The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-03-28

From that day the rich man was
strangely considerate towards this humble
girl. He sent her books which could not
be procured at the library, and occasional
ly rare hot.house plant found its way to
her attic room in the great boarding
house.
The winter passed away, and March
came. This was Annette's natal month.
How differently would she spend this
coming birthday from the last Then all
was joy, song, and sunshine Beloved
friends had congratulated her, loving
eyes had gazed fondly into hers, and rare
testimonials of friendship had been show
cred upon her. Now, how changed was
everything! She longed to go home for
that one day-it would be so pleasant to
pass her birthday at Elmstead with her
desolate and bereaved parents. This
longing was so strong that, unconsciously,
she spoke it aloud as she paused for a
moment in the empty hall Of the factory
to adjust her shawl.
"Oh, if could 1t would be so sweet
to spend that day beneath the roof! The
Sabbath, too-doubly blessed But it is
all right-God will be with me here as
we'll as there !"
Only three days intervened between
then and the Sabbath, and the work was
more than usually pressing. The next
day her web was exceedingly trouble
some, and she left work after sundown.
The gate was locked, and she was obliged
to retrace her steps and cross the foot
bridge above the fall. She hurried over
the bridge, and struck into the street, the
tall buildings making it dark and gloomy
Annette felt frightened, and fear almost
lent her wings.
There was quick, firm step behind
her, but she did not look around-not
even when it halted at her side. The
voice which addressed her drove all fear
from her heart 1t was that of Mr.. Tem-
pleton.
"You are late tonight, Miss Burns.
Permit me to attend you"
He wrapped the shawl which he was
carrying carefully around her, and drew
her hand within his arm. This protect.
ing care was new to her, but it was very
sweet why, she could scarcely have told
yet she knew that all fear and coldness
had gone away from her.
They went on little way in utter
silence, then he said :
"Annette, may 1 talk to you freely p
At being called by her Christian name
her heart beat fast.
"Yes," she said family.
"Thank you!" He was holding hel
hand now. ut is abrupt, l know, An
nette.
But l cannot see you wasting your
youth and bloom away. You must quit
this factory life at once; it is killing you
From this night it is ended Do you
hear me Annette?
Certainly she heard him but she was
utterly at loss to comprehend his mean
ing, although she bowed her head in re-
sponse.
"Well, then; the existence that you
take from toll must be given to me An
nette, love you. l have watched you
when you little suspected me. Speak te
me, Annette. Is this love to be sen
away uncared for? Is it ?"
| Annette saw, with flash, into her owr
heart, the sealed chambers of which sh,
had:not recently dared to fathom. Thank
God for it Yes, she could speak now
But when she essayed it, her speech was
only tears. Mr.. Templeton stopped tc
kiss them off.
"My darling! Your face has haunted
me since the first look had Of it. The
shadow has been always with me-now
I am to have the substance Blessed
reality"
They turned an angle of the street
and into q sheltered covert. a horse
attached to a sleigh was tied to post
Templeton unhitched the animal, lifted
Annette in, and took his seat beside her
To her surprised inquiry he said:
"Forgive me, dearest; but l was in
the ante-room last night, and overheard
you wishing to be home on your birthday
am going to take you there now. We
will celebrate the day together, if your
parents will receive me-"
"Oh Mr.. Templeton !"
That Sabbath - that quiet, sunshiny
Sabbath-what a joyous day it was to
the residents of Elmstead. A day o
praise and thanksgiving, and fearful Of
fering Of thanks to the God of mercy and
love.
| And before Reynor Templeton left
Farmingdale, Elmstead was reclaimed
from the shadow of debt, and the mind Of
Annette at rest.
In May,the month Of blossoms, the brid-
al took place, and the beautiful lady whom
Annette had once envied as the promised
bride of Mr.. Templeton, was the brides.
maid. Isabel Gordon was tried and
trusted friend to Mr. Templeton-nothing
more-and in after years she became as
a sister to his fair young wife.
Elmstead was kept in the family as q
country seat but through the cold months
Annette's parents shared with her the
stately elegance of her husbands city
home.
| Dr. i. G.. Ayers Speech.