Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-09-17
cnAprER Nv. ANn LAST.

four years had passed since Mildred lett
Waltham, heart-sick Of the place-four
dreary years Of life as governess, partly
in school, partly in the family she was
with now. Herpupis three little romping
children, who had been playing at little
distance on the sands--came running up
with some pretty shells.
" Look, Miss Hugo, we arc going to take
them home to mamma" She answered
them pleasantly--the children seemed her
only friends just now.
1--WE had better 90 back" she said,
taking little Arthurs hand. The little
Italian village, to which the family had
come for the winter on account of Mrs
Wilson's health, was about mile from the
sea. She was waiting for her governess at
the top Of the broad steps that led to the
house
" thought you were never coming back.
Is it wise 10 take the children so far, Miss
Hugo ?"
"They like the sea, returned Mildred.
"Ah am afraid you spoil them but
| am glad you are come home. Weexpect
visitors, and there is nothing ready Would
you mind helping Marie little, Miss HUI
go2 Ellen has a headache and is lying
down"
Certainly said Mildred pleasantly.
She was tired already, but she busted her.
self all the afternoon, dusting and arrang-
ing and giving orders to the italian SER
wants.
Evening came and the visitors-Mr.
Wilson's brother and sistor-in-law, and a
tall bearded friend of thoirs, whom Mil
dred bowed to in the lamplight, and did
not recognize until he spoke. Had he recog-
nized her2 Mildred could not tell. lie
had chatted all the evening to Mrs. VIII
son and her daughter Ellen, while the gov
erness sat by the table with her work, cast
ing rare glances at the dark, pleasant face,
so much older and sadder.
Mildred had thought over and over again
what their meeting might be like if ever
they met again She had never iancied it
like this, withoata look of recognition from
the dark eyes that had sought hers so often
once.
Next morning before dawn Ellen Wilson
came into Midreds room.
"Will you get up? We are going to
spend the day among the hills and man,
ma wishes the children to 60. viii you
mind helping me to pack ?'
1t was radiant day, without breath
Of autumn GOODNESS in the air. Mildred
was tired before she started, and the chill
dron wearied her at every step. She sat
down at last, utterly unable to 60 any
further
The others were on ahead, laughing and
talking, Mr. Briton walking beside Ellen,
and making himself very agreeable.
IL wonder where Miss Hugo can be ?"
asked Miss Wilson at last, missing the gov
erness. "Those children will surely fall
over the rocks"
" Miss Ilugo2" said her companion. Is
that the lady's name2"
Yes--our governess. Where can she
be2"
"She's tired" said Susie, " and she is
sitting down behind with Arthur"
al will 60 back, said Mr.. Briton, turn
ing eagerly.
sDon't trouble, Mr.. Briton - exclaimed
Ellen, 10th to lose her cavalier; but he had
already hastened down the grassy slope,
lie had not recognized Mildred indeed,
he had hardly looked at her, for she was
changed very much, but the name reused
his curiosity. Perhaps it might
He came down the grassy slope until he
reached the little hollow where Mildred
sat resting, with Arthur sound asleep at
her side. She was lying back against a
tree, looking down on the warm blue sea, her
lips trembling with silent pain. Mr..
Brton fingered moment-he knew her
now, and, looking at her, ho saw she had
suffered even more than he had.
" / am afraid you are tired" he said,
coming forward hastily.
She rose, quito calm and self-possessed.
" | am little. Poor little Arthur has
fallen fast asleep and she turned away,
bending over the child.
Don't wake him." said Mr.. Briton,
touching her hand " lot him sleep while
he can. 1t is pity we can't all be chill
dren."
1T is pity" She said nothing more,
but looked straight away out on to the
sea.
The silence grew intolerable after mo-
ment, yet Mr.. Briton hardly knew how to
break it,
In sudden thought he took from his
pocket-book folded paper. Inside, care