Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-05-16


of, we followed the old man into the house.
He was a grey-headed man, certainly on
the down hill side of three score, and his
form was bent by hard work. His coun-
tenance was naturally kind and benevo-
lent, but there were other marks upon his
brow than those of old age. The moment
| saw him knew he had seen much of
suffering. 1t was neat room to which
we were led, a living room, but yet free
| from dirt and clutter. An old woman
was just building fire for-supper, and as
we entered she arose from her work.
"Some travellers, wife, caught in the
shower . said the old man.
"Surely, gentlemen, you're welcome, .
the woman said, in a tone so mild and
free, that I knew she spoke only the feel
nigs of her soul. "It's poor fare we can
give ye, but the heart of the giver must
cen make up for that"
thanked the good people, and told them
would pay them well for all they did for
US.
Speak not Of pay" said the woman
taking her tea-kettle from the hob, and
hanging it upon the crane.
"Stop, wife," uttered the old man trem-
ulously. "Let not your heart run away
with ye. If the good gentlemen have to
spare out O. their abundance, it becomes
not such sufferers as we to refuse the
bounty"
l saw the won an place her apron to her
eyes but she made no reply. The door,
close by the fireplace, stood partly open,
and saw in the room beyond, bed, and
was sure there was some one in it.
asked the old man if he had sickness.
@Ye5," he said, with a shake of the
head. MY poor boy has been sick a
long while. He's the only child I have
the only helper on the little farmland
he's been sick now all the spring and sum-
mer. I've taken care of the sheep, but
L couldn't plant. It's hard, but we don't
despair. My good wife-God bless her
shares the trial with me, and 1 think she
takes the biggest share"
"No, no, John, don't say SO" uttered the
wife. 'No woman could do the work you
do"
Il don't mean to tell too much, Mar
garet, only you know you've kept me
up"
A call from the sick room took the wife
away, and the old man then began to
tell me, in answer to my questions, some
of the peculiarities of the great Plain, for
we were on it now; and found him well
informed and intelligent. At length the
table was set out, the clean white cloth
spread, and We were invited to sit up.
We had excellent white bread, sweet but
ter, some fine stewed damsons, and a CAP
ital cup of tea. There was no excuse, no
apologies-only food set before us, and
we were urged to help ourselves. While
we were eating, the rain ceased falling, but
the weather was by no means clear, tho
just as We moved from the table a CLEAN
of golden light shot through the window
from the setting sun.
1t may have been half an hour after
this-it was not more than that-when
wagon drove up TO the door, in which
were two men. The old man just come
in from the barn, and it was not so dark
but we could see the faces of the men in
the wagon They were middle aged men,
one of them habited in a sort of Jockey
hunting garb, and the other dressed in
black clothes, with that peculiar style of
hat and crayat which marks the officer.
L turned towards our host for the pur-
pose of asking if heknew the new comers.
and saw he was very pale and trem-
bling.
4 low. deep groan escaped him, and in
moment more his wife moved to his
side, and put her arm about his neck. She
had been trembling, but that groan of her
husbands seemed to call her to herself.
"Don't fear John," she softly said
They can't take away our love, nor our
souls. Cheer up. I'll be a support to
ye, John, when all else is gone"
A tear rolled down the old mans cheek.
but when another started he wiped ii taway,
and having kissed his wife, he arose from
his chair Just then the two men en-
tered. He in the jockey coat came first,
and bis eyes rested upon Leeman and
myself.
/ "Only some travellers, Mr.. Vaughan, /"
said our host.
! 30 Mr. Vaughan turned his gaze else
where about the room, and at length If
was fixed upon the old man.
Wei" said he, @what about the rent -
) We havn't penny of it vet, sir" an.