Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-12-31

Out into the wan moonlight, Ammo went.
Up and down over the dewy grass she
paced her white face turned toward the hea-
vens, mute. terrible agony in its every line
amcnt. There were no tears in the glaring
eyes, no words of suffering escaping from the
palid. parted lips; for the tears were frozen
in their fountains and the emotions within her
heart too tumultuous to find utterance in
words. An hour was spent in this rapid
march an hour of such anguish only those
know who have seen suddenly enter their
homes the messenger of Death who, having
looked for much Joy. have found grief all the
more bitter that is unavailing then the wife
came in, and kneeling by the sofa. wound her
arms around the inanimate body of her hus-
band, and leaned her head upon the bosom
that a few hours since had throbbed so warm
by for her. She thought upon all his past de-
votions his tender love Of the happy days
they had spent together never marred by an
unkind word and ,lastly.of the bright fancies
that all the beautiful September day she had
been weaving, never dreaming that the dark
shadow Of the grave was to lie henceiorth
'twixt her and him, whose coming she had so
eagerly anticipated.
She lifted her head to look upon the still,
quiet features Of the dead. The moonbeams
stole in through the nodding rose trees, kiss
ing softly the noble brow--its ghostly fingers
threading the obon hair sweepings over the
pillow.
"Oh. God" moaned the mourner, "can it
be that this is all of Arthur: Oh, Arthur
Arthur my husband. look upon me- open
your lips, and tell me ! am dreaming Don't
hold those flowers so freezingly-Ang them
down, and place your hands upon my forehead
lit is SO hot and burning
She lifted one of the nervcless hands and
put it against her brow then started wildly,
as if at the confirmation of new fear. shriek-
ing
"Oh. he is dead dead and alive No
thing to live for nothing to love. Heavenly
Father take me too! g.
She wound her arms more tightly about her
idol, and hid her face again upon the icy
breast
As she lay there insonsble to everything
but this one great sorrow thrilling whisper
foated to her ears. 1t articulated distinctly
and clearly these words:
"Our boy. Have you forgotten him.
She ga2ed long and earnestly into the face
of the dead
Had he spoken;
She felt humbed at her entire sefshness,
and forgetfulness of the precious one whom
she had Just prayed to leave-leave to a worse,
more cruel fate than doath-to scorn and
taunts, the orphans heritage She ran to the
crib of the slumbering child, and lifting him,
gently folded him to her bosom then, kneel-
ing by her Arthur's side, vowed to prize the
life given her for the boys sake to watch
over, and care for the helpless infant, guiding
the tender feet into the true path, and finding
a sweet reward in giving to the world, noble
upright man.
The world wondered at the quiet demeanor,
and lack of outward emotion displayed by the
young wife at the husbands funeral. They
little knew how hard she had struggled for
this composure, alone, in the silence of mid
night. No eve but Gods, which ever looks
pityingly upon his children, saw her moaning
and weeping in the seclusion Of her chamber.
Many called her heartess-all said She was
a woman Of but little feeling. Cynics shrugged
their shoulders, and would like to know who
she would set her widows cap for
But few can understand the noble principle
prompting to self-control, which, abnegating
all thoughts of self devotes one life to the for
nation of another; making all things subser-
/ Went to that others good.
Thus it was, that though the shadow lay
forever upon the heart of the wife(now widow
and mother, there was sunlight in her smile,
and subdued JOY beaming from her face that
/ no gloom cast by the memories of death, and
anguish ever present in her soul, might mar
the brightness of the home which was to be
made pleasant for Carl.
Annie Landen, endowed with fine percep-
tons, comprehended fully, that home influence
would be her chief ally in binding to herself
the affections of her son.
Halow with cheerful affection, the fresde
bless and brighten it with smiles, and though
it be never so humble, to it the spirit will
turn, even when the feet shall have wandered
into forbidden paths. How many an errne
one might be saved, If this were but under
stood
Time flew by noiselessly The spring flow
ers bloomed upon Arthur Landen's grave thu
summer showers, and evening Gows fell there
autumn winds ehauated dirges, and the winte
SHOWS muffied the tread of the mourner. wh'