Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-06-05
take il, but-but-my mother and sister ar
starvinnn


thought Of bis mother, and poor hungry little
Flora. In half an hour Mr.. Fontenay came,
bringing bis daughter, little Panse, with
him. The little creature darted in like
humming bird, her cheeks abaze, her blue
eyes flashing lightning.
l." lie didn't steal my emeralds :" she cried
81 gave EN- to him to sell 'om and buy bread
for his little sister"
Ross rose to his feet, struggling hard to
keep back his tears. He put out his little
brown hand, which Pansie instantly casped
ia both her chubby palms.
IL am not a thief, sir, he said at last, ad,
dressing Mr.. Foutenay; IL never stole in my
life. know it was wrong to take the neck
lace, but--but--sir, my little sister is sick,
and she is starving"
The merchant drew his hands across his
eyes.
You're a manly little fellow" he said,
patting the lads head, "and do not in the
least blame you, but we'll take back Pauses
emeralds, aud she shall give you something
more available. Here, Pansie, give this 10
your little friend"
lie put a gold piece into Pansie's hand,
which she rendered to Ross, with the iujuuc-
tion that he should run straight, home and
BUY lots o goodies for bis sister command
he was not slow to obey.
think wen not lose sight OF tho little
fellow" continued Mr. Fontenay, as Ross dis.
apperred IN the stormy darkness, shall we
pet Lets see what we can do to help him.
mes promising lad and an honest one, LIN
sure. MT Lennox. you're IN need OF an err
rand boy why not try himf wish you
would
Inc Jeweller consented, TO fansles great
oeilght, ana on the following day, Ross was
dul established as errand boy IN the fashion,
aoie establishment.
Fifteen years AFTER one clustering March
morning young man sat behind the counter
OF thriving Jewelry establishment in one oil
the northern cities. he was handsome man
scholar and traveller man OF taste, in-
tellect and money, Tor he was junior partner
10 the hrm' which was prosperous one. But
uespl'e All this good fortune, hoss Dunbar
was not happy' HIS mother and little Flora
had gone to their long home, and be was ut
terly alone, without kith or kin IN the wide
world.
sitting alone that morning, with the roar
of the March winds in his ears, bis thoughts
went back to the days Of his boyhood - to his
mothers humble home. How vivid the past
seemed and how dear and sacred, despite its
privations aud SORROWS! His eyes grew dim
and his heart swelled. All were gone over
the wide waters Of time and change.
tender smile softened his sad face as he
recalled that stormy night, when he sat sob
bling on the steps of Mr.. Fontenay's mansion,
and little Pansie, taking pity on him, dropped
her string of emeralds. Darling little Panse
the remembrance OF her sweet face, as he
saw it through the snow-wreaths that uight,
haunted him constantly. In all these fifteen
years, never for one hour had he forgotten
her. But she was gone; lost to him forever
Ills reverie was broken by the entrance OF
customer, lady closely cloaked and yelled.
She approached the counter with jewel case
in her hand.
"Woud you buy these, sir 7" she asked
simply, in clear, sweet voice that stirred
the young mans heart as no other woman,
voice had power to do.
lie took the casket and unclosed it anC
spread out its contents. A watch, exquist,
and costly diamond ring one or two rubies
and an emerald necklace. Ross Dunbar
barely suppressed a cry Of surprise as bis
eyes Tell upon IT, lie turned It over with
eager trembling fingers, and there on the
tawny clasp was the name that had lived in
his heart Tor 80 many long years Little
Pansle'"
You wish to sell them allY' he asked,
striving to steady his voice, aud the wild
tbrobblDg OF his heart.
The lady hesltated an instant, then she
put out slender hand and drew the emeralds
towards her.
=" dislike to part with this, she said, at
was my fathers gift-and-and--but no
matter, take them all, must have the
money"
ln her eagerness she had thrown aside her
veil, revealing lily face liz by lustrous
sapphire eyes. toss Dunbar stood silent for
moment every nerve in his manly frame
thrilling with supreme delight. lie had
found her at last the one idol of his life.
=" They are very line gems he said, after
moment, "and l am willing to give you a
tair price-suppose we say one thousand dol
lars, will that dol"
The girl flashed dazzling glance Of glad
surprise from beneath her heavy veil.
:" SO much as that J" she said, tremuously
" You are very kind, sir 0, you cannot
know how much this money will help IN"
The young man made polite reply, and
proceeded to put aside the jewels, and to
draw up check for the money. The March
winds were still clustering without, and the
girl shivcred and drew her wraps closer, us
she started out.
:" Won't you let me run down to the bank
for you ?" said the jeweller catching up his
hat. You can play shop lady the while, it
won't be but minute or two"
But am troubling you 50, she faltered.
Not bit; just take this warm seat,
please, you'll not be likely to have any Gus.
TONER'S and seating her beside his desk, he
took the check and hurried out.
Pansle Fontenay threw back her veil, and
leaned her head upon her hand, puzzled re-
Elective look on her sweet sad face.
A 4 u IL