Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-01-05
vuvEESNwS 81, 90 Per Year.
TERMS 81, so In Advance.

went into the arbor. His mother sat in her o Id
seat-sacrod to her by long custom-weeping
under the impulse of the moment, he threw his
arms around her neck, and mother and son, in
an embrace which each felt might be their last,
poured forth the sorrow of their souls in tears
Leon was the first to speak.
Mother, am going, now. You have re-
fused me till now, but now l must go. Slo-
cum will let you remain here, three years he
says for five hundred dollars a year. You can
pay that, with Gods blessing, and live. 1t is
all you have done for some years. In three
years, mother, | can do much. perhaps | can
buy the place again"
Would to Heaven you might. But alas,
Leon, you don't know how hard tis to battle
with the world. You are hopeful-youth al
ways is-but you will be disappointed, you will
fall and then-O, my God, what then?"
81 shall not fail, mother. | shall not fail.
l know there are dificultos in the way, but
will meet and overcome them. Have no fears
for me, mother. Come, cannot 60 without
your blessing. Tell me I may go-that you
will strive to keep soul and body together, till
come back-and l will make you happy,
yet"
Mrs. Howard was strong-minded womaa
and with the necessity for caImness, she grew
calm.
&C 1t is a dreadful alternative, but perhaps
It's best. l do not know, If you are sure Of
success, cannot withhold my consent. Provi-
dence only knows what is in store for US. If
you cannot succeed, you cpn return"
go, ,0W succeed, mother, and return to
make you happy, too" said Leon, excited to
enthusiasm by his mothers consent.
"Wo must go in, now we are staying too
long in the night air. Butwhere is your father,
Leon "
" lie is at the tavern Perhaps he wont be
back tonight. Slocum paid him some money
to-day, and he is-you know, mother, as we'll
as 1. But you shall see better times, some
time. And he hurried along, not wishing to
speak on a subject so painful to both.
Mrs. Howard retired but not to sleep. Tick
tick, slowly and sadly the hours passed on
Thoughts, fears, the dreadful memory of the
past, and the dreadful fears for the future, kept
her awake. 1t was long past midnight, when
she fell into troubled sleep, from which she
did not wake till the burning east told of the
rising sun-and Leon was gone.
Leon Howard went to his chamber, dear
from long usage, not to sleep, but to prepare
for his journey All night long, one by one,
he gathered into bundle the little indispensi-
bles, which he could see or think of. Hemade
his preparations for departure with great care.
He wrote long farewell letter to his mother,
telling her he longed to bid her goodbye; but
that he dare not trust himself, lest his resolu
.!or lail-and assured her that they should
meet under happier circumstances.
He then crept noiselessly to Emma's apart.
ment, and whispered to her to come to his room.
One, two, three, struck the old kitchen clock,
and the brief June night was fast fading away,
as he seated himself, and awaited her coming.
Emma" said Leon, as she came in and
wound her arms around his neck. 4" am 60
ing away Don't cry 50, sis. We must be
strong and calm, now. could not 60 without
seeing you, no way. want to see mother, but
am afraid to-
&" Afraid to see mamma
" am afraid she will persuade me to stay.
You know have tried to go before, but | could
not get started. Now must 60"
Why must you go, Leon? What shall
mamma and do" said Emma.
@ must because ! cannot see you and moth
er suffer, while have the power to help it, and
you must get along the best you can While am
gone. You can stay here three years, and l
am coming back then mean to buy the farm
back. have written all about affairs, in
this" said he, handing her q letter. You
must hand it to mother, in the morning.
81 knew you was going. l knew it when
you called me. You don't know how | shall
feel, to have you 60, Leon, it will be SO lone
some. O, what shall mamma and lido 2" said
Emma bursting into tears again
"Be strong Emma, have good courage. There,
don't cry any more. know it is hard, for me
to go and leave you and mother, but it is bet
ter than to stay here as have. never can
earn anything here, because father has it all,
you know. You can get along just as well
without me- We must hope, Emma, that the
future has something better in store for us
" You are so good Leon. l am ashamed of
my weakness, but haven't learned to think,
svyou have. Yes we can get along, here IN
our old home some way We ought to be will