Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-01-12
Village Scandal.

Tattlers and busy bodies are the canker
and rust Of idleness, as idlcness is the rust Of
time
A good illustration is the following wsif,
respectfully dedicated to the retail dealers in
scandal who intest almost every country vii.
lage:
A lady purchased home in beautiful
village about forty miles from well.knowu
city She longed for fresh air and quiet
scenes, AMI doubtless she would have found
all the happiness which shS sought in this
rural retreat, had not the place been haunted
by the terrible spectre--scASDAL.
Have you seen the new arrival 2" asked
Mrs. Thomas of her ncighbor, Mrs. Law
renee, about a week after the stranger took
possession of Maple Cottage--as the little
place she had purchased was called
A curl Of the lip and shrug Of the shoul-
der was all the reply made by Mrs. Law
renee but in the gestures Mrs. Thomas saw,
OF supposed she saw, sufficient reasons for
stunning the acquaintance of the stranger.
Mrs. Thomas, who was very jealous and
suspicious, translated this sign Of language 10
her own way.
81 have no doubt" she said to her hus.
oihu AZ nl9hti " that 5ue nau Oau rtputa-
tion in the city. She has come here dressed
10 deep mourning, but who knows whether
she ever had husband2 Aud, if she had,
her wearing black is no sign Of his being
dead in my opinion"
The next day quite crowd had gathered
in the store OF Mr.. Thomas. waiting for the ar
rival Of the daily mail, which was due about
this hour. The stranger c.,ne in TO make
some trihiug purchases, and was stared at by
the people, as strangers always are. After
she left the store, some remarks were made
concerning her lady.like appearance. Mr..
Thomas Immediately rejoined, Yes, she ap-
pears enough like lady, but my wife thinks
ner reputation none the best"
Customers coming in, nothing more was
said at that time but the fire Of scandal was
kindled-the story spread rapidly, each one
telling it his own way, until there was not q
I family in the place but heard and believed
the rumor.
Weeks passed on, and the inmate of Maple
Cottage felt that for some reason she was
Hooked upon with suspicion and dislike.
There was no hospitality, though there was
nothing said or done for which she could de-
mand an explanation.
Every day seemed to increase the avoidance
ofb her 6eighbors: and she. aeeinv this ceased
making oyertures toward an acquaintance
with them. sendiur TO the city for her house.
nod supplies. and never cunning in contact
with any of them, save at church, and even
here she generally found whole seat at her
disposal.
AZ last the storm which had 40 long dark
eued the village horizon seemed about TO burst
over her head. There were low threats of
driving her from the place. and the mob
.pirit seemed to be gathering strength.
About this time. some three months after
the stranger came 70 Maple Cottage. very
handsome travelling carriage. drawn by a
double span of prays. stopped in front of her
dwelling. and a fine looking man, apparently
about fiity years of age, with his wife and
, two children. were seen TO al;ght and enter
the house. All that day and through tb,
evening. there were heard the sounds Of mauy
voices. mingled with the rinplino laughter of
ioyous hearts.
|, The next day was Sunday. but this time
the widow did not sit alone. Strange looks
and low murmured words ran through the
conyregation. and the minister seemed To
share the surprise of his audience. and preach.
/ ed as though under painful embarrassment.
He recognized in the stranger a minister
whose reputation was world.wide-no other
than the rich and distinguished President of
- College. from which he was prsdu.
ate.
Professor c remembered his former
pupil. but il must be confessed be was both
surnrised and disappointed He had given
the younp man credit for individual talent.
{ but his sermon was mere repetitiop of moor
, platitudes. and a trucking to public opiniou.
which showed weak mind.
!, After service the President stopped mo-
ment until the preacher came forward, and
when the greetings were over he said kindly /.