Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-08-03
Select Gales.
Bread upon the Waters.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.

A lad was toiling up hill, near the city, UNI
der the weight of heavy basket, on the after
noon of sultry day in August. He had been
sent home with some goods to a customer who
lived short distance in the country. The boy
was lightly built, and his burden almost beyond
his strength. Many times he sat down to rest
himself en- his way up the hill But it seemed
as if he would neUer reach the summit Each
time he lifted the basket it felt heavier than be-
fore,
The boy was about half way up the hill with
his basket, when gentleman overlook and pass
ed him. He had not gone ON many PAGES, when
he stopped and turning around to the lad, look
ed at him for a moment or two and then said,
kindly
"Thats heavy load you have, my boy; come
let me help you
And the gentleman took the basket and car
red it to the top of the hill.
There, do you think you can get along
nowp said he with smile, as he set the bask-
ct down." Or shall carry it a little further ?"
ooh, no, thank you, sir" returned the boy
with glow of gratitude on his fine young face.
" can carry it now very well; and am very
much obliged to you"
" You are right welcome my little man" said
the gentleman, and passed on
Twenty years from that time, care-worn
man, well advanced in life, sat motonless in an
old arm chair, with his eyes fixed nently upon
the glowing CRATE. He was alone and appeared
to be in a state of deep abstraction In little
while however, the door Of the room opened and
the light form of young and lovely girl gded
in,
Papa" said low sweet voice, and hand
was laid gently on the old mans arm.
els it you dearW he returned with a low
sigh.
eyes, papa" and the young girl leaned against
him and parted with her delicate fingers the thin,
gray locks that lay in disorder about his fore
head.
81 would like to be alone for this evening"
Florence" said the old man. " have good
deal to think about, and expect person on bu-
siness"
And he kissed her tenderly; yet sighed as he
pressed his lips to hers
The girl passed from the room as noiselessy
as she had entered. The old man had been
calm before her coming in but the moment she
retird he became agitated and arose and walked
the floor uneasiIy. He continued to pace to and
fro, for nearly half an hour, when he stopped
suddenly and listened. The street door bell had
rung. In a little while man entered the room.
" Mr.. Mason" he said with slightly percepti-
bic embarrassment.
Mr.. Page" returned the old man, with
feeble quickly fading smile. " Good morning."
and he offered his hand.
The visitor grasped the hand and shook it
warmly But there was no pressure in return.
Sit down, Mr.. Page"
The man took chair, and Mr.. Mason sat
down near him.
You promised me an answer to my proposal
tonight" said the former, after pause
81 did," returned the old man; " but am as
little prepared to give it as | was yesterday. In
fact, | have not found an opportunity to say any
thing to Florence on the sub ject,"
The countenance of the visitor fell, and some
thing like frown darkened his brow
There was an embarrassing silence of some
minutes After which the man called Page, said,
!" Mr.. Mason, have made an honorable pro-
posal for your daughters hand. For weeks you
have evaded and do still evade an answer. This
seems so much like trfing, that began to feel
as if Just cause for offence existed
None is intended do assure you" replied
Mr. Mason, with something deprecatng in
his tone.-But you must remember Mr.. Page,
that you have never sought to win the young
girls affection, and that, as consequence, the
offer of marriage which you wish me to make TO
her, will be received with surprise, and it may
be. disapproval. wish to approach her. on this
subject, with discretion. To be too precipitae
may startIe her into instant repugnanCe to your
wishes,
"She loves you does she not (" inquired Page,
with marked significance of manner,
g" A child never loved a parent more tender
ly," replied Mr.. Mason.
" Give her an undisguised history of your en-
barrassment Show her how your fortunes are
trembling on the brink of ruin; and that you
have but one hope of relief and safety left. The
day she becomes my wife, you are removed from
all danger g" Will you do ths!"
The old man did not reply. He was lost in
deep revere. 1t is doubtful whether he heard
all that the man had said.
"WiIl you do this 2" repeated Page, and with
some Impotence in his tone.
Mason aroused himself as from dream and
answered with great irmness and dignity.
"Mr. Page; the struggle in my mind is over
/ am prepared for the worst | have no idea
Florence will favor your suit, and l will not use
a single argument to influence her. In that
matter she must be perfectly free. Approach
her as a man, and win her if you have the power
to do so, 1t is your only hope"
As if stung by serpent, Page started from
his chair.
You will repent this, sir" he angrily retort-
ed; and repent it bitterly. | came TO you with
honorable proposals for your daughters hand ;
you listened to them-gaye me encouragement,
and promised me answer tonight. Now you
meet with insult! Sir! You will repent this. "
Mr.. Mason ventured no reply, but merely bow
ed in token of his willingness to meet and bear
all the consequences that might come.
For long time after his angry visitor had re.
tired, did Mr. Mason cross and re-cross the floor
with measured tread. At last he rung bell
and directed the servant who came, to say &c
Florence that he wished to see her.
When Florence came, she was surprised tc
see that her father was strongly agitated.
Sit down dear, he said, in trembling voice
have something to say to you that must be
No olad