Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-03-30
A Wrecked Life.


pleasant day in July They we're neighbors
and loved bit of gossip. Mrs. Graham
seated herself near the open window, anC
looked over the fragrant garden to the LITTLE
white house beyond.
"Who lives there " was the query.
Don't you know? There is the place
where the widow Bryson and her daughter
| live"
"Ah the old and the young lady who sa
in the west pew last sunday
" Yes"
Have you called ?" questioned Mrs. Gra
ham.
Me with emphasis.
Yes, are you not going to be neghborly
with them a"
al don't associate with every one"
No, | suppose not-but are not these nice
people ,"
"0h don't say they are not. don't
believe in talking i'll of my neighbors; if ]
can, speak well of any one, believe in just
letting them alone
All! what is it ?"
"Oh, nothing much but guess if you
saw what see daily you wouldn't think Of
my calling they don't suffer for want ofco
papy very much"
" Who has been there? III never mention
it," said Mrs. Graham
Mrs. Grant shook her head
Ladies
al never saw any ladies calling there"
| Gentlemen ?"
Yes, you call Squire Gregory gentle
man"
esquire Gregory ?" Mrs. Graham lifts
her hands in horror.
We will just whisper to the reader that
the masculine in question bore a very evil
reputation, having been, 6guratiyely speak
ing, kicked out" of society long ago.
And you saw him really there ?" mused
Mrs. Graham. Is it possibe2 Well, one
cannot mistake their character. | am glad
we have found them out in sleeps clothing"
Mrs. Grant shells her peas for dinner and
Mrs, Graham rolls up her her knitting work.
Don't be in hurry, Mrs. Graham"
"Oh! have not been. BY the way, you
have not got any yeast that you could spare ?
Mine soured and | must bake tomorrow, if
possible"
"Oh yes take cup full now or send
Jennie over for it, said Mrs Grant.
Going up to Mrs. Merrills,' said Mrs
Grant. Here's her magazine that borrowed
last week; have been trying to get John to
take it; he likes to read it as well as | do,
but when he can borrow he won't subscribe +"
Mrs Merrill, an aristocratic lady who lived
in a two story brick" greets her visitor
with quiet and polite good morning, ushering
her into the sitting room. There is a canary
in gilded cage, who is trilling his song very
merrily, and there are blooming flowers on
the windows.
"Will you lay off your shaker" asks Mrs
Merrill, quietly
"Oh 'tisn't worth while-I Just run in
was going up to the store and thought could
call and return this magazine !" tanning her.
self with her shaker, which she had Just re.
moved, how dreadful warm the weather is"
" 1t is uncommonly sultry." Mrs Merrill
takes up the embroidery she laid aside on the
entrance of her visitor. Z" We scarcely feel
the heat, however we have a good draught,
and there is very good shade around the
house. " Miriam" addressing fair young
girl who had just entered, perhaps Mrs.
Graham will take glass Of ice water"
Thank you dear how cool and nice. BY
the way, have you called on our new town
folks2'
Z" Not yet, was speaking to Miriam
about calling to-day. What a sweet girl
Miss Bryson seems to be; rather melancholy,
though have you called YETI"
" Not l."
Why r.
81 don't visit where Squire Gregory does,
replied Mrs. Graham.
esquire GEegOry-you are mistaken sure
ly."
"Oh, | guess not-but I've said more
than | meant to don't lot that influence you,
but if had daughter like Miriam there,
don't know as | should care that she should
associate with such people"
If that is their character, of course not,
replied Mrs. Merrill 81 never dreamed
anything Of that kind the old lady seemed
so high bred, and her daughter so modest and
gentle"
Mrs. Graham takes her leave with "now
do come and spend the afternoon when you
can, Mrs. Merrill"
The latter and her daughter sit quietly at
their work Miriam is finishing dress for
herself, and her dainty fingers fly swiftly at
'"Nh "Vih' bJ-ahu-pJ sue iuohou UP
never was more deceived in any one in
my life before, mother"
"Nor |"
The two sew away in silence Dicky sits
chirping unnoticed in his bright cage the
flowers breathe out their perfume unheedod.
. I'm so sorry and disappointed" continued |
Miriam. =" | thought she would be such an
addition to our set, but I'm glad we found
her out in time"
g There's the door bell now ringing" said
Mrs. Merrill.
The person chances to be Mr.. John III.
more, the chorister. He is good looking
enough, and has pleasant voice, and good
many bits of news TO relate.
Mr.. Elmore made known his errand il is
something about choir meeting next Tues
lay evening to learn new voluntary for
he next Sabbath, when the new pastor is to
preach his first sermon.
" But you can't guess whom we are to have l
n our choir after this" continues John Ell '
more, "a new member. Miss Bryson has q {