Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-08-17

Danvers, whom he had addressed
What! all the evening, and on holidays
also2"
"Yes, indeed"
And do you never study2'
No, thank you have enough Of that in
schoo-hours. Is a fellow never to have any
enjoyment"
"Yes, certainly and l love a game of
ball, or a good race, as much as you do. But
what will that avail when we grow up2 I'll
is essential to acquire knowledge"
ooh, bosh 90 And Claude turned away
from his friend in disgust
Let us follow these two boys to their
homes.
1t was lovely afternoon in June. The
sky above was a cloudless blue, and the suns
rays lighted up every object, from the lofty,
glttoring spire down to the poor, cherries
alley. What a pity to pass such a day in a
crowded, pent-up city How glorious it
would be out in the wild woods, awoy from
the heat and dust and shadowless streets
One Of the boya sauntered along as if
oyerpowered by the exertion, to a handsome,
brown-stone house with marble steps-ior
Claudes father was rich merchant. He
flung down his books and hat, and threw him
self upon a comfortable lounge, saying
oh, any one can pick them up
A plate of Strawberries and cream was
prepared for him.
Minnie" he called, bring me another
spoon; l have dropped mine somewhere"
So his little sister attended upon him-not
from love, but because she feared TO disobey
the youthful tyrant.
Now, I'll take nap" said he. wake
me up when supper is ready"
Let US look about more pleasant picture
Hugh Laurie walked briskly to his home,
little four-room house in quiet out-of-the-
way street He hung up his hat, put aside
his books, was contented with drink of cool
water aud thought trawberries-without the
cream-a delightful relish to his supper.
"Have you any errands this evening,
mother"
"Yes, my son: dress to send home. 1t
is long way, and too lonely for Katie; but
she will be glad to walk with you, this pleas
ant evening
Hugh sighed, but not audibly. He felt
weary and had to study several lessons for
the morning; but never mind, he could rise
an hour earlier. All, how wise it is to make
light Of little troubles to heed them not but
put them aside as we pass by. Imagine
each one merely straw, and see how they
accumulate, and how the pleasant pathway is
crowded, hiding the bright howerets and green
leaves from our view.
Mrs. Laurie was a widow. During her
husbands lifetime they had known better
DAYS, but their means died with him aud
since then it was hard work to support her
self and two children but she struggled
bravely on submitting to many deprivation
for their sakes Seeing the bent Of her sons
mind, she euieavored to procure him good
education and for that purpose the poor
mother toiled early and late. In the even
iugs, Hugh was his sisters teacher,-un-
knowingly to himself strengthening his own
mind as his studies of the day were simpli-
fed and impaired to his willing pupil,
"Oh, brother, what kind lady She has
given me these flowers, and lent me such a
beautiful book !" said Katie, returning from
the house where she left the dress, to her
brother, who had waited without. Here is
mothers money; you must carry that"
But what is the book, sis ?" for the very
name of book had magic influence upon
Hugh
"A work on botany, with engra,ings
chose it myself Now, l shall find out SC
much l wished to know"
What pleasant sight it soon became tC
watch those children examining and classify
ing their flowers, and consulting the botanical
treatise to learn their names
And Katie dreamed she was transported
into fairy-land when she went to bed tha
night, and that every flower she beheld wa
the home of little fairy. Happy Katie
may your dreams always be as sweet and in
T nocent
The summer with its beautiful blossoms
and the autumn with its rich fruits, came anC
went. That long vacation also was ended
How differently had it been passed by thu
two boys Claude lounging about during tn
? days heat, and in the cooler hours of tn
evening played round the door,-the " hate
full books put away out of his sight
But poor Hugh mo, he is above ou
, pity Hugh earned many dollar durini
t those weeks by hard manual labor and there
) on his book shelves, were the evidence OF hi
G industry and determination. 81 bought then
| myself" he would proudly exclaim, as h
4 pointed them out to his admiring friends.
q Occasionally, the brother and sister passe'
!. happy day in the woods,-Hugh in readin
, and in meditating on what he read, and Kat
|. in gathering treasures for her loved study.
But alas the poor mother fell sick. Sh
had over.worked herself during the war;
weather, and before the winter had ende
Hugh was compelled to leave school, that b
e his labor he might help in the support of tn
e little household. Though his employmeu
r was distasteful to him, lasting from earl
/ morning until sundown, the brave boy toile
on uncomplainingy, growing the more mani
by his self-denying discipline.
:. The former schoolmates seldom met, 70
r. Claude looked down disdainfully upon tn
r soiled, rough garments of the stone-cutter
d boy, and if accompanied by others did ne
4 even stay to speak to Hugh as he passe
h him by.
a A few years went over. Diligence an
= firm purpose and integrity met with their II
,s ward, as they always will in life. Hug
r. Lsure, then fine, noble-looking youth, WI
If apprenticed 10 a marble-mason After Ii
? DAYS labor he attended a drawing-class, AM
y. determined to attain success, left all his fe
ir low-students far behind him. With corre'
40 eye and fine taste, he drew designs, and ski
m fully moulded them into form. group
/. leaves or classic vase, under his patient han
a. always took graceful outlines of beauty.
i. time, at an Art exhibition, prize of mer
' was awarded to Hugh and from that da
he received higher wages and held bett'
9. position in his profession.
n Wish me joy, Katie" he exclaimed, jo
m fully, as he entered the room at the close
10 the week and laid down his money. See Il
consequences Of perseverance,"
p. "Yes, Hugh and since helped mothe
II we have so much work. To-day two your
" ladies came as apprentices; but oh, Hug
guess who one of them was !"
Indeed, that would be impossible, n
v ', having time to make the acquaintance
vi Young ladies'