"Sleepp cried the old man, looking up
wildly; and then, as if recollecting himself,
he added, "If may be permitted to rest my
weary limbs till morning"
'Indeed you may; and you have no oc-
casion to be enlightened, for we have no dogs,
for father says they always bark at poor peo-
pie and mother does laugh so when he says
they are faithful, but not charitable, for she
is very fond Of them Shall show you the
barn and, depend upon it, shall be up by
five in the morning, and I'll bring you such
nice mess of hot bread and milk and
SOulC uicdu anu iHSdt, too, " you ike.
"Thank ye," murmured the old man as
he arose, and scalding tears trickled down
his furrowed cheeks as he followed his pref
ty little prattlng guide.
True to her promise, the little girl bro't
the weary wanderer his welcome meal at
five o'clock in the morning, and seating her
self on truss of straw beside him, talked
to him like sweet music.
He had scarcely finished, when a manly