Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-12-07
DAISY's VICTORY

by EMMA GARRISON jon s..
The February afternoon was cold and blus-
tering, with a skim Of snow whitening the
bare meadows and frozen hills, aud every
prognostic Of heavy fall as the day closed
in
Mrs Arnold crime up from the stable,
where She had been giving the last wisp Of
hay to her one milch-cow, with a small tin
pail in her hand. 4 little fairy Of a child,
with blue eyes, and golden curls, met her in
the doorway.
Won't you give me just a little bit
odrink. mother? ?" she said coaxingy. I'm
getting so very hungry, and Brindies warm
milk is so nice
Yes my darling replied her mother,
putting down her pail, and going to the
dresser for a cup but poor Brindie is short
Of food, and can't give as much milk this Bit
ter weather; ~nd poor papa must have the
better part you know-but Daisy shall have
a little drink
She poured out few spooniuls, which the
child swallowed eagerly.
How nice she said, smacking her rosy
/ little mouth Oh, mamma do you mind
how we used to have so much milk last sum-
sucr aud sweet white bread, too viii 1t
be so again mamma, when the roses bloom,
and the green grass comes
Mrs. Arnold looked down into the little
hunger.pinched face, and her eyes filed with
tears "I hope SO, dear" she replied
choking down a sob.
Just then she heard her husbands voice
/ from the adjoining apartment. She hastened
/ to put away the milk, saying, as she did so,
Go play with Doilie little now, Daisy
and mamma will hunt up some supper for
you, as soon as she attends to poor sick
father"
The little thing crossed over to the lounge
and taking up an old doll all bundled up il
bits Of calico and old flannel, sat down anC
began to pet it.
Poor Dollie poor Dollie are you s'
hungry ?" she would murmur in her sweet
bird-yoice, dropping kisses on the faded face
" Never mind summer will come by-and-by
and the Brindie will give lots o'milk, anc
we'll all have enough. Oh! won't that b
nice, Dollie ?"
The sound Of suppressed weeping from hei
fathers chamber attracted her attention. Sh
put down the doll and listened. 1t was he
mother weeping as if her heart would break
" Poor Bessie" her father said raisn
his thin hand to carcss and stroke her hair
" poor, overworked little wife, don't Civ
up So"
But Mrs. Arnold wept on. She was
pretty, loving, busy little woman, this mothe
of Daisy, intensely unsel6sh, and very BRAY
and hopeful for the most part. But tn
I strongest of US break down at times, and poo
Mrs. Arnold was as weak as babe shat VIII
s try afternoon.
81 know how selfish it is, Tom" she sale
q lowering her head until it rested on the pi
. low beside her husbands wan face, "to fr'
so. and you so sick but my heart was s
full; let me have my cry out, and | shall
all right, then.
But can't see what we are to do, Be
o sic" replied her husband, still stroking h'
bright brown hair. Indeed, | can't. You
father was right it was selfish in me TO ma
4. ry you. | wish -"
But her passionate kisses hushed the wor'
on his lips
- sc Not that, Tom" she entreated +
:. Gods sake never say that. Come what ma
[ bless God forever that you are my own, II
dear true husband. Oh, Tom this want
bitter and dreadful but it cant change O.
4 love for each other, can it, Tom ?"
" Never, darling, ueverl" he replied, SCOT
,e ing aud caressing her as he would have DO
child. "lf | could only get on my ie
a again. we would soon outride the storm b
W this arm will keep me down till spring
er And you've spent your last dollar hayeI
m you, Bessie ?"
Poo. Bessie tried to proyaricate
es truth was, she had not possessed dollar
L. week. ,
And the mortgage comes due on +
as day." continued her husband, and Dunt
nd threatens to sell the house over our bea
nd doesn't be ?"
of Yes, Tom !" o.,
lie sighed heavily, glancing out will
sbudder at the wintry storm.
10. Aud no fuel no food for you aud the
ar. tie one" he went on. a" God help us
he can't see what we can do !"
"Let me 90 to father, Tom," said
,ar wife, timidly.
,c. Bat his wan face darkened, aud his e
flashed
he d" Never with my consent, Bessie, he 81
,er excitedly. You went once, and he tur
ed YOU and the little one from his door
,ey shall not 60 again, not if we siarye'"