Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-06-24


of her hair +; and then bowed her head
to weep over the memories it had awak-
ened. Only a year ago, and how quick
ly William noticed them and stopped to
admire their color and fragrance. Il
might have been the soft cheek, tinted
with hue more lovely than the buds, he
thought of most, but he would never see
that nor spring-time nor happiness again.
What were the apple blossoms to Ann
now; she drew them out and dronped
them there to wither.
Her eyes were red with weeping when
her mother entered. Mrs. Warren SEEM
ed annoyed, as she noticed taem. i be-
lieve that child means to killaerself. She
cries half of the time, said she, in thought.
Ann had turned away, and seemed very
busy with her shawl and bonnet.
You going out p queried her mother.
: Your eyes are as red ferretss She re-
viewed, leisurely, pile of sewing that
lay upon the table, for no reply came to
her question. I've got the homework
all done up, and thought, mebbe, you'd
ike to finish fitting that calico of mine.
| hain't single dress that's decent for
afternoon
VIII not some other time do just as
well mother ? she asked quietly, and
then confronting her, she added Moth
er, am going up to Mr.. Bradley's.-
She seemed to understand perfectly, Just
how many words were needed to raise
the storm of indignation, which she was
prepared to meet, for she added nothing
more.
Ann Warrenp screamed her mother,
8 why you're beside yourself. What will
your father say, I'd like to know As
long as William had sense enough to
break off, Pm sure I'd let him see that ]
could live without him.
If / had married William before he
became blind, would you have advised
me TO desert him? :?
Nonsense! that is quite another sto-
ry. If you do go to-day, can see how
it viii end. 1t aint your duty to tie your
self down to blind man
A shiyer ran through the girls veins
as the last words fell upon her ear; but
she added, in her patient, deprecating
way: Mother, I've thought this all
over She did not say prayed over it,
but pausing, reverently, added, after a
time, 1 believe l know my duty, moth
err
i should think you did r screamed
Mrs. Warren again, in angry excitement;
but Ann was already beyond the reach
of her shrill voice, hurrying across the
field toward Mr.. Bradley's residence.
Mrs. Bradley was at work in the kitch-
en-, when Ann Warren softly stole in at
the open door. Silence and sadness per-
vaded the house e,although sunbeams food
ed the room with their radiance, while
the glad sounds of awakening life came
in through the open windows. She start
ed nerTously, as the advancing shadow
caused her to look up from her work, to
encounter those fearful, wistfuI eyes, elo-
quent with inquiries.
Why its you Ann Warren ? she ex-
claimed, under breath, as she cautiously
closed the doors, and then came TO sit
down by her side. Why, you poor
child, how altered you look 7 She grasp
ed AIMS cold hand between both her own
warm palms caressingly, and both wept
silently for time. It's comfort to me,
Ann, to see you. This trial perhaps l
oughtn't to say as William does, that it
had been better if be had died. The
Lord knows best. But there aint bit
of use your comm, so. William wouldn't
have you see him for the world. He
hardly speaks to me, bis mother. Poor
boy who can blame him "
May / go up, Mrs. Bradleyr
The eager question made an entire
change in Mrs. BradIey's manner
Drawing herself up, she answered cold
ly, more so than you would have deem
ed possible, with those blue eyes so visit.
fully looking into hers for permission.
] don't see any use in it. No, I've
nothing in the world against you, child
but il would only harrow up William
feelings for nothing. The match is brok-
en- of, and properly enough, for what
know. We cant blame anybody for
that, but il does seem as if folks mighi
have some feelings for Us in our trouble
Siah Warren takes pains to tell folks
since William came home, That the
Bradley's always was an anlucky SET, and
he guesses its about as well as any way.
Ann could End chances enough, if VIII.
+ isar. - Il. G. 4. 90 a.. a