Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-12-16

hours few past till she was called from her work
to prepare the hoon-day meal. Cato soon came
in from the field, and Mabel determined to
question him and see if he had not some knowl-
edge of what had taken place.
I" Cato," said Mabel, g has any one passed
you to-day, while at work ,"
'Not 'zactly passed, Misss. Dere man
cum out OBJ de woods and axed me if de Widder
Archer lived in dis yere house, and tole him
she did, Sal
g Did he give you any reasons for asking the
question:"
Yis; he said he'd got . letter from some
body for you"
Did he tell you who it was from -
"No axed him for de letter, but he said
he'd call sometime dis afternoon and glib it to
you"
/" Strange who he could have obtained letter
from for me-" said Mabel "Did he give any
reasons for not delivering the letter at once?"
No; when | axed him why he didn't, he
'peared like he didn't know what to say, and
went off saying dat niggers shouldn't be askin'
useless queshuns, as if dis chile hadn't right
to do it. | no like de looks OBJ dat man, Miss
Mabel"
"Why do you dislike him?" asked Mabel.
F." Kase his eyes look jist as if they rs made to
meddle with everybodys business.
The afternoon drew slowly to close, but the
stranger did not appear, and Mabel took her
seat beneath the trees near the door, where she
had often sat with Mark Lincoln. A sigh un-
consciously escaped her bosom as she thought
what the past few days had brought forth.
"Is it the pensivcness of the hour, or your
! own thoughts that caused that sigh?' said
voice near her.
"My own thoughts" replied Mabel, rising
and extending her hand as she recognized Boy
den.
You are too young to let grief weigh SO
heavily upon you. Time will silver those
tresses but too soon, without the aid of sorrow'
True; but we are not always able to rule
things for our own pleasure.
No, Miss Archer vet we can conform our
life to the circumstances in which we are
placed, instend of trying to resist them
1t is not possible to do this, always, SIR
There are times when the soul sinks into gloom
beneath the burden it bears, till from its depths
they can see no light"
81 Life must have storms as well as sunshine.
When there are clouds in tho horizon of happi-
ness, trust in Him Who is able to roll them
away"
81 try to, sir. but often fall"
6" You have not faith to believe in the prom
ises made you. You look upon the evening
shadows as they envelop the earth in gloom,
and yet, you know that the light of another
E day will dispel Them
YES; but there are clouds which never roll
away from our minds'
i" Nerer, Mabel? Do you mean thus?"
Not in this life, sir.
" You are right; but if you have faith to
believe, you will one day see that all has been
done for your good. Weeping may endure for
a night, but joy cometh in the morning. The
morning may not come until the night of death
is passed, but on through the valley, an end
f less day, if you will, is yours
"Oh, said Mabel, "woud that | could view
life thus"
g You can, Mabel. My life has been one in
which there has been but few rays of sunshine,
and yet | do not mourn at my lot, for in it
recognize the Hand Of One Who is higher
than |.
"You have taught me lesson that will try
and profit by. Have you friends near here,
sir -
Many whom | call friends but kindred /
= have none, replied Boyien tremulously.
" How sinful that | should murmur, when
e 0od has given me more happiness than sorrow. "
d " You are yet young Mabel, and wonder
. not at your feelings Time will give you higher
views of life, and the ends to be attained which
h shall eventually promote your happiness
e "Will you not go in, sir? 1t is the hour fol
our evening meal, and you will be most wolcom,
IS to our humble fare
It "Thank you, Mabel I will do so. hav,
scarce tasted food to-day
y Mabel led the way, and Boyden entered tn,
cot AS his eye rested upon the form of Mrs
% Archer, he uttered u deep groan and sank int,
a chair. Mabel waited moment, and ther
'e presented him to her mother.
' You will pardon me. trust, for the emo
d tion exhibited just now. am subject to sud
|. den attacks OF pain. at times" said the Spy, al
he seated himself at the table.
5. " Certainly, sir.
!. Mrs. Archer asked simple blessing upon th
food before them, and just as she finished ther
L was knock at the door Mabel arose an,
se opening it, beheld the form of a stranger.
J. " Good-evening. Miss
" Good-evening, sir.' replied Mabel. Viii
you walk IMP"
{" thought like enough could get a bite O
y something to eat. I've Travelled nigh abou
all day without a mouthful'
N " You are quite welcome, sir, to whatever W
ut can sci before you
W Mabel placeda chair near Boyden's at tn
le table, and the stranger seated himself.
DC (" Pears to me I've seen you before. havn
nc asked the man as he glanced at Boyder
~ The latter turned his head and looked his ntel
e rogator full in the face. He started slight,
n yet ne thought his emotions was visible
ID no one. But be was deceived, for q smile scare
id ly perceptable overspread the mans face as
lr' detected Boydens emotion.
he . You may have seen me before. have bee
g. in places besides this