The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1867-07-09
MISCELLANY Y.
Jaret's Escape.
a ROMANCE IN REAL LIFE.

In district of the Western Highlands
which forbear TO name. lived decent
country lass, whom | will call Janet
Campbell She was left an orphan when
very young, and resided with her uncle
an old farmer, who loved her as a daugh-
ter, and she loved him as n father in re.
turn. When talking together over their
affairs, he sometimes joked her about
her cheerful devotion 10 him, an old cross
grained earle, and prophe,ied, with meau-
ing look and voice, that it would not be
long-that some strapping young far
mcr's son would soon steal her affections
from him--and pictured the lonely life
he would then have to lead, when she
should cease to care for the old man,
with his troublesome ways and adviccs,
ard turn to the tlatteling lad, who would
say or do anything she pleased. On
these occasions, Janet always assured
him with smile that he might rest
content on that score, and that she would
never leave him.
One evening he WAS testing on the
accustomed subject, and after her usual
protesta;ions and assurances, he said.
son ay, Jenny, | ken weel enough VIII,
ye mean. I'm growing auld and dotted,
and yell marry some ne'er do well, that
has nacthing o his ain, and, rs he Gamma
tax you to stay wi lin he'll come and
stay wi you. Aha, Jenny, lass, l ken
what ye mean tha;'s the way yell nC
leave me-" Its needless to contradict
you, uncle" she answered. ''or | wad
tell yc that's not what | mean. And rs
for him coming to stay here, lie Gamma,
for the place is neither mine or his. -
I'll stay wi you. uncle. as lang as yell
let me; and Ill no marry lad ye dinna
think weel o.
"IIcot, toot, Jenny - sail hc "marry
the lad you likes hest; | can trust thee
lass, to choose guild anc. But wha i
lie? Ye said something about h,m comins
to stay here. Wha is he ?" Jane
blushcd mp to the roots of her hair.
was the first time she had betrayed her
self-Ilcr uncle, noticing her confusion
said kindly, "Neel, weel, We II nae mai
ahoot it noo," and turned off to othe
matters
The truth was that Janet had won th
affections of a manly young fellow. whom
l will call Daniel Mcmillan, ploughmal
on the next farm. and who was in tn
habit of coming on moonlight nights I,
sober minded people are usually in bed
she had often thought of telling he
uncle, who had always proved himsclf
kind adviser. But caste is not awav
confined to India. AMI although Donald
degree was not below her own, she wa
, afraid both of her uncle's disapproval an,
the public opinion of the district. Blu
|; now he had found out her secret, sh
took the first opportunity of telling hin
all about it. Somewhat doubtful of hi
concurrence in her view of the matter
she was about TO entertain him with
specimen Of the eloquence with whic
l love can speak for its object, but he Gu
her short by saying, "l'il tell ye what
is, Janet; I'm getting auld now, and we
soon need somebody to look after tn
NJ" ioi NV anu llc idhS III Tue IldcN
/ dinna ken ane that could do that bette
than Donald sac, if ye're willing, l.
just let him ken, and he may come &
soon as he likes, only I'll no let him L
! master O the house till I'll see you mad
the mistress OF. Ye ken what thf
means. And Jenny" he added, while
tear started to his eye, "you and him
be kind TO the auld man."
Jane loved and revered her uncle befor,
and this unexpected generosity made hi'
( sill dearer to her. In short time a
= was settled between the parties concerned
Janet was to be her uncle's heiress, an
f the wedding day was fixed at no veI
, distant day. But before the ausp
cious day arrived, Janet's uncle was take
, i'll, and in consequence the ceremony WI
postponed. Misfortunes never con
singly they say, and before he got we