Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-11-17

ker hurredly'
The entrance of Mr.. Black put an end to
this conversation, and soon after the visitor re-
turned home The moment sha was quite out
Of sight, Mrs Black threw a shawl about her,
and hurried to Mrs. Whites.
Il can't stop but half minute she said
I've only run In to tell you the news--thines
work so queer"
How you talk Tell me all about it, for I
am dying to hear something new; Hammer
town is so dul,' rejoined Mrs White.
There, what fool am promised upon
my honor that ! wouldn't divulge il 10 the best
friend had on earth
'Lucretia Black said Mrs. White. solemn
ly, did you ever know me to be leakyr
'Arabella White, your words carry convie-
tion. There isn't single woman on earth
that Id sooner trust. You shall know all, but
if you ever
Never, never, as hope to be saved ? pro-
tested Arabela.
IL you should lisp it,
'Lucrciia Black, do you wish to wound my
sensitive feelings added the other deprecat-
ingly.
Not another word You shall know the
whole. hope nobody will overhear usi'
Mrs. White quieied the fears of her friend
on this subject and drawing her chair closer,
prepared to hear the announcement.
Remember, Arabella, that ! would not
place so much confidence in another human be-
ing. Mrs. Jones has been taking snuff from
Mr.. Walkers store =
20, Lucretia!' exclaimed Mrs White, hold
ing up her hands with pious horror.
True as the Bible,' added the other impress
sively
How much did she taxel asked Arabella
Mrs. Walker didn't say, but enough, I'll
warrant you
And she's been called such nice woman,
too =
And church member into the bargain .
Pride must have fall. She always carried
her head pretty high in the world
She won't be apt to hold il up very long, il
this leaks out
That's what she won't, but she always did
think herself better than the rest of u.s.
'Afier considerable more conversation Of this
nature, the two worthy ladies separated, and
Mrs. White took occasion, during the day TO
look in, upon Mrs. Brown, the Bakers wife.
i am SO thundersirucki = cried Mrs. White,
as out of breath from exer,ion, she seated her
self by the latter.
why, Mrs. White, how you frighien me !
know something must have happened-some-
body's sick, or dead, or going to be married y
} replied Mrs Brown.
You might guess thousand years, and come
= 41ruoeIla, confidon,lJ. =.
most singular things that ever happened in
Hammertown. l should nj wonder if people
found on, iha, those who pre,eud to so much
gentlity, amt any better than oiher folks
, 'You make me tremble all over Inever felt
so much on the tip,oe OF expectation, one
may say. in my life, added the bakers wife.
; Miranda Brown, I'd like to tell you what it
is, but can't, Pm on my honor
Il shall really think hard of you, Mrs. White
, if you treat me in this way. Haven't been
on my honor ever since you knew me and did
ever keep any thing from you that was worth
lSnowingi'
But Miranda, have sworn tls
is this your friendship for me, Arabella
! Whiier
, miranda Brown, you have conquered, |
; couldn't keep anything from you, If | should
try. Give me your earl mnstn't speak above
my breath. Mrs Ienes has heen stealing snuff
D from Mr.. Walkers store.' ~
D .Lucretia, you have given me powerful
D change. | really feel iaint-your salts, my
: dear. Who would have thought il 1t does
J not seem as though il could be so.'
: IT'S just as ! have said, and il affected me
J dreadful, Mrs. Brown; couldn't have felt
worse haven't been easy moment since
Her husband is 10 be pitied'
so he is, declare shouldn't wonder il
7 he had to leave Hammeriown. This is mis-
cradle sinful world, really; truly honest peo-
: pie have reason 10 be thankful that they are
{ kept by a merciful Providence. 2o
D III wouldn't be siraLge,' resumed Mrs. White
eonfidentially, if Mrs. Jones had mononman-
} lac for taking every thing she can lay her hands
! on bsa i 7 M a sit
: Such things are common rejoined Mrs.
Brown. did she steal great quantity!'
3 Yes, indeed, several jars; and no doubt
Mr.. Jones had 10 come down handsomely for
I it, sf e.lsfa iafa. ~ l.ir i'af
mo doubt, no debut, poor man hope it
(. will be hushed up, and not go apy farther il
: will create so much scandal among the gossips.
5 Aud, if there's anything do abominaie, il is
busy-body, added Mrs. Brown empbatically.
j. Just SO but mustn't stay second longer,
for left my babe wide awake, and he has cried
: his eyes out by this time,' answered Arabella,
n as she hurredly gathered up the folds of her
S shawl, signifying at once, that what she had
: been telling must be kept as an inylolable Sc
1 cret.
When the exemplary woman had gone, Mrs,
Brown could not resist the temptation 10 run