Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-03


whose arid life had been for the moment re-
frcshed with little dew of kindness. admitted
disrust into her bosom, and the halo that rad-
ated around the ripe glowing cherries depart
ed.
Not long after this advance towards good
neighborhood, some laborers employed by SIM
passing over bit of marshy ground,
with heavy team, stuck fast in bog occasion
cd by long continued heavy rain. The poor
oxen were entirely unable TO eXtricate them
selves, and Simeon venlured TO ask assistance Of
his waspish neighbour who was working at
short distance. Reuben replied grufily, I've
got enough to duto attend to my own business
The civil request that he might be allowed TO
use his oxen and chains for few moments be-
ing answered in the same surly tone, Simeon
silently walked off in search Of a more obli
ging neighbor.
The men, who were leii waiting with the
patient, suffering oxen, scolded about Reubens
Immature, and said they hoped he would get
stuck in the same hog himself Their employ
er rejolned, If he does, wc will do our duty,
and help him OUT
There is such thing as being too good ma
tured, said they. If Reuben Black takes the
notion that people are afraid of him, it makes
him trample on them worse than ever
oh, wait awhile, replied Mr.. Green, smil-
ing, Il will kill him before long Wait and
see if don't kill him
1t CHANGED, soon after that Reubens team did
stick fast in the same bog, as Simeon's work
men had wished. Simeon observed ii from a
neghboring field, and gave directions that the
oxen and chains should be Immediately convey
ed 10 his assistance. The men laughed, shook
their heads, and said it was good enough for
the old hornet. They, however, cheerfully
proceeded to do as their employer had request
ed. You are in bad situation, heighbor,
said Simeon, as he came alongside of the ioun-
dered team. But my men are coming with
two yoke Of oxen, and | think we shall soon
manage 10 help you out
You may take your oxen back again, re-
piled Reuben i don, want any Of your help.
/ In a very friendly tone Simeon answsted, y
cannot consent to do that for evening is com
ing on, and you have very liltle time to lose
1t is a bad job any time, but it will be still
worse in the dark.
Light or dark, don't ask your help re-
piled Reuben, emphaticaIly. 4 wouldn't hell
you ou. of the bog the other day, when yo,
asked me-
The trouble had in relieving my poor OK
en- teaches me TO sympathize with others in th'
same situation, answered Simeon. Don, lie
us waste words about IT., neighbor. 1t is i'm
possible for me TO go home and leave you her
IN the bog and night coming on
The team was soon drawn out and Simeo
and his men went away, withou, waiting io
thanks. When Reuben went home that night
he was unusually silent aud thoughtful Alte
, smoking awhile in deep contemplation, he gent
ly knocked the ashes from his pipe, and SAID
with sigh, Peg, Simeon Green has kille
me-
what do you mean : said his wife, drol
ping her knitting with look of surprise.
e You know when he first came into III
5 neighborhood. he SAID he'd kill me, replit
= Reuben; and he has done it. The other da
= he asked me to help draw his team out OF Il
= bog, and | told him | had enough 10 do TO a
= tend to my own business. To-day, my tea
{ stuck fast in the same bog, and he came wi
;, two yoke Of oxen to draw it out. | felt sort
t ashamed to have him lend Inc had SO ! 10
4 him didn't want any Of his help but he al
!. swered Just as pleasant as if nothing conlra
8 had ever happened, that night was coming o
a aud he was not willing 10 leave me there
= the mud
g 1t was very good of him. replied Peggy
y lie is peasant-spoken man, and always h
). pretty word 10 say to the boys. His wi
d seems to be a nice neghborly body too
re Reuben made no answer but after medit;
ing awhile, he remarked, Peg, you know tn
L. big ripe melon down at the bottom OF the Ga
Ell den you may as well carry it over there,
I'd the morning His wife said she would, vii
id out asking him to explain where 'over theI
T. was.
De But when the morning came. Reuben wal
I'd ed back and forth, and round and round, wi
ne that sort Of aimless activity, often manifest
el by hens, and by fashionable iders, who ft
# restless, and don't know wha, TO run after.
Ii. length, The cause of his uncertain movemeI
h was explained, by his saying, in the form of
lg question, Il guess may as well carry the m
lis on myself, and thank him for his oxen!
er my furry down there in the marsh, did
sc think to say was obliged to him.
10, He marched off toward the garden, and
IS wife stood at the door, with one hand on !
en- hip, and the other shading the sun from
es eyes, TO see il he really would carry the mel
he into Simeon Green's house. 1t was the m
be remarkable incident that had happened since
fl. marriage. She could hardly believe her o
IS, eyes. He walked quick, as if afraid he shot
he not be able to carry the unusual impulse il
alf action if he stopped 10 reconsider the quest
ea When he found himself in Mr.. Green's hou
en- he felt extremely awkward, and fastened
he say, MIS- Green, here is melon my wife S
rk you, and we reckon it's ripe one With
his manifesing any surprise at such unexpec
ng courtesy, the friendly matron thanked him, ;
lat invited him to sit down. But he stood play
vi with the latch of the door, and without rails
of his eyes said, May be Mr. Green amt in, t
'pt mornngP
n; He is at the pump, and will be in direct
oil she replied and before her words were sp
iii. en-, the honest man walked in with face
ar fresh and bright as June morning. He ST
ad- ped right up to Reuben, shook his hand c
ms daily, and said, I'm glad to see you, nei