Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-12-03
From the Olive Branch.
RICHARD ISLINGTON;
OR
THE PAUPER LIEUTENANT.
BY MRS. NJ. A. DENIsoN.

His chronological developments were
decidedly good. He had fresh COM
plexion, blue eyes, light curly hair; but
lack Of decision characterized his counte-
nance-want of frmness was apparent
in bis manner.
He was reading a newspaper.
That is not one of your paupers,
said to the gentleman in charge.
j am sorry to say that he is SIR he
replied.
So young! so promisingin appear
ance-I really cannot understand it,
was my reply.
Nor could any one not acquainted
With his history" was the reply, but
let rs resume our walk, By and by
eome this way; he will enter into con-
vsrsation with you; he is not backward
shout it. don't know what to make of
the man, really
But how old is he 2
Twenty years; he looks even
younger. l fear he has lost all proper
ambition and it may be he will end his
life in the work house.
We wandered along from one room TO
the other. The establishment was per-
feet most Of the paupers were old and
inirm; many of them looked shame
faced on being noticed. Poor old men
! Isuppose they had no children to care for
them.
In one of the offices was the model o.
aship. 1t was splendid thing. From
keel to masthead there was no fault il
her. The guns were beautifully carved
Officers stood on her quarterback, sail
ors in her rigging. Every coil of rope
every block, every shroud was exquisitt
in finish and proportion. The boat
were secured, the sails all set. Trul,
she was regal object. Behind thi
vessel was a painting representing tn
distant port.
Ny natural question was, who di,
that p
The poor fellow is dead was the re
ply. He was genius and scholar
The noblest looking man, sir, that 20
ever laid eyes on. You have seen tha
fine stone mansion on Sedgwick stree
Well, sir, he built that house ten year
ago, and paid thirty thousand dollars 70
it, and yet, five years after he was in tn
poor house
What did it, sir?'
Rum
That was the brief reply. Expressiy
was il not?
Yes, sir, rum. The last time |
vent out (his eyes were very much il
famed the doctor of the institution han
ID him dollar, saying, Bob, if yc
drink any more liquor, you will lose yol
eyes,
Bob looked at the dollar, then turnt
to the doctor with a most expressi
glance as he said,
Then farewell eyes?
Horrible, wasn't it In montl
tine they were digging his grave.
vas in the corner of the churchyard,
Nobody followed the miserable body.
laid in pine coffin, and we only said
we heard of it-'poor old Bob p
That's all the epitaph drunkard ge
sirr
Fifteen minutes after was hunting
the parsonage who had interested me
much l found him in the garden, h,
ing potatoes.
We talked together on agricultu
His fine language astonished me.
that he had an intimate acquaintan
With books, with men, with nature.
We walked along, be showing me
products of the soil. Presently we ca
70 an arbor overhung with grapes, Z
sat down together.
/ Pardon me- said /, if Itake the
/ erty Of asking what brought you here
soyouthful an age. His eyes dropp
Il be raised them again as he answered
Rum
L That brief word In my mind i
Il associated with all the horrors of hell
E Presently he continued
In have disgraced an honorable ma
II "a; I am bringing my family to sha
And yeti have not the nerve to |
better man..
II l was indignant at this confession.
saw it and continued
L Do not blame me, sir, you have
Aad my trial. / have fallen from
Pace. Eighteen months ago, vi
heutenant in the navy, sir
l' it Possible;' ? | was startled, sh'