Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1867-07-03

nY Mrs. n. M'coNAuNuY.
The youngest son stood with his fair bride upon
the threshold Of the old farmhouse He was the
last Of four brave boys who had gone forth from
that humble roof to work their way up manfuly
70 place Of honor and usefulness in the world -
Perhaps there little dimncss in the old mans
eye, and may be a little tremor in his voice as he
spoke the farewell words. But he took from the
old side-cuphoard his parting Gift a bright, new
hoe-and as he placed t In the hands OF the youth.
Che accompanying almouition sounded cheerily ON
his ear, " Hoe out your row."
10 was the fourth time a similar presentation
had been made boz the old homestead
" Everybody will find his row to hoe in this
world, George-and sometimes IFS mighty tough
one; but it is only towards that shirs IT, "What-
soever Thy hand fndeh TO do do % with Thy might,
and never forget to look up
The old man wrung the hand Of his son, and
stopped down to kiss the cheek Of his fair new
daughter while mother busted herself with the
dozen " last things which every one bat a moth
er iorgcts The lingering farcwels were an said
at last, and the old coach rolled away with the
two hopeful sunny hearts just entering liies bright
and beautiful summer
The old homestead seemed deserted and drear
as a last years nest. The aged pair sat down by
their own hearthstonc alone as when they began
life together. How these old walls had ung to
the sound Of ch.ldhood's mirfh, and childhoOds
step, and i'm later year. had echoed with the tread
of mantu feet Now they must live more iu the
buried pat.
But TO George and Ellen life seemed all one
bright future, with the rainbow Of hope archiug
all their plans and projects.
Their Western home was a humble one, aud
plenty OF work for willing hands within 10. The
young farmers chief capital was his strong arm
and stout heart, and the sound wor1ng-day prin
cplcs lac had been taught from childhood. SOME
times he grew discouraged at the prospect of pay
ff Hti bt
meet with hearty encouragement and words Of
cheer from Elem a glance, too, at the parting
gift of his father, it stood the mantle in the
family room was as good as a sermon any day
There it stood ever ready to give encouragement
or admontion, as The ease might be. Strangers
might think 10 a strange, curious ornament for
chmncy-piccc, but it was soon regarded as one of
the household treasures. Dust nor rust were new
cr suffered to mar its brightness.
Ellen, 30 is uo use trying said George, one
evening" quite despuudiugly, as bc turned away
from some figures he had been making on a scrap
Of paper, can't make out the payment dlis week,
and may as well give 10 up"
Ellen looked up chccriully from her work and
nodded toward the mantle.
81 have hood and hoed but this row is too
much for me The wool will pay the next INSTALL
meut, and the crops the next, but where this fifty
dollars is TO come from. that need in addition TO
what / can make out is more than ] can sce.n
were offered sixty dollars for her, you know
'' But what can do for butter, and cream in
our coffee, and all that ~
90 Do without for time, dear. home is a
great deal more important TO us now than any Ia
Die luxury. Besides, YOU shall not suffer. These
little self denias YOU know, are almost unavoida-
bic, if we would fairly hoe out our rows
George, like q sensible man, took his wife's ad-
vice: and the satisfaction he felt as be paid down
the money promptly and took his receipt far ex-
cecded that which any table enjoyment could af-
ford him.
Ellen ransacked her memory for economical
sauces and grayics, tn take the place of old Deb
by's golden butter aud yellow cream and she
never forgot to stir a well beaten egg into the pot
of coffee and improving its richness that George
scarcely missed the favorite luxury
Stea lily onward he hoed his row until the place
was all his own. The old home had put on a new
face out doors aud in. There were shrubs aud
rose bushes in abundance in the once tangled and
and hriar-growu door-yard, and fine young or
chard was blooming ON the sunny slope toward
the south
There were files OF agricultural papers on the
broad shelf of the library, and choice selection
of miscellaneous books above them. There were
little tasteful appointments here and there, about
the cheerful sitting room bat the bright hoe was
never displaced by any gem or crystal The prct-
Is seli-iamcd pictures might look down upon il,
il they chose it could not be looked out Of coun-
tcnancc
George was respected and known by all his
noighbors, and the stranger who shared but for a
night the generous hospitality OF his broad hearth
stone, went away to speak, years after, Of the
pleasant hours he spent there; and the kind aten-
tious Of the geutle wife, whose wide heart took in
every suffering sorrowing one on earth. The
blessing of the Lord was upon the household and
it is that alone which maketh rich, and he adj
deth no sorrow with it,
N..ars ef..d anaro when ruddv Octohnr a
circular autograph letter went round the circle Of
brothers bidding them all come TO the golden
wedding. And the call gathered them in from
their distant homes.
There was a racket Of merry, youthful voices, as
the grandchildren rompcd through the Old halls /;
but grludiather's face was hrimful Of smiles /;
and graudmas pet 'namesake. gentle digni6ed
Grace, took the reins OF government into her
hands, all moved ON most harmoniousy, rclicv-
ing mother OF all care, aud leaving them TO chat
to their hearts content
Carrie was the daughter-in-law who lived near
est home so the care Of the feast fell ON her
- Grandma must not stir from her rocking chair ~
until all was upon the table. Indeed il would be
hard for her to accomplish much with many lit
tie run-aways under her feet all the time, whose
manifold periections must continually be observed
aud commented on.
The evening lamp was lighted and little fire
was burning in the open Fireplace, as all were
seated ia the old homeroom.
William, the eldest born, stepped forth from the
little group, and advancing TO his gray haired IA
ther said -
- Ii is twenty-five years since the first Of us
went forth from this roof 10 make his way in the
world. As each, ia turn took his departure, YOU
presented to him bright, new hoe, with the in
junction, Hoe out your row. How well we have
followed your directions and the lessons Of indus
try, perseverance, Christian integrity, and self
denial, YOU have always taught, by our words and
your life, il remains for you 90 Judge. As a token
that we have not forgotten your preachiugs, in the
name OF my brothers and my self, | present this
hoe to youn and with bow be laid it upon the
little round stand before him.
The old man dropped his head, aud the tldu
hairs fell upon his temples he simpy SAID with
choakcd voice -
God bless the hoysl"
Mother" said Ralph, advancing to her side,
we all know that you would not desire any gifts
Of Jewels and golden ornaments, such as are com
mon on these occasions. But we Thought the con-
tents Of this little box might add some comfort to
your lives which we should delight 10 bestow, If
We were not so widely separated lie placed IN
her hands beautiful gilt casket, containing four
OF the broadcast pieces the mint turns out with a
liberal sprinkng of smaller yellow drops from the
little grandchildren
Now. father said Dominic Ned, as he Walked