Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-05-18

-A".'" ApNhNN ~ AuN hIolth NulNt DOuucl
and the red feather, and ropressed smile
wondering what his father would say. But
his was too kindly a nature to be willing to
expose even this servant to his fathers rough
manner. He repeated what he had said be.
fore, assuring her that it would be of no use
to see his father.
The girl stood a moment IF ye plase,
sir, I'll just see him moment. Belize he
may take likin' TO the look O. me"
And before he could reply she had crossed
the room, and stood upon the threshold Of the
next Ansou followed presently, curious to
see what Kind Of reception she would get
ehure an I'll do plenty morn I'm worth
TO yeos' She was saying with innocent en-.
phasis as Anson entered. She talked rapidly,
pouring out such torrent Of words that The
Old mau could not, by any possibility slip one
IN among them, and sat regarding her with
an expression Of the most ludicrous astonish.
ment.
This remarkable volubility completely baf
He'd the old mans sownoss. lie could not
say word if he wished to. and when she
concluded at last with, g. can make Aapiacks
and bread that'd bring the very eyes outiv yer
head and make ye swally yer tongue with de-
lightsomeness' (f he had a weakness it was
for iapjacks aud corn bread), he could only
twirl his thumbs in a sort Of ridiculous awe.
and asked her with a sudden smile how much
She expected to get for doing all those
things"
)" Seyenty-fvo cents week" was the
prompt reply.
With a still more cunning laugh, Joel offer
ed her half the money Greatly to his amaze.
meut, she agreed at once and he found him
self to use his own expression, in for it,
To add to his chagrln, Anson stood BY
laughing with intense enjoyment
But the girl, without further odo proceed
ed to disencumbcr herself Of a bonnet and
shawl and vanish in the direction Of the
kitchen before anything could be said. As
she shut the door she stole a glance at Anson
that made him start and bite his lips and
presently he stole kitchenward also She was
already at work, handling the broom like an
adept, and grumblng in her rich brogue at
the dust that had accumulated in the corners
for the extent Of Auson's and his fathers
sweeping had been to brush the center Of
the room somewhat to the disadvantage ofI
/ the rest
She did not look up as Anson entered but
he sat down and deliberated, and furtivelv
watched her. For some time she seemed un-
conscious Of his scrutiny; but presently she
turned, and clasping both Of her little hands
upon the top Of the broom handle, said with
mixture of brayado and archness too natural
to be mistaken
We'll, Anson, what do you think ?"
The young man laughed and looked an
noyed III the same breath.
" Then it is you, Barber" he said 80 was /
suspecting something Of the sort
" Not till looked at you,' said the girl, |
roguishly, retrcating as he approached.
" Do you think it is quite the thing, Bar
bie2"
"Shure, an' why amt it the thing for
poor girl to be gettin' her liyn dacently and
honestly?"
And that was all he could get out of her.
Having Acknowledged her identity with Bar
bic for an instant, she was the most unap-
proachable Biddy the next, and would have |
nothing to say save in that character.
Does your father know of this. Barbie ? |
What would he say" perscyered Anson.
"Sure, an it's not me own fadcr would be |
interferin' wild me, would he ?" said Biddy. |
In vain We're all remonsfrances with the |
roguish and wilful girl She persisted in be-
ing Biddy, even to him, and maintained
distance between them very different from
that between him and Barbie in her own
proper self Annoyed, provoked, chagrined. /
almost angry, the advent of his father forced /
MIN to retire from the kitchen, for Far Of
betraying Barbie's secret which he would not
have done for great deal.
1t was several hours before he could return
to the house his iather having upon one pre- |
text or another, detained him.
When at last they entered together, kitch- /
en- ana slttng-room' both OF which had been
10 most untIdy state when they left there,
had undergone slch remarkable renovating
process that ola joel drew back at first,
thinking that he had set FOOT IN somebody
else mousse ihS'eau oi MS own. supper was
ShoAing on the '1oie, such supper as old
Joo'' al ,cas,' hap hot seen IN months. 10
crown an" MIs' ShohenDarger was sitting |
Proppeu up WIN pliIoWs' IN great easy char,
ana looking "ohurously contented, and with
reason the poor lauy had not had woman's
mana about her since before her illness They
wed III such an Isolated lnhospitable manner,
that very few OF their neighbors even knew
tnat MRS, S1ellenpnrger was not as well as
usual, blddy, as she called herself, had
tldied Tue poor iady up IN wonderful manner.
joel sheilenbarger satdown to the daintily
spread table ana made a most hearty and
kcenly relished meal glanclng askance at
Biddy meanwhile Anson' strange to say,
ate very hlte' ana he watched Blddy askance,
too;
Ihis was only the beginning OF reforms
this daring girl instituted. First, however,
as much Tor her own peace OF mind as Ansons
showing that mother and son were fast
friends and always OF one oplnion-she told
her secret to Mrs s6elienbargor, and fairly
wheedled the good lady into approval. 1t is
true mat she shook her head athrst' and look