Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-12-18

Mrs. Douglas had invited the minister
10 tea this afternoon. Surely this was moth
ing unusual. lie was a frequent and al
WAYS welcome visitor at Moodsido farm.
There was a strange bond Of sympathy be-
tween Gilbert Palmer and Mrs. Douglas.
She knew his secret she only guessed VI
inor's. But a mothers soul has keen in
buttons and she folt that Elinor was lost
to John. Next to her son, Einor was her
idol. She could not bear the Thought Of
the girls unhappiness and though her
heart pleaded powerfully for her absent
son, she resolved to try to smooth out the
tangled skoiu Of these two lives In ask
ing Gilbert Palmer to come to the farm to-
day, she had double motive vogue idea
that in some way she should prove a help
and comfort But IL is useless mcddIiug
with Fate. She has her own way, aud it
was not part Of her plan that these lovers
should be helped out Of their dilemma pre-
cisely in the manner Mrs. Douglas intend
cd. EIinor never knew what topic Of con-
versation her unlocked for arrival spoiled
talking of angels, Einor," said Mrs.
Douglas, smiling, as she came forward 70
welcome her niece
The color dcepenol on EIinor's checks.
Have |, then, been painting q moral 2'
No-that isl was thinking--we
were saying "-s,ammarcd poor Mrs Doug.
las.
With rare tact, Mr.. Palmer came to the
rescue Of his hostess 81 was preaching a
sermon" said he gaily, with this pleasing
freight for my text. | had wandered to
sunlight, and from thence to moral sun
light, when you most opportuueIy appeared.
No sermon is complete without an iilusira-
ton, you know"
Most logioll roasouer " laughed Eli
nor.
1t was happy trio that fingered OF the
tea table that evening. They fingered so
long that Koziah, the help, grew cross, and
muttercd as she baked fresh waiiles, " Hope
they'll set back pretty soon Keep The
work hanging round all night"
No one noticed the hall doors noiscless
opening or the footsteps that, guided by lho
sound Of voices, now softly drew near the
dining-room Kczah, on her way from the
kitchen with pile Of hot cakes, was first
to discover the intruder The plato in her
hand dropped with a loud crash to tho floor.
Land sakes alive Is this you, John, OF
a ghost" was the cry that startled the un.
conscious group at the table. The surprise
the JOY, the eager questioning that followeC
must all be imagined.
odd you not get my letters inquired
John, finally.
Letters Not a word for over tw
years. But you are here now, and that i
enough" said his fond, happy mother
But why should John look disturbed ani
embarrassed at this? He glanced at hi
cousin Was it excess OF Joy that mad
her so palo2 She seemed more like on
who had received bad tidings than a woman
exulting in the happy return Of her lover.
81 prepared you for my coming" re
turned he, slowly, bat find l must tel
the story over again" In brief hurrioC
words he related that just before starting
for home he had fallen sick. The long
tedious illness had been followed by a long
err, more tedious recovery. lie owed hi
life to the tender care Of his landlady
Frau Berstein, and her daughter Ouiie
We sec how it all ended," laughingly
interrupted his mother "Wbere is ny
daughter Where is Ouilie ?"
"You jump at conclusions as quickly as
ever mother" said John, smiling 1t was
plain that he was inexpressiby relieved a
her forestalling his confession. Perhaps
he had expected tears and reproaches
"But you shall see." He went out to the
carriage, and in a moment returned with
the slight, childish figure Of his wife cling
ing to his arm.
Later, when all had somewhat recovered
from their bewildermont, Johns mother
exclaimed, "That this should happen to-
day, Of all others -
"Why, what day is il ?" iunoeontly in
quired Mrs John.
Elinor's eyes met the minister's. What
each read we cannot tell But what meant
the shining joy Of her countenance, and
what could have been in Gilbert Palmer.
mind, that to Ottilie's question he should
absently respond 1t is Thanksgiving"