Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-08-20
THE POT OF GOLD.
A PRETTY CUTE STORY.


respect by all the inhabitants Of the viii
lage of Centreville, was rumored to have
in Yankee parlance, a pretty sharp eye
to the main chance'-a popularity from
which deacons are not always exempt.
Ia worldly matters he was decidedly
well to do, having inherited fine farm
from his father, which was growing year
Iy more valuable. 1t might be supposed /
that under these circumstances the dea-
con, who was fully able to do so, would
have found help-meet to share his house |
and name. But the deacon, was wary.
Matrimony was to him in some measure
a matter-o'-money, and it was his firm
resolve not TO marry unless he could
thereby enhance his worldly prosperity.
6nhappily, the little village of Centre
Vile, and the towns in the immediate
Vicinity contained few who were qualif-
ed in this important particular, and of
shose there were probably none with
whom the deacon's suit would have pros
pered.
So it happened that year after year
PASSED away, until Deacon Bancroft was
ID the prime of life-forty-fve or there
abouts-and still unmarried, and in all
human probability likely to remain
50.
Deacon Bancrofts nearest neighhor
was a widow.
The widow Wells, who had passed
through one matrimonial experience,
was some three or four years younger
than Deacon Bancroft. She was
still quite a eomely woman. Unfortu-
nately, the late Mr.. Wells had not been
able to leave her sufficient to make her
Independent of the world. All that she
possessed was the small old-fashioned
mousse in which she lived, and small
amount Of money, which was insufficient
to support her and little son of seven
though hardly to be classed as 'produc-
tive'-of anything but mischief.
The widow was therefore obliged tC
take three or four boarders, so exc ou
the scanty income, which of course i'm
posed upon her considerable labor anc
anxiety.
1t is not surprising then, that unde
these circumstances she should now an,
ihen have bethought herself of a secont
marriage, as a method of lettering he
condition? Or again, need we esteem
special wonder, if, in her reflection
upon this point, she should have cast he
eyes upon her neighbor, Deacon Ban
croft? The deacon, as we have alread
said, was in fourishing circumstances
He would be able to maintain a wife
great comfort; and being one of til
chief personages in the village, could az
cord her prominent social position.
Some sagacious person has observed
however, that it takes two to make
match, fact to be seriously considered
for in the present case it was exceedin;
81 doubtful whether the worthy deaco
even if he had known the favorable opil
Ion of his next neighbor, would ha'
been inclined to propose changing b.
name to Bancroft, unless, indeed, sui
able motive was brought to bear upC
him. Here was a chance for finessing
One evening, after day of fatiguil
labor, the widow Wells sat at the fire
the sitting room, with her feet resting
the fender.
IF I ever am so situated as not
have to work so hard she murmured,
shall be happy. It's hard life, keepi
boarders. If was only as we'll off
Deacon Bancroft
Still the widow kept up her thinkir
and by-and-by her face frightened up.
She had an idea, which she resolved
put into execution at the very earli
practicable moment. What it was /
reader will discover in the sequel.
Henry said she to her son the nc
morning, want you TO stop at DeaC
Bancroft's as you go along to school, a
ask him if he viii call and see me IN t
course of the morning or afternoon, j
as he finds it most convenient.
Deacon Bancroft was not little S
prised at the summons. However, abb
eleven o'clock, he called in. The wild
had got on the dinner and had leisure
sit down. She appeared little emb
rassed.
Henry told me that you would |
to see me- he commenced.
Yes, Deacon Bancroft, I do, but I
very much afraid you viii think ',
strange of it-at least of what I b;
TO say IN Won