Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-07-27

only these two knew how to give, and the
shadows Of discomfort again fell on Janets
spirit.
All, that long cheerless winter What
story Janet could tell you of dsappointments,
Of happy parties Of which she had no share,
ofmoonlight rides, ofjoy and merriment! She
had only that one comforter, kind, patient
grandma for now that Austin Bosworth had
come, the way was harder than before
lie came and escorted Lettie to parties, and
sometimes chatted with grandma, but nothing
more. She saw nothing more-shc did not
catch the good-natured smiles be gave her
from the sleigh as he rode away--and Lettie
never told her how often he inquired for her.
Alone with grandma, Janet wished for
better things, and wondered why she was so
harshly dealt with.
At last even the society Of her aged com.
lorter was denied her, aud in her bed the old
lady gradually faded away. Day and night
Janet sat beside her, with the knowledge
that she was beyond earthly help--waiting
upon her, Yielding to the childish whnis, and
shutting out everything youthful and beautiful
from her sight
Playing househod-ange, Margaret
said.
Working for grandma's fortune Of old
shoes and worsted stockings Lettie cruelty
added.
Doing her duty by the faithful wo-
man who had taken the three motherless
children into her heart and filed the lost
ones place so far as God permitted" her
own heart said, and steadily she worked on.
The first Of May brought invitations to the
last ball at the Bosworth House. and while
the two elder sisters laid out their fnery. Ja-
net folded her tiny missive, and hid it away
next to her heart as a sacred bit Of paper,
bearing Austin's firm, broad chirography upon
| it.
That night grandma was very i'll, and when
Margaret and lIettie iluttered in with their
gay dresses, Janet met them, and almost
iorcibly put them out of the room.
Il beg you, girls, to have little respect
for poor grandma--she is very i'll tonight
Nonsense Don't be a fool, Janet---any-
body would think she was dying.
| believe she is.'
Their reply came in a violent slam of the
door, and Janet was left alone with her pa
tient
The hours dragged YEARLY, and overcome
by her long, seepless watches, Janet fell fast
asleep.
Two hours later she awoke with start,
and in an instant she saw that dread change
visible in grandma's face.
Like one in Dream she walked TO her
fathers door, and wakened him.
Father, grandma is worse--I believe her
dying. You must 90 to DR.. Berne. You
will find him at the ball Go quickly !"
She went back, and sat there wearily
waiting for something--for sound, sign
from the dying woman but none came
Slowly, but perceptiby the lines settled
around the pleasant mouth, and the dark
shadows crept over the placid face, but no
sound issued from the pale lips
Janet bent her head There was faint Aut-
ter-no more--and she caspcd her hands,
Would grandma die there before her eyes,
and never speak word?
She caught the cold hand in her own, and
cried aloud
Grandma speak to me speak to your
little Janet Don't you hear me, grandma ?"
But grandma heard nothing. The chilli
ness Of death had settled down, and even az
she knelt there the breath fed and Janet
was alone.
She understood it all when she arose, and
she sank back half tainting in the armchair,
near the bed.
"Janet, my poor darling"
She lifted her head. Austin Bosworth
was leaning over her
My little girl why did you not send
word to me tonight, and let me share your
sorrow !"
You, Austin ?"
Yes; have | not--Ah, forgive me This
is no time or place. missed you as have
always missed you, but thought it was your
own pleasure to remain at home. When your
father came in with white, frightened face,
and whispered to Dr. Berne, | knew you we're
in trouble. | came at once and JAMIE,
shall not again leave you.n
She knew his meaning, and did not put him
away, when he held her close in his arms and
drew her into the parlor.
Margaret and Lettie coming in with their
ia,os horror-stricken, saw him holding her in
his arms, her tired head resting YEARLY upon
his shoulder, and the proud Lette said
" Mr.. Bosworth--I am surprised"
" You need not be. This is my privilege,
now and forever"
Three days after they gathered in that same
parlor to hear grandmas last will and tesla
ment read. After some little directions, it
said
"And to my beloved granddaughter, Janet
Leeds, | bequeath the Holmes estate, together
with my entire stock of furniture and money,
amounting to ten thousand dollars"
Janets father smiled upon his astonished
and crcstfallen daughters.
at was mothers whim. She never de-
sired it to be known. Therefore you were
ignorant of the fact that she had dollar be-
yond the annuity held for her"
When, six months later, Austin aud Janet
were married, her elder sisters dared to say
that he married her for her money He knew
better, and so did |.