Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-04-16
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Salem Register.
THE GRUDGED FOURPENCE.

Mr.. Stuart had for some time been DESTROYS that
Asahel should enter a store. Hearing of a situa-
ton, he made suitable inquiries, and finding every
thing favorable TO his wishes, he decided to send
his son. Many the parting iniunctons OF
these fond parents, when they saw their son about
to leave them, to encounter single handed the al
lurements Of cold and calculating world. They
knew that he would meet with temptation in a
thousand forms, and from this they did not seek,
nor wish to shield hm-they could not shield him
always, and their aim to see their child arm
ed with strong moral courage that he would be en-
abled to withstand it, even when presented in its
most entcing form. To the boy, all looked bright
and promisng-no cloud had as yet ari sen to cast
its dark shadow in his path, and though traces of
tears on his cheek, when he seated himself in
the coach that was to carry him away, it was with
light heart that he entered Oh his new business.
Meanwhile the health of Mr. Stuart seemed to
be declining. Shortly after Asahers departure he
was attacked by violent fever which for weeks
threatened to prove fatal 1t at last yielded, but
not until it had so debtated his constitution as 10
leave very little hope of his recovery and when he
left his room, for the first time, fine morning in
May he looked so pale and thin, that It was evident
he would not long be an inhabitant of earth. To
his wife the thought was fraught with agony; with
heavy sadness did she anticipate the hour that she
felt would shortly arrive to make her children faith
eress.
In the shop with Asahel was another boy, of
about his own age, with whom he became quite in
innate, although their dispositions were entirely
different. This intimacy was rlpened into strong
and lasting friendship BY an incident, which might
have been supposed TO produce quite contrary eff
feet:
care you going to the theatre this evening ?"
said William, as the two boys were alone one NOR
ming.
"No | never attend such places of amusement.
l gave my mother a solemn promise that | would
not"
Nonsense, there's not the least harm in it, not
the least, but as you are not going you will have
no objection TO lending me dollar, suppose-my
purse happens to be rather empty just now"
8" am sJrry William, but really have but one
dollar lett OF my quarterly allowance, and as my
father is very sick, and may be called home at
any moment, shall have to refuse YOU"
"Oh, very well, just hand Inc little change out
of the drawer-I shall hear from home in a day or
two, and then I'll return it,"
"Never," replied Asahel, while flush of indig-
nation colored his manly brow; "never will be
gully OF such an action"
"Then l'll help myself, nothing easier" and
sprngng to the counter, the rash boy with sud
den Jerk, opened the drawer, but he had been toe
hasty, and in another moment he would have faller
had not Asahel caught hun. He had broken ;
blood vessel Asahei about to call for assist
ance, when the door opened and his employer en-
tered.
"NODle DOy, SalQ ne, " i nave lledru IL al Wei
would it have been for William, had he taken
lesson from you"
William was conveyed to his chamber, and
physician was called, who after the lapse of few
days. decided that he might with safety proceed t
his home.
Mr.. Stanmore, the father of William, was a sin
cere Christian one who had wisely instructed hi
children, and he had thought the principles of hi
beloved boy too firmly rooted to allow him thus ca
eilv IN Yield He UrpVpu his thOuUhtps
ness-still he received him with open arms, thank
full that his life had not been the forfeit. The bo
himself was truly penent lie would have slrun
fom the sin OF stealing-he did not consider hi
Conduct in this light-he was in want of money
and actuated entirely by the impulse Of the me
lent, he put forth his hand to take what was nc
his own. lie meant to restore II. every farthln!
and so he would have DONE But on reflection h
slw his conduct in its true light he saw what h
thoughtlessness would finally lead to, and, with I'll
gratitude of repentant heart, he praised God h
he had stald him in in his course, ere it had bee
TOO late to repent
During his sickness he conversed frequently
his friend and said SO much in his praise, that NJ
Stanmore felt very much interested in him, and d
termined to send for him, and If on further u
quantaLce this interest continued to increase
assist him in some way. Accordingly Asahel WI
soon at the bedside Of his friend, who welcome
him with untelgned Joy. While here he was sur
mOneQ 10 receive TIE pesSlllH OF his dying DareT
Though long expected, the summons no le
painful, and with heavy heart he perused the lie
Ter which had brought the sad tidmgs.
"My dear boy" said Mr. Stannore, taking b
hand when he was about to depart, "you must r
turn to US again-always consider my house 20
home, Tell your father from me, that when lie
called away, will be father to you tell him til
/ already love you a son, and with the help
Col, will faithfully perform fathers part 50 10
as live"
he child's heart was ful-he could not utel
word, but tondy pressing the hand Of MIR. Sta
more, and embracing his friend, he left them to
turn to the home he SO dearly loved, now enshrou
cd in gloom.
They met him with saddened Joy. His moth
folded him 10 her bosom, while tears filled her ey
as they rested first on the manly form of her ST
and then on the wasted countenance OF her h'
band. Little Hattie the darling girl, came, q
placed her rosy hand In his, and stood in silen
her childish glee all subdued by the mournful fac
Of those she loved,