Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-03-18
IRAsBURGH, VERMONT, FRIDAY, MARCH 49, 1864

quented street and skunk into the shadow
OF doorway to wait for coming steps
and nerve himself for his first evil deed
Glancing up to chide the moonlight
for betraying him, he started; for there,
above the snow clad roofs, rose the cross
upon the tower. Hastily he averted his
eyes. as if they had rested on the mild
reproachful countenance of friend.
Far up in the wintry sky the bright
symbol shone, and from it seemed to fall
radiance, warmer than the moonlight
clearer than the starlight, showing to that
tempted beart darkness OF the yet un.
committed wrong.
That familiar sight recalled the past
be thought Of Jamie, and seemed to-hear
again the childish words, uttered long
ago, "God will remember u.s."
Steps came and went along the lonely
street but the figure in the shadow never
stirred, only stood there with bent head,
accepting the silent rebuke that shone
down upon it, and murmuring, softly
God remember little Jamie, and for
give me that my love for him led me
astray.'
AS Walter raised bis hand to dash
away the drops that rose at the memory
of the boy, bis eye fell on the ring he al
ways wore for his dead mothers sake
He had hoped to see it one day on Bess's
hand, but now generous thought ban
ished all others and with the energy of an
honest purpose he FASTENED TO sell the
ring, purchase little food and fuel, and
borrowing warm covering of kindly
1eighbor, be went back to dispense these
.omforts with a satisfaction lie had little
bought to feel.
The one lamp burned low; few dy-
ng embers lay upon the hearth, and no
sound broke the stiffness but the steady
'ustle of Bess's needle, and the echo of
Jamie's hollow cough.
Wrap it round Bess; she has given
ne her cloak, and needs it more than L.
hese coverings do very we'll and as he
poke, Jamie put away the blanket Wal
er offered, and suppressing shiver hid
lis purple hands beneath the old, thin
,loak.
Here is bread, Jamie; eat for Heav-
ms sake, no need to save it now;' and
Walter pressed it on the boy, but he on
y took little, saying ihe had not much
leed of food and loved to see them eat
ar better.
So in the CHEEKY blaze of the rekin-
lied fire Bess and Walter broke their
ong fast, and never saw how eagerly
Jamie gathered up the scattered crumbs,
lor heard him murmur softly, as be
watched them with loving eyes,
There will be no hunger or cold up in
but enough for all,-enough for
H.
'Walter, you'll be kind to Bess when
[ am not here?' he whispered earnestly,
IS his friend came to draw his bed within
he ruddy circle of the freight cleaning
IN the floor.
Il will, Jamie, kinder than brother,
vas the quick reply. But why ask me
hat with such wistful face?'
The boy did not answer, but turned
IN bis pillow and kissed his sisters shad-
w as it fitted by.
Gray dawn was in the sky before they
poke again. Bess slept the deep, dream
ess sleep of utter weariness, her head
'ilIowed on her arms. Walter sat be-
ide the bed, lost in sweet and bitter
musings, silent and motionless, fancying
he boy slept. But low voice broke
be silence, whispering feebly.
Walter, will you take me in your
trong arms and lay me on my little
ouch beside the window? should love
0 see the cross again, and it is nearly
ay.'
So light, so very light, did the burden
eem, Walter turned his face aside lest
be boy should see the sorrowful emotion
ainted there, and with a close embrace
10 laid him tenderly down to watch the
rst ray climbing up the old gray tower.
The frost lies SO thickly on the wins
ow panes that you cannot see it, even
7hen the ligh: comes, JAMIE said bis
riend, yainly trying to crafty the boys
'ish.
The sun will melt it soon, and can
,ait,-I can wait, Walter; it's but a
tile while;' and jamie, with patient
mile turned his face to the dim window
nd lay silent.
Higher and higher crept the sunshine
II it shone through the frostwork on the
oy's bright head; his bird awoke and
arolled blilhely, but he never stirred.
Asleep at last, poor, tired little Jamie;