Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-04-15

PART II.
Never had the old farmhouse presented such
scene as appeared in it on the morning after
Melinda's flight At first the old people could
not believe that she had gone. When they
could no longer doubt it, they were filled with
anxiety, dismay and grief Anut Eunce spoke
her indignation, weeping the while with heart
felt sorrow, and uncle Jonas, with great misgiv-
ings, endeavored TO hope that all might yet be
well.
More than a year passed, and nothing was
heard Of Menda's fortunes, beyond what was
said by vague rumors. Everything at Dudley
farm had settled to its habtua gait, when one
evening, as uncle Jonas seated himself by the
candle stand, he said
'Eunlce, hand me my spectaces Joe Pages
boy has brought me letter from the store
suppose it is from squire Geason-somethng
about the deeds for the grist mill
She took the letter while he arranged his
glasses, and observing the address, said contempt
uously, 81 wonder if he calls that thing a j? |
yum, | can make better one myesf Squire
Pages writin was always as plain as printed
book But nowadays, when they pretend to
to know every thing, lanin is like Cinda Jones
llanin, all thrums and no cloth. Now | think
ont, Jonas,you must get me some walnut bark
in the morning | want to color my blanket
yarn"
But lie was too much absorbed in his letter TO
heed her remarks. She caught word or two
occasionally, as he read on, pronouncing each
word in low whisper, as his habit was At
length she interrupted him
what the possa ais you John Doolttle hasn't
failed has he 2
mo, no, he said in very tremuIous tones it's
about Indy poor child?
Lindy What of her! Where is she =
The letter aiht from her, is it?
Read it, he replied.
What! read such writing as that | can't
make any thing of it. It's worse than goose
tracks, Read it yourself, Jonas
He read the letter aloud. 1t was written
without Melinda's knowledge by person who
had known her in c., and was well ac-
qualnted with her subsequent history II gave
touching account of her present condition. and
pleaded earnestly with uncle Jonas to 90 to her,
forgive her, and take her home with him. I'm
Gle Jonass voice grew husky as he read the
letter, and it was not without considerable effort
that he got through it. In aunt Eunce's heart,
the fountain of pride was still quite as deep as
the fountain Of pity she exclaimed
'Thcre, Jonas; it has turned out Just as al
ways said it would. The minute set my eyes
on that Langly, knew he was a poor, good-for-
nothing scamp; told Indy so over and over
agaln-but one might as we'll talk to the East
wind She has made her bed with her own
hands, and now she must lie in it. She has
found out who knows best, guess
The old man sat slowly folding the letter,
musing, and saying partly to himself, Poor child!
her mother has been dead great while. fear
we were hard with her. She had not been used
to our ways; and she was so good about some
things. Poor dear what will become of her .
lie seemed weighing some great question. AT
length he rose. Both his looks and words C.
WINGED that the decision was made.
'Eunicc," he said, you may put me up a
mouthful of something to eat and get my tother
clothes ready for it's a considerable of long
ways to Boston, and | shall want to start in
good season. Tll Just step over to neighbor
Pages and get Joe to stay with you and take
care of the cattle
why, Jonas Dudley You don't mean to 90
to Boston ? How are you goin to find the way!
You'll get lost and be murdered and if you
don't, what can we do with Indy here How
can she ever look in anybody's face again 2
We'll treat her kindly, and do our duty by
her, which | m afraid we didn't do when was here
before. And if she is good girl and be
HAYES herself well now, tell you she shan't BE-
riled by anybody. She has got sadly lost in til,
wrong way, and fear we have share of it tc
answer for. Think of the poor, friendless chilli
now suffering if not dying among strangers, ant
remember that our blessed Savior had words O
love and mercy for such sinners as she.'
i Aunt Eunice was touched. Sure enough
she replied Il wonder how [ could forget Hi
words minute 1t cuts me to the heart to hav
Lndy turn out SO dreadful. May be l was ties
ty and too often out of patience with her, Blu
you shall bring her home, Jonas and | don
care if folks talk till their tongues blister
t She was thoroughly aroused and occupied b
MeIinda's need of pity; and long after uncl
Jonas was asleep she was still up, busy engage
in making everything ready for his journey
and her preparations would have sufliced for
journey to Oregon. Long before sunrise, mex
, morning, the old man was on the road Sh
watched him from the gate, and continued t
: warn him against getting lost, until the WACO
= disappeared
J All how good it is to listen deeply to III
voice OF sorrow, and especially when it come
rom the suffering souls Of erring mortas :
Aunt Eunice had an intense family pride sh