Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-03-30

farmhouse. The group is smaller
now than then. The farmer who /
murmured ten years ago that he had
so mapS mouths to feed, has now only.
one G Td left him-the little faxen
haired-girl that is sitting beside his
knee. Thorest are all sleeping in
the little churchyard. A heavy mis-
fortune has befallen him; the thirst
for riches has brought its usual curse.
Possessed with the mania for specula-
tion, he mortgaged his farmhouse and
all that it contained. The gilded /
bubble burst, and the dawning of the
New Year found him a ruined and
homeless man. This was the last
night that he and his were to remain
in the old homestead, that had been in
his family four generations, and was
linked to his heart by so many tender
memories. On the morrow they were
to go they hardly knew whittier. 1t
is true, many of the old neighbors-
kind, good souls-had offered him a
temporary home but it was hard for
that proud, selfreliant man to accept
charity from any. .
What can we do? Where can we
go?' he groaned, as he thought of the
morrow.
The Lord will provide, john said
his wife, lifting her sad, patient eyes
to his. He has never forsaken us.
Neither will he ever forsake any who
trust in Him
But the farmer lacked the Christian
resignation that made tn at gentle
heart such haven of peace and love.
Aye, that's what you've always
said, wife, he retorted, impatiently,
and you see what we've come to. For
my part, don't think the Lord troub-
les himself much about US, any way 7
Mrs. Williams might have said that
he had brought his misfortune upon
himself, but she wisely forebore. Just
then there came the sound OF quick,
buoyant step, and there burst into the
room fine, sturdy lad of about ten,
his eyes bright, and his cheeks glow
ing from the keen, frosty air.
It's bitter cold, | tell you he ex-
claimed, throwing his cap boy fashion
upon the kitchen setee, and stepping
up to the kitchen fire. Not but what
I've been warm as toast, all but my
ears and fingers he added, blowing
upon the latter as he spoke.
Here is something for you, mother
he said, seating himself on stool at
her feet, and tossing into her lap
shining piece of gold.
why, Arthur, where did you get
this? q
The strange gentleman down at
the tavern gave it to me, mother. He
asked me into his room and gave me
: as many nntS and raiains as | could
eat, beside,
ingly.
Il can tell you, exclaimed her hus-
band, his eyes flashing angrily. He
is the owner of Red Stone Farmhouse
He is the man who bid against me on
the few articles | wanted to reserve
The curse of the homeless rests upon
himr
Nay, John, interposed his wife
gently; perhaps he did not know how
highly you priced them.
Yes he did; Parson Woods step
: ped up and told him. But he only
smiled, and said he wanted to buy
? every thing inst as it stood
, well, said the boy, gazing thought
) fully into the fire, 4 can't help pitying
him, he looked so sorrowful. He
asked lots of questions about you,
l mother, and all the rest Of us; and
kept walking up and down the room,
wringing his hands and groaning as
if he was in great trouble.
| 4 will buy you a new coat with
this, Arthur said Mrs. Williams, as
, she examined anew the gold coin.
You need one bad enough she added
.: glancing, with sigh, at his well-patch-
: ed roundabout
You shall do nothing of the sort,
mother, said he generous-hearted
! boy. You shall buy yourself and
1 sissy nice warm shawlr
Before Mrs. Williams could reply
there was quiet knock at the door.
y Farmer Williams opened it. 1t was
!, only boy, who brought a small par
= eel for Mrs. Williams.
+ Another New-Y Years gift, | sup
pose, he said bitterly, as he handed it
to her, for he was in bitter mood
!, Mrs. Williams glanced reproachfully
at her husband.
. God grant that it may bring US as
: much comfort she said, laying her
= hand fondly upon the head that was
- resting aginst her knee.
y As she opened it, she uttered an ex
y clamation of surprise. 1t was deco
. Of Red Stone Farmhouse, made ou
= in her name! On the inside wrapper
were these words:
, 1nasmuch as we did it unto the leasr
. of these, We did it unto me-
n There were grateful and happy
|. hearts beneath the roof of the ole
It homestead that night. Though will
is Mrs. Williams JOY there was mingled
A. an uneasy feeling. She was we'll as
h sured that it was in some way con
n nected with Arthur, and tremblet
T. with apprehension lest some on,
should appear who had a stronge
claim to him. This fear was dissipat
ed the next morning by letter tha
came to her in the first mail. 1t con
n. tanned a check for five thousand dol
IL lars, together with these words:
ID The boy that you so generously re
u ceived ten years ago, and have s.
lg tenderly cherished since, will never
|; never be taken from yon. The moth
lie er forced to relinquish the babe, dear