Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-06-24
IRAsBURGH, VERMONT FRIDAY, JUNE "A, 1859.

y~~ S@a"S ASpihE t0 tuthtVt'
William, if you viii only let me ses
him.
Well, | don't know as / can help il,
said Mrs. Bradley, in an apologe,ic tone
for Ann had glided away, determined
upon hearing no refusal.
Her courage faltered when she reach.
ed her lovers chamber. Il was long be.
fore she raised her trembling fingers tc
lift the latch, and when upon The ,hresh.
hold, that bowed hrnra ahiAai in its
misery, arrested her almost noiseles:
steps, presence was recognized.
'Oh, don't stand there, mother; leave
me alone-I can't bear your pity saiC
William patiently,
William, gasped the girl, advancing
but single step, ere she faltered again.
Annie, oh, Annie ? The melancholy
tenderness Of his tones drew her towards
him Involuntary. But he bad recover
ed himself, and stood erect and stern. -
You should have spared me this Ann
Not if may comfort you as / viii
do. Oh William, you cannot drive me
from you-my love is stronger than your
despair
And well she proved her words bu
not until be had tested the might of hen
affection by cruel repulses, born of hi:
maddened pride. did William Bradley
take the gentle hand extended SO gladly
to draw him from the vortex of despair
wherein he seemed resolved to sink
The soft pressure Of her lips upon hi
brow charmed away the almost blasphe
nous doubts of Gods mercy, which hat
been driving him mad; he bowed hi;
head upon his hands and wept, praying
in broken accents to be forgiven anG
strengthened.
Ann had still another trial to endure
in meeting her father. His anger seem
ed too concentrated to be spoken for {
time, until at last it broke out in curse.
and threats, which gave her terrible
insight into his worldly and cruel nature
She remained silent, hoping to disaru
his anger, but her meekness only addeC
fuel to the flame
There's the door, he cried scorniul
ly. Go marry blind man, and ther
take care of him, if you can. hops
you may both see the inside of a poor
house, before you get a cent of my
money
Like Esau, she could have cried witt
an exceeding great and bitter cry, 'Bles
me, even me, oh my father : but he
pale lips could shape no artieulate reply
Seeking for employment, Ann wa
able to secure a situation in the factories
where William was well known. Fo
her labor she received rather more thar
many Of the farmers in her native villag
were able to support their families upon
Thrift and good management had laugh
he- at home. 1t was a mystery to all VIII,
knew him, how Ann was able to over
come, the only remaining obstable, he
lovers pride. Possibly she may hav
persuaded him TO sacrifice it 10 save be
lite once more at all events, they wer
married, and she has supported bott
with pair Of the most willing and com
petent hands that ever toiled for love-
sake. Poverty, that gaunt spectre whicl
/ frightens so many of US into deeds G
selishness that ought 10 shame Us, ha
never darkened her doors, because sh
is too courageous and watchful to fea
such an enemy
Do you remember how much Luci
charmed Is by her descriptions Of tha
lovely lake in New Hampshire? Sh
met them there, this blind man and hi
wife, and heard their story. lie was
tall and manly figure. and his step va
firm and free, for close beside him guid
ing, though she seemed to lean upon bin
walked his Annie. Was she not indeed
: the Light of his eyes the sun Of hi
life in nobler sense than are tIlos
petted birds in gilded cages whom east
ern poets have delighted 70 honor