Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-08-17
From the Wa,chnaa and Reflector.
THE WIDOW DILWORTH.
AN OLD cLERGrxAN's STORY.

Rney, ~ Stoppe1 10 taik VIII niA
minute over his garden fence, 'but I
guess there's somebody that wants to see
you worse than / do
Who is that. pray Iasked.
Somebody that lives pretty near by
he replied, shaking the soil from the
roots Of large weed which he plucked
up and cast over into the street. You'd
better call on her'-I perceive now very
well who was meant I'd a little rather
YOU wouldn't tell her told you to.
sIf you mean Mrs. Dilworth,' said I,
sI doubt very much whether it viii be
judicious for me to visit her again soon.
called upon her last week. She was
then as discontented-Q chose a mild
yword)-as ever. All 1 could say seemed
only to embitter her the more
We'll, 1 guess she has changed little
said the good old man. And where
there's chance to benefit fellow-being,
/ know you 'aint' the man TO lose the
opportunity
Why don't you talk with her your
self brotherT
80, that's something / never could do,
Il hain't the gift. As sure as l un-
dertake it, with anybody that's suffering,
I break right down. I'm ashamed Of
myself-tears started in the old mans
eyes-sFm so weak
Not weak, but too kind-hearted, you
good old soul ? l exclaimed, remember
ing the multitude of his charitable deeds,
and the few words be made about them.
Well weed your garden,-there
should not be a weed in it, according to
the old couplet I used TO write in my
eopy-book, when I was a school-boy-
a man Of words and not Of deeds,
Is Ike garden fnn Of wesds.''
'Fie fe ? said the old man, shaking
his white head. hat IN hand, the beady
sweat on his benevolent brow, there
are weeds enough in my gardeu, and ii
my life too You humble me when
you talk So
well, well, Mr.. Riley, I'll bride my
tongue, then; for you are humble enough
already. As for our good sistsr Dilworth
/ viii walk by her house; if l am II
call, perhaps something viii direct me-
True enough, as l reached the poo
woman's gate, and slowly passed by, I
voice spoke my name.
VIII you come in moment, sir
With all my heart l answered, j
you wish It.
/ saw female figure behind th
lattiee-work that shaded the little oil
porch. 1t entered the house, fittin
like a shadow through the doorway
I followed. 1t was now dusk, and th
room into which was shown had chi
and gloomy aspect. Without wor
Mrs. Dilworth placed for me chai
in the centre of the apartment, and var
ished into one corner, ike ghost.
I am very glad you invited me in
said /, for should hardly otherwis
have had the courage to call again 8
SOON
Il viii keep you but moment can
in low, quick, half-stihed tone, from ol
of the corner. wish to ask your 70
giyeness for my treatment Of you Il
other day-always, indeed, when 70
have been to see me-
My good woman fastened TO So
touched more by her emotion than BY b
words, do not speak Of that. Let Il
past be. IF can do anything for u
now
eThe past must be cleared up frs
she said, decisively. You came to L
in charity, to bring me consolation al
hope. met you with spirit OF bite
ness. answered you harshly and f
biddingIy. ask your forgiveness
Then I forgive you freely and entil
Iy,' I said. But can't talk with y
in that dimness; and / feel that we a
10 have little conversation now.
She moved forward hesitalingiy il
the light that fell softly through the vi
dows into the ROOM And then
talked while the aulumnal twilight fad
and the moonshine Frightened, fall
in slant beams and white checkers
the door.
When came here to live, she sa
pouring forth passionate narrative
her sins and snfferings, had made
nv mind 10 hate everybody The ma
loved and trusted most had deceived
bad deserted me-had left me to
initiation and poverty. All the No
seemed Ike him. determined 70 Il
no human being. III accept no fave