Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-01-01

w ny, my son, sald MS mothef, looking
up with asunny smile when he entered, "what
has kept you SO long,"
81 met with an accident, mother"
Mrs. Mann looked anxiousiy AZ him to see
if any wounds or bruises were visible, but his
smiling face re-assurcd her, and he proceeded
TO relate all the occurrences of the afternoon.
She commended his conduct, but gently child
ed his carclessness by saying, "Wcll. Char
ley, We have neither Of rs got much money
now; if you had been a little more careful
we might have had a cup of tea tonight but
as It is we must make milk and water do
and am sorry to say we have no more SUI
gar"
"Mother, are you sorry gave Mr.. Beebe
the money p
mo indeed, dear, would rather drink
milk and water instead of tea all my life than
have you do anything mean; and let me tell
you, Mr. Charley, some poor folks haven't
got any milk we ought to be very thankful
that VIC have; and here's nearly half loaf
Of bread tomorrow ] may get some sewing,
and, perhaps, you'll be able 20 earn little
money, so | dare say we shall get along fine
ly."
But although the widow spoke cheerfully,
a sigh finished the sentence
They were just about going to sit down to
tea, or rather milk and water and bread, when
gentle rapping was heard at the door Char
ley went TO open it, and there stood little
woman with basket on her arm, and a smile
on her face so bright and pleasant that I'm
sure she must have saved candies wherever
she lived
Docs Mrs. Mann live hcro;' inquired
she, entering and setting down the basket.
,She must have been strong little woman,
for the basket was pretty heavy)
"Hes, ma am, will you walk in and take
seat;' said Charley, as he placed a chair for
her.
Thank you, said she; then turning to
Mrs. Mann. she said, "Mr Beebc. the drug
gist requested me 70 bring you some sewing
-somo shirts to make"
"Tm sure I'm much obliged to him, for l
find it very hard 10 get work lately"
And he told me to bring you a few things
in the way of tea and sugar ] suppose they
won't come amiss, said Mrs. Morgan, as she
I began to unpack the basket and as her eye
| glanced over tho toa-tablc, she felt sure she
had come just in time
The tears came in Mrs. Manns eyes as she
thanked her. and Charley couldn't say word,
but the good little woman cut short all thanks,
and hustled out, bidding them good evening,
and promising to call soon.
/ Mother said Charley, as soon as they
were alone, "my two-and-ninepencc would
not have bought ali that. aud he pointed to
/ the contents of the basket.
Honesty is the best policy. Charley"
! How nice that cup of tea tasted, and what
pleasant evening they passed, as Mrs. Mann
busted herself with her work, and Charley
talked over his plans for the following morn
I ing aud, after the chapter in the Bible was
read, and the nightly prayer repeated, how
| boy goodnight
Next morning he was up and dressed,
bright and early, his breakfast was ready for
him, which he was not long in dospatching,
and after kissing his mother goodbye, he set
of with light heart for the drugstore
A little girl was sweeping it out; Mrs
Morgan was experimenting the operation,
and as Charley entered the latter bid him
| good morning with, a cheerful smile, and
said, You are to be our errand boy, are
you;'
Yes, ma'om; sban't sweep out the
store ?"
"Woll yes, l suppose that will be part
Of your business now-so, Bridget, you can
| give Charles the broom, and go and see about
the breakfast"
Biddy did not seem to be at all 10th to yield
the broom, and Charles began sweeping in
good earaest. Mrs. Morgan followed Bridget
out, leaving Charles all alone. lie made the
place as neat as he could, and was just think
ing what else to do, when Mrs Morgan came
in again she praised him for his motion of
keeping things tidy as she expressed it
just then Charles caught sight of the new
pane of glass; the glazcr had put it in the
night before, and of course left plenty of
thumb marks around the edges. Hadn't
better wash the windows, ma :" asked
Charles
"Oh, yes I'll fetch you some water and
towels, and away she hustled; she soon re-
turned with the necessary articles, and telling
! Charles to be careful, she left him again to go
and attend to Mr.. Beebe's breakfast, as Bridget
was just ringing the bell, announcing that it
was ready.
Mr.. Beebe was a widower he had lost
three children when they were quite young,
and now he had no one TO care for, and no
one to care for him, except good little Mrs
| Morgan, and he never should have a want if
she could help it. And now she was at the
head of the table, waiting to pour out his
coffee.
Good morning, Mrs. Morgan" said Mr.
I bcepe, as ne came IN ana TOOK ms seat at the
table, 81 had no opportunity Of speaking to
you last night; did you find Mrs. Mann :"
''Yes, and ! got there just in the nick of
time; they were sitting down to tea and
there was nothing on the table but some dry
bread and a little milk and water"
HAS Charles come YETI" asked Mr.. Beebe,
after some time.
"Yes, sir; l think he is a real nice boy, and
will save you lots of trouble"
"What is he doing now :"
81 left him washing the windows"
"Bless my heart must go and see that
he dosent break everything"
81 don't think you noed be afraid, sir"
said Mrs. Morgan, smiling, as Mr., Beebe
went towards the store.
Charles was putting the things carefully
back into the window when Mr. Beebe went
| in, and the old gentleman seemed to think
Mrs. Morgan was right. During the day
Charles made himself useful in many ways /:
he was naturally bright, active boy, and now
gratitude to Mr.. Beebe and the idea of Bene-
! fitting his mother made him work with double
energy. Mr.. Beebe began to wonder how he
had over got along without him. He soon
earned enough TO make his mother comforta-
ble and his truth and honesty made him re-
4 l.. III a