Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-12-29

ne uld SO she noticed for the first time that the
unlight lay in rare beauty upon the rain-laden
caves of the g cen vines, and climbing roses, that
hung over the window, and through them fell
n broken Jeans upon the floor. Her husband
passed his arm about her, and drew her towards
lin until he knew her eyes would rest on a pic
ure far more pleasing than the rainbow, in the
orms of their twin boy and girl, as, arm-in arm,
hey turned into the lane leading to the house.
"Do you know it is their birthday. to-day,
Mary !" said her husband ''they were nine
een this morning. Does it seem as if wo had
lived in this little cottage so many years, Mary,
and that great boy and girl are our children !
am not sure but shall have to fall in love
with you over again in the form of Alice, who
is the image of you as brought you for the
trst time to the cottage"
IL can return the compliment? she play
fully replied 81 am sure Albert has his fa-
theirs brown curls, as they were once, and his
blue eyes as they are now. ="
The clouds were fast vanishing before the
sunshine of a few pleasant words 1t was Won
delful how much the last few minutes had i'm
proved Mrs. Webster.
"Well, Alice said her father, az she ap-
preached them, show do you get along with
your schuol ~
40, finely, father she replied, her fine face
glowing with animation have so many schol
ars that it is rather hard work, but they all
obey me SO well, and are so much interested in
their studies and it is such pleasure 10 teach
them that don't mind it much"
She certainly did not look as if her health
or happiness were seriously affected by her la-
bors.
"da ! ha Freddie, can't you give me kiss
Tor birthday present." said Alice, catching
him up I'm nineteen to-day!"
SO am l." said Albert II claim the pre-
rogative of the first one"
BY what right" asked Alice 81 should
like to know 81 am as old as you are. have
the right of possession too" giving Fred kiss
as she tossed him over to Albert Then turning
to her mother she inquired how the week had
passed, ending with "Mother, they don't have
milk where board; cannot have some fresh
and cool from the cellar lit will be SO re-
freshing after my long walk"
"Why not all have some >" asked Albert. -
1t will save the trouble of having any more fire
tonight Come Alice, we'll get supper I'll
bripg up the milk while you set the table,
And away they sped. The supper was soon
ready under their expeditions hands and all
seated around the table, Mr.. Webster holding
Fred.
81 am glad, said little Mary, as she filled
her bowl with the nice cool milk, II am glad
it's Saturday night, and want you to help NE
get my Sabbath school lesson Mother, won
you! 0, mother she continued, without
waiting for reply, don't you think Hattie
Bond says she loves our A lice better than she
loves her own mother, because Alice kisses her
Don t you suppose her mo her euer kisses her y
Mrs. Webster did not reply but she looked
proudly at little Mary, as much as to say, 81
don't see how she could help it if you we re he,
daughter"
They have sent Willie ho-ne from College, >
Mary continued, ".and Hattie says her mothc,
has cried all day about it Doyou know what
they sent him home for I"
No, my child, quietly replied her mother
Albert changed the conversation by askin,
Alice to look over some music with him. To
morrow will be the last time | shall sing witt
you for long time at least in church. Come
Alice, it is past our study hour let's 90 u,
stairs"
Aud the two retired to the little chambc
which Alice had fitted up tastefully for stud,
Although study was the os,eusibe purpose tha
called them there, Albert's real purpose was
have few moments of private conversation
with his sweet twin sister.
II believe said he as they seated ,hemselve
upon the little lounge, "that if We were rich,
should never go away from here; so think
is good thing that am forced to develope III
energies. am sure shall never pass happie
hours than have here in this little room, muc
as shall prize the knowledge that must obtai
elsewhere. But don't know what shall d
without you. We can write often, there II
some consolation in that
While the brother and sister were engaged
their pleasant little study, thus happily, a di
ferent scene was being enacted be ow As ii
twigh, deepened, Freddie was hushed to sleeI
and Mary earnestly studying her lesson, Nj
Webster drew his chair to his wire's side, an
as he threw his arms about her, remarke,
, "You are very tired tonight, Mary, come, rel
your head upon my shoulder. | hope it will NJ
, be long that you will have 10 work SO hard =
} Tonight 90 not owe dollar in the world
Besides this little cottage, which is dear TO
as the birth place of our children, is all o,
own paid the last note to-day. have
| hundred dollars left, too, with which Abe
| will commence his collegiate course. II we a
blessed with health, he will not have to lea
0 to work his way lmean TO delray his expense
$ which will give him II good start in the worl
Our little farm with careful culture, will e,
q us all Then shall have all the extra hour
4 spring and fall, and all the long winter 10 woI
e in tho shop. Alice already commands go'
t wages as teacher, and the Preceptor told II
| to-day that she could have the place Of Asst,
!, ant in the Academy this fall She can reta
t the place as long as she chooses, for the teac
ers say she is every way competent to perior
: the duties. In this way she can provide (
: herself and assist Mary in getting an educatio