Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-03-01

from his, but fercely rent its way as it
passed.
From that sad hour change came
over George Mason. The hand of Death
was on him He had loved his mother
with no common affection from his infan-
cy, his soul had been filled with yearnng
tenderness, an almost adoring reverence for
that good and gentle being; and now, he
could not live without her sweet love.
1t seemed the last star had been struck
from lle's heaven, and the world so darken-
ed before, goomed about him like midnight
wastes he had lost his way, and sunk down
desparing. The hand of Death was on
him The crimson flush which had SO
long dyed his face with natures badge of
humiliation had now changed, or seemed to
concentrate into a small hectic spot, which
glowed like fire in either cheek sunken
eye met with no recognition of the spring
flowers which his little sister brought--hs
step grew languid, aud he had no pleasure
in the sunshine. The hand of death was on
him.
But it was said of another young exist
ence that the night was coming fast OH the
mornng-that perchance the violets were
budding which should throw over the grave
rest of lovelness, but yet half unfolded-
whose early bloom had been gathered to
deck the breast of the Observation-Disclosures
morning fragrance had been waited to Par
adise.
Caroline Harton had been brought home
"A sad and fading invalid. Her once light
and elastic step had grown slow and spirit
less-her eyes strangely bright-the glad
ness had gone out of her voice, and pass
ing away" was written on her brow, in the
mournful tracery of its clear, blue veins
None met her with laughter and pleasant
testing, or called her Carry" now.
Whenever she walked out alone, she left
with the TAILOR, or his kind wife, brief, sis
terly notes, or present of fruit and flowers,
for George, but she dared never ask to see
him. She thought of him as victim tc
her fathers sternness, and almost felt her
self condemned for the wrong which hat
been done him-a fearful wrong, though the
law sanctioned it.
, Still weaker and weaker grew George
, Mason, until July, when severe hermorr
hage of the lungs almost utterly prostrateC
him He could no longer move about hi
room without support, and his father and
{ sister were now his constant attendants
, good neighbor taking care of the household
, at home.
t One day the invalid complained that hi
, bed was too hard, and his father brough
5 for him a soft, wide couch, which could b.
/, moved wherever he wished. As he wa
, laid upon this he said with faint smile
= q" Here Mary and Willie, and Mother died,
and here will die. But suddenly he rails
, ed himself, crying, "Take me up, father
!, | redeemed this couch with that money!
and he would no more be laid there.
!, As George grew more weak and i'll, he
/, became more painfully sensible of the GRO
he had committed, and the disgrace he haC
brought upon himself and family. He sale
often that he was the more resigned to die
from the conviction that living he should b(
; IA wretched and broken-spirited man. His
humility was almost painful to behold. HI
r chung to the robe of Christs righteousness
with his face in the dust. In his religion!
conversations with his father aud sister, he
| was ever referring to the thief on the cross.
= Oh, it was mournful to hear him do that
All, soon, too soon for those fond watch
= ers, came the last hour. 1t was a sultry at
t ternoon early in August. George was raj
sed up in bed, with his father and sister be
: side him. The physician had made his las
: visit, and the children had just gone out
= wondering "why brother had held them il
his arms so long this time, and cried ST
| much )" for they had not been told that the.
5 should see his face no more in life.
The sufferer was painting for air, and lit
/ tle'came through the high grated window
$ but he did not complain He would lool
/. from his sister to his father, and then com
5 press his lips, and shut down his eyelid
9 close, to keep the tears back. All at once
he said
Father, do you remember when, lonl
r ago, saved little Willie from drowning
5 you called me hero ives, hero, that wa
r the word"
f eyes, my son, | remember"
All, you did not think then, your 'itt
: hero, would ever become thief, and die il
= a Jail"
= "Oh, George, my dear boy, don't breal
$ my heart-don'tW
T" At this moment was heard the gratin!
, of key in the rusty lock of the prison
: door the door was flung open, and Caro-
: line Harton stood on the threshold A
. first, George seemed troubled with lndistinc
, recollectons; but as Caroline advanced,
; sweet smile broke over his face, he stretch
ed forth his arms, and the next instant thu
poor girl was cinging about his neck, pour
ing out all the love and sorrow of her sou
in tears upon his breast
The TAILOR had sent for Caroline wher
a they thought he was near his end. always
thought that was good of old Jack Brady,
Oh, beautiful aud holy was the last com
3 munion between these two young hearts, S,
early and sadly crossed in the love which
I might have filled long life with JOY.
7 81 shall follow you soon, very soon, dea
George. Look for me there! and oh, be
fore you go, tell me that you forgive my Ia
Their do, dear GeorgeP
G 81 do, Garry, as hope to be forgiven"
He remained not long after this. A few
: blessed words, that were never to be forgot
!. ten, he spoke to that father and sister, an'
f friend, and then he grew very weary ant
a slept
/ Now, early watchers, your task is ended
4 for angel watchers shall take your places, t.
t guard that holy dust till resurrection morn
From her last look on the still face OF he
/, first and only love, Caroline Harton wen
~