Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-11-15
From the Rose of Sharon 1874.
TIE GOOD RESOLUTION.
BY MISS S. c. EDGARToN.

'"'' Hudi't, uioSS-SIoWu uouSe, UWelt
job Woodel and his daughter May. Job
had been fisherman in his better days.
but, sad to tell, had been drawn away from
his honest occupation by the seductive
charms of the village inn. There he
might be found from early morning till
midnight scarce turning his steps home
ward to the frugal meals prepared by his
patient child, and leaving with her the
whole care and toll Of providing for their
family necessities.
Happy was it for May, poor girl that
her heart was as brave and hopeful, as il
was patient and t-aag. Whoeger-passed
her dnor on bright spring morning, might
hear her voice, singing songs as sweet and
merry as though she had not a care or sor.
row in the world. And that little quaint
old cottage who would have deemed it
the home of an nveierate tippIer, with its
neatly swept grass sward, lis bed of fra
grant carnations, its honey azaias.
and moss roses
Job loved his daughter May-was proud
OF her-anc, save his great neglect, al
ways treated her with kindness. In his
worst stages Of inebration, he exhibited
no phasis of cruelty; he was only excess
slvely and shameessIy silly, and disposed
TO lavish on May a world of foolish and
iondlIng carcsses. May, in turn, was al
ways gentle and patient with her father.
never reproaching him for his vile habits,
but often tenderIy entreating him to stay
and assist her about her garden, or to
spend the long winter evenings with her.
instead of hurrying away to the 'Admiral.'
One very beautiful spring morning, Job
stuck his old hat iauntily on one side Of
his head, and stood crowding the tobacco
into his pipe, ever and anon casting a
wlshfnl look toward May, who was busily
wipng the breakfast plates
Can do anything for you, father ?
said she, looking with pleasant and en-
couraging smile.
'Ah, you're good girl, May, blessed
/ girl hate to trouble you-but just now
Pm all out of change-and curse on
these times, say, when an honest man
can't get trusted for shilling to save him
from want
Dear father, would willingly give you
what little money | have, but if do, we
shall be forced to 90 without dinner or
supper, fear
Arc we really gown up so poor as
that /: All, well these are melancholy
times for us poor fishers. I'll not take
your money, May; can win a shilling
from Ned Watkins, any day, at nne-pins,
and that will be easier than to rob you.'
'Oh, papa ! if you will not 90 to the
Admiral, to-day, but will help me plan out
my little garden, and transplant those fine
strawberry vines that yield US so many
dollars every year-Oh, dear papa, can
not tell you how happy you will make me,
how very gratefully shall remember the
kindness
Little need of my assistance answer
ed job with good-natured laugh, and a
sly wink, that sent the bright blood eush-
ing all over Mays dimped checks
: Younger and steadier hands are all at
your service, aud an old man like me would
he in the way
'Oh, no no, papa = earnestly, drop
ping her work, and clasping her arm in
his, al the same time, lifting up her beam
ing, fearful eyes most imploring.
job was touched. Tears were unwont-
ed vsllcrs TO those joyous and radiant eyes;
so, at least, thought he, VINO saw few in
deed of the many that were shed for him.
you are good girl, May said he, pat
ting her head, and kissing her white fore
head with parental deIicacy 'you are
good girl, and wish were more wor-
thy father. But let me go now, dear, and
will be soon back again to help you.'-
With this promise, he tore himself away.
May had been too long accustomed to
have her .entreaties dsregarded, TO shed
many tears for her present disappointment
so having completed her household ar
engagements, she tied on her littIe cottage
straw-its blue ribbon somewhat faded, it
is true, but thereby better suiing the ex-
quisile delcacy Of her complexion-and
proceeded To the garden. There was
freshness and exhiIaration in the soft
spring air, that soon removed from her
heart and face all traces Of unhappness
and if her cheek had previously beer.
shade too pale, this defect was remedied
the instant the sound of buoyant and
hasty footstep fell upon her listening ear.
The person who approached was the son
of Mays nearest neighbor, widow Lowell.
He was fine looking fellow, with com
pleSion of the cIearest white, eyes Of the
darkest blue, and hair that would rival the
gloss and blackness of "a ravens wing
He held basket on his arm, full of young
plants.
You were wishing for some of those
pansles, May. See, have been
fortunate enough TO procure you some
You are my good genie, Harry. have
but to wish, and 10 the prize is at hand.
| thank you thousand times.
The young friends busted themselves in
planting the roots, for some time, in si-
lence. They were lovers, though not ac-