St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1872-06-21

tie companions enjoyment of the rare
sterOpticon. After the entertainment
was over, seeing the sun was vet two
hours high, he said to Freddie as he
lifted him into the wagon.
''Now. we will go to see Mamie Bell,
if you don't want to 90 home"
please, | haven't had ride in such
IA many weeks Fred answered implOr-
ingly.
So farther down the village the will
ling dapple gray trotted on through
the big covered bridge over the railroad
track. up the hill, where the swelling
buds ill the orchards, the sprouting
hedges and Towering currants, added
delicate charms to the mild day.
Only short drive to the stately
house where Mary Bell had recently
gone To live with her husband in his pa
rents family. As they drove up to the
door it opened, and Mary was seen bid
ding good by to Miss Horton and Nellie
Mayo. Freddie exclaimed. and Nellie
looked confused as she heard, in spite
OF herself. his exulting words.
Now, Nellie: | did go to the stcrop-
something. with Charley Bell. He
'splained everysing. and I've had just Il
splendid time"
All this alighting. A black boy led
away the ''horSey," and Fred keeping
tight hold of Charley's hand. went up
the steps. Rather stiff little bows were
exchanged between the guests. Refore
the girls descended they distinctly heard
Charley say.
''The first and only day | could get
leave or absence have run down Ia
see how you looked in Your new home.
This isn't exactly the friend | expected
to bring to take tea with us. but he il
one who enjoys 'everysing.' solet us in.
And with Il parting nod to the girls
Young Mrs. Avery closed the door. tax
ing i'll with ii fierce hug the darling
brother and his smiling protege.
Not exactly the one he expected t,
bring" repeated Nellie to herself, as
she walked silently homcward There
he came to take me to see Mamie. How
thoughtful. After Just his old fashion
of doing unexpected kindnesses. He
filled my pail with his berries he lost
the race stopping to pick me up when
my skate strap broke and threw me. or
the pond: . dear"
suppose that soft little bride didn't
dare ask lis to stay to tea at her mother
in-laWs table" Clara "supposed'
aloud. MA said it would look friend
ly To go down as soon as she got home
Miss Brown SAYS they have the cum
ningest old china at tea. and silver that
has been i'll the family IA hundred and
fifty Years. that would make YOU stare
| am so sorry they did not ask us t,
stay To tea"
Nellie did not vouchsate an answer
She was for the first time seriously an
moved with Clara's continued chatter
ing. The walk seemed interminable
but at last Clara was shut within hel
own gate. Helen did not linger for any
last words which rather pleased Mrs
Mayo, who happened to stand at the
west window i'll the dining room. look
ing that way. She met her daughter
at the door. Helen's arms wounC
around her neck in Il silent grostins.
lis this your good-bN, daughter
You went away without Il word"
Don't speak of it mammal.
Did You go to General AveGy'> ??
Yes. na'am.
Did lou meet Freddie ?"
YES. Charley brought him there Z
Indeed" Mrs. Mayo proceeded
cautiously, more than suspecting thai
her child had found herself anon.
clouds. and that little tear storm WAS
gathering.
'Charley came. as glad and free. a:
/ boy like. ;ts when used To SEE him cv
cry day on the farm. He came to take
you To the exhibition. which he had
D e..
was sorrN tn have Nou miss such Il rlr,
treat.
Nellie had come down tn her moth
er'S foot stool.
Did You enjoy Your walk with Clara
us we'll us you anticipated ,"
"Do not torture me me mamma.
said the humhled Young lady cNtrrva
gantlN.
"lrS. I'm SorIy ynu missed the lin,
pictures" Mrs. May" repeated. str"kiu!
the throhhing temples. And sorrN /,
see y"u have misplaced affection t,
uproot and regret. lou have aNuk,
to find the new friend uuprotitahlr
have You not ;!
Yes. YES. mamma. il was all IL tricl
of hers To get an invitation to Mrs
Avcry'> table. Not for love of Mary
but because the Avrry'S use old chin;
and crown silver and are aIiStocratic
and Mrs. Horton is anxious to get int,
the first society. Why the silly thin!
owned it, and without hlushing, An,
think nice old Mrs. Avery saw villa
her smooth speeches meant, mamma"
Il do not doubt it. my dear. Sh,
was always Il shreWd observer ThcI
were You not asked to take tea p
mo. no. mamma" said Nellie. ting
ling with modification.
That is strange. as my daughter ant
MARY : friend. But | am sure under
stand it. We will go together and pa,
our respects to both ladies. soon
Would not that have been the best wa,
to have gone first. Helen p
You put me to open shame, mann
ma
would not that have been YOU
choice, If you had not been under TIL
influence OF Mrs. Horton and Clara ?"
IL am sure it would,' said Helen wea
rily, as if she had lost heart lost IA hi
of self-respect: an atom of her mother
confidence and her place among thei
old friends.
Twilight was deepening when wagol
wheels stopped at the gate, and Fred
dies shrill happy voice called mamm
out.
Charley lifted him down to her. H
would not alight; added to his cherr,
good might, that they had chad regu
Iarly jolly time AS he drove away
perhaps he saw Nell's flushed face he
tween the curtain fringes, but he ''mad
no sign"
Freddie was SO happy that he recall
ed no otfense when Helen begged hin
to forgive her, as she kissed him in hi
crib. Mrs. Mayo, too, was very happy
faalinr u, Shn Lid thu. Meek's 1rnrnnant