Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-06-24

gain been unfortunate" The neighbor
shrugged his shoulders, and babe her good
morning, and Alice proceeded home.
And what became of Walter and Mary
Collins The same sad change had taken
place IN their circumstances. They had
opened their eyes that morning on scene
of squalid misery, far worse than that to
which Robin and Alice was reduced.
Walter had been carried, the previous
night, to his luxurious couch, stupefed by
intoxication. When he recovered his con-
seriousness, his aching head was resting on
pillow of straw in dreary, wretched a.
partment; his ears we're assailed by the bitter
complaints of his wife, and the cries of his
helpless little ones. Woe and wainp we're
around him, remorse and despair in his
heart. Not only was Walter reduced to his
former poverty, but he had not received the
small relief which had been granted to the
good Alice, by the restoration of her purse
Besides this, both Walter and Mary had,
during their prosperity, given way to sloth
and self-indulgence: therefore they were
quite untitled for any exertion.
Mary could do nothing but weep and
Walter sat in sullen silence, resting his burn
ing temples on his hands, and only occa-
sionally rousing himself to silence, with
fierce threats, the opportunities of his hum
CRY children.
The day was far advanced, and things
were still in the same sad state, when gen.
tie knock was heard at the door. "Come
in" said Walter, in surly tone. The latch
was raised, and Alice stood before them.
Are you come to mock our sorrow p
exclaimed Walter, bitterly.
GOOD forbidp replied Alice; but l
bring you food, and money to buy MORE"
and she handed basket to Mary, who was
instantly surrounded by her furnishing chill
dren, who with clamorous eagerness seized
and devoured the bread which she distribu-
ted amongst them.
Walter looked on with morose and
gloomy countenance. 1t was a hard strug-
gle between his pride and his wants But
hunger prevailed, and he received the food
which Alice had brought, though not with
thanks, yet with a sort of sullen resignation.
| On her return Alice found her husband
busily employed ); during her absence he had
procured some materials, and now he had
set in good earnest to work at his old trade.
When it was known that Robin was come
back, he soon got plenty of work. The
shoemaker who had set up in his absence
was idle and drunken, and finding that no
one would employ him after Robins return,
he went away to try his luck elsewhere.
Time rolled on and when the end of the
year approached, it found Robin and his
wife contented, and in tolerably prosperous
circumstances. They had been able by de-
grees to supply the place of most of the fur
niture, which during their former distress
they had been obliged to part with and
their cottage had again assumed a neat and
cheerful aspect. Robin would have been
quite happy, but remorse kept ITS place in
his heart, and he could not be, at rest and
whenever he beheld the care-worn sorrowful
faces of Walter Collins, and his wretched
wife, and halfnaked little ones, he felt that
no sacrifice would be too heavy, if by it he
could restore to them what in moment of
anger, he had deprived. them of.
Againrth anniversary of the memorable
day had arrived The frugal supper had
been removed, and the small oaken table
drawn near to the fire, and by it sat Robin
and his beloved Alice.
Robin was wiser and better, though
sadder man. He had learned how fault,
committed in moment of unguarded
passion, may destroy that peace which the
repentance of a whole life cannot restore.
What would not give" he said, Z" if the
fairy would but grant me one more request %
dearest Robin, You would not ask"
&C. would not ask for worldly riches, in
terrupted Robin; ono, would entreat him
to give me back; my peace-to destroy this
demon which is gnawing at my heart, by
restoring to poor Walter, and his helpless
babes, the wealth which in an evil hour
| t1ol tbap hut 81; oil IN
Robin covered his face with his hands, and
sighed deeply.
" Robin" said Alice, after long silence,
the fairy told us he would not answer a
gain to your call, or grant any future re-
quest fyours but he did not say he would
not come if L sought him, or grant my wish.
Suppose i were to raise the stone"
"You, Alice you could not move that
heavy stone"
81 will try, at least" said Alice, and she
proceeded to remove the earth from the edge
of the stone, as she had seen her husband
do on former occasion.
Scarcely had she commenced her efforts,
when the stone began to move, and in an
other moment it slowly rose from its resting
place Alice drew up the trap door, and
the fairy stood before her, repeating the same
words as before, IN the same SOFT cadence,
Mortal thou hast sought me, thou hast
found me what is thy will"
Il Alice was so much overcome by surprise
and delight at the success of her attempt,
that all she could do was to burst into tears,
repeating the name of Walter
Listen p said the fairy " 1t is in my
power to grant to thee but one wish, 1t is
only to those who have been placed under
my special care that l can grant three re-
quests. give thee permission to reconsd-
er thy wish, and to consult with thy hus-
band, before thy final decision is made Re-
member, i'll restore Walter Collins to wealth
at thy desire, thou wilt be left in poverty"
poverty is light compared to the weight
ofan uneasy conscience" said Robin. eve
have enough for our wants, only give me
back my peace. Ask him, dear Alice, to
restore Walters wealth to him, and we will
be happy in our poverty"
The request was made, and the welcome
words, "Tis well, thy wish is granted"
were heard with unmixed Joy by the now hap
Ply couple. But the fairy did not vanish as
usual he remained gazing on them with