Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1871-02-23

the threshold at Riverbauk
Indeed, Mr.. Burch, you had littl
need of any taste but your own, she oh
served.
They had nearly completed their sur
vey Of the house, and were now standn!
by recess filled with the choices
of plants.
Then you are pleased? he asked,
Il am charmed
'1t still lacks onething, without which
even Paradise was not complete he
said; its Eve
"A deficiency which will soon be sup.
piled, | suppose said she, turning her
back on Mr.. Burch, and looking intcntly
into the heart of a cala-lilIy.
That depends on you, he said
'On mel! exclaimed Sallie, facing him
now; 'how can that be?
Because, unless you consent to marry
me, yourself shall remain single.
impossible! said she.
Have / presumed too much p he
asked, regarding her earnestly.
4 meant impossible that you could
think Of me- stammered simple Sallie,
blushing rosily,
But seeing that it is not impossible
what then?'
why, them
4 shall fill up the blank to suit my
SELF said he, bending lower, and taking
her hand in his; but, to his surprise,
she drew back.
There are some things that may cause
you to alter your mind said she.
Well!' said he, and waited for what
she had to say next
4 have been engaged before, said she.
Il know it.
TO your foreman
Il know it..
4 have two old people dependant on
my care
4 know it,
And can never leave them
And | never wish you to. 1t was
hearing of your devotion to them that
irst led me to seek your acquaintance.
knew so dutiful a daughter must make
| true and faithful wife, and so | set
myself to the task Of winning your af-
ection. Have | succeeded?'
Sallie was again wrapt in contempla
ion of the calla-lily. But Mr. Burch
vas man who was not to be put off
With any evasions, so he repeated, Have
succeed :?
Yes said Sallie.
Then he kissed her, as it was high
ime he should do and said great
many lackadaisical things to her, of
which this is one:
i won't say your personal graces had
10 effect upon me; but then must
laye loved youif you had been as gaunt
md grim as-
Mrs. Burdock, suggested Sallie. Both
aughed, and he finished his sentence
instead of the sweetest little lady in all
he world as you are
80 Mr. Burch fulfilled the prediction
If Mrs. Bu"dock, and brought wife to
'iverbank; but that good woman was
orely disappointed that the expected
Queen Of Shelby should turn out to be
obody but little Sallie Dearing.
Mr.. and Mrs. Dearing were very
appy in their new home; nor do |
hink their son in law ever regarded
hem as burden Or wished them away,
d. he was more than once heard to re-
nark, There is nothing which gives
uch dignity to house as the presence
f serene old age
No special misfortune ever befell Da
id Thompson, and the world voted
i'm a prosperous man yet, sometimes,
1hen vexed to the soul by vain, frivo-
ous and heartless wife, he thinks of one ;
Ihose steadfast spirit might have been ,
is stay and comfort And sometimes,
'hen returning home at evening, he
ancies he sees standing on his threshold, |
y the crimson light Of the sun, a figure f
7ith one hand raised to heaven, and
hese are the words it utters;
and, David, when you shut ne out
f your life and home because | refuse
D break the Fifth Commandment, take '
are that you do not shut out Gods S
lessing at the same time ?'-New Eng ,
md Farmer