Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-01-05
FREEDOM AND UNITY

forgive him-has taken deed to-day, and we
are homeless But do not weep," she said ten
derly, as Leon and Emma. burst into tears :;
6 there is One who never forsakes-we will
| trust in Him
Mrs. Howard kneeled down with her children
| in the cool arbor and sum ner twilight, and
prayed fervently for strength to bear, and a
spirit to submit. Her petition was the out
pouring of pure spirit-the overhowing of a
full heart-and we have reason to believe was
accepted of Him who is father to the father
less, and the widows God. She arose from her
knees encouraged and strengthened for her du-
ty. She felt sustaining power, on which she
could lean and walk through whatever trials
awaited her.
" Mother, -"
" What, child? said Mrs. Howard, as Leon
hesitated.
81 am going away. can not, and I wiu
mol"
" There, Leon, said Mrs. Howard, quickly
interrupting him, g don't speak of it, my dear
You must not think of it-least Of all nOp-
Together we can bear all things that Heaven
allots lis, but we must not be separated Go
to the village, now, Leon, and see that nothing
has befalen your father, and have him come
home. Come, Emma" said she, taking her
little girl of ten summers by tle hand and
leading her out of the arbor and up to the
house.
There was, in spite Of her efforts to prevent
it, heavy load upon the heart Of Mrs. How
ard as she crossed the threshold of that dear
old farm house. 1t had been the hope of her
early life to make for herself and family hap
py home, and she had succeeded beyond her
most ardent expectations. And that home was
most beautiful. Situated on the verge of an
extensive plateau, and overlooking one of those
pretty inland lakes 50 commonamong the noun
tains of Vermont, it was one OF the most charm
ing l'cations in this or any other State To
the north-west, interspersed wfN 7erdant islands
and checkered with snowy 5f4ssHs stretched the
broad bosom Of the lake, cut into bays and in
lets by bold headlands and rocky points, and
bounded in the distance by high mountains,
dark with forests and bald with rocks. 70 the
southwest, slumbered in beauty, like twin
genii two little villages on opposite shores of
the lake, which here narrowed to the propor-
tions of large river, by two sandy points max
ing out nearly opposite each other, and con-
nected by rude wooden bridge. Below and
above this point, the lake widened and deepcncd,
and the western hills grew to mountains. To
the east, stretched a considerable plain, termin-
ating in the distance by range of cultivated
hills; to the north one vast rising slope as
far as the eye could reach.
With strong effort Mrs. Howard controlled
her emotions till Emma went to sleep in her
little chamber. and she had put everything in
readiness for the night. But as she walked
around among things dear and familiar, and
thought how soon she must leave them forever.
She sought the quiet arbor again, and found re.
lief in a flood of bitter tears
+ Leon Howard, when he left the arbor, walk
ed rapidly down the road to SlOcum's tavern.
He was bright, active lad of fourteen years,
but had so long, in conjunction with his mother
had the care and management of the farm, that
he had become prematurely ripe, and a man in
abilities and experience. The thought of his
mothers wrongs drove him frantic with rage
and grief He found Mr.. Slocum smoking on
the tavern verandah alone.
8" Mr.. Slocum," said Leon, with shade of
Indignation in his tone and manner, do you
mean to turn mother out doors ?"
" Who has been blabbing now? Of course
not, fool " said Slocum.
" But you have taken dced?" asked Leon
breathlessly.
"Why-yes but what of it? You don t
think ! would be hard, hope. Ne turn any
body out doors? Pretty reflections Have a
care what you say to me, boy
&" Mr.. Slocum," said Leon, " the place is
yours, and of course no longer home for
mother. You know how it has gone, and how
poor we are. Mother must have home, and
when she leaves that she has no other. | am
young and strong, and can do great deal if l
have good luck. You have no need of the
place Now what want is this let mother
stay there for FIVE years and pay you rent, and
if at the end of that time am unable to buy
it back, shall at least be able to get home
somewhere in the wide world. You will cer-
tainly grant me this chance, MIR. Slocum ="
said Leon ingeniously.
{" Let me see" said Slocum to himself" per-
haps after all, that's the best can do. lhave
no present need for it as ne saws, and if the