Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-08-27
Miss FolliOtt's Mission.

MISS EblilUli = vi lNNlOn.
Did you ever see field lily, tall and
slender and graceful? Then you know
how Myrtle Folliott looked in her deep
mourning dress, waxen white complexion
and liquid gray eyes, as she stood at the
window, waiting for the rumble Of the ON
nibus Wheels en- route for the depot, while,
close at her side, heavy-eyed widow reso-
lutely endeayored to keep back the tears.
ut will not he for long, mamma, dear" "
said Myrtle, encouragingly, and Mrs. Fol-
lott answered bravely:
No, darling, it will not be for long -
"And only think. mamma" went on
| Myrtle, cheerily, am to have five hun
dred a year, and six weeks vacation in the
summer season, and all the duties am to
perform are being companion to an invalid.
You don't know how rich feel, mamma,
dear And shall send you a check for
the very first quarterly payment receive
for what do | need Of money, mamma, with
my nice new outfit Of dresses2"
Mrs. Foliott sighed softly. A situation
for Myrtle had been the most earnest desire
of mother and daughter for the past six
months ever since Colonel Fordyce Fol.
liott's death had left them comparatively
penniless-but now that it had actually
come, by means of a newspaper advertise.
ment that Myrtle had valiantly answered,
she felt vague sense Of coming danger aud
misfortune, which was inexplicabe even to
herself.
But Myrte's brave heart never tagged.
"Only think, mamma, how lucky am, u
she said Il do think my favorable star
is in the ascendant And III try so hard
to do well, and keep the situation. And
you must be sure and write every week
mamma, and tell me all about the birds
and Persia the cat, aud lame Tommy No
Ian, and-but here comes the omnibus !"
A long, loving embrace fearful part
ing-and the moment, so long dreaded b,
both, was over. And the future had begu
for Myrtle.
The first page Of the volume was simpl
enough long, dusty journey by rail,
numbering stage.ride afterwards, into tn
very heart of the grand old Shawangun
Mountains. Aud as the purplish tiuges (
twilight were beginning to settle down
the gorges, the stage stopped.
--., c.-s---Iso-.is far Csmpington Hall
called out the driver, hoarsey. Nov
then, Miss, look alive. There's a carriag
waitin'.'
Miss Folliott ~ said the cbarioteer o
this latter equipagc, respectfully touching
his hat.
"Please, Miss, DR.. Campinglon sent mt
down here to meet you"
"Dr. Campington /" Myrtle repeated
40, to be sure" as it flashed upon her
mind that DR.. Campington must, of course,
be the medical attendant of her invalid
patroness. Is it lar2"
No, Miss-a matter Of two miles or
more"
1.-TWO miles" Myrtle leaned wearily
back n the carriage, and drew down her
vail to conceal the drops that stood in her
eyes.
." If could only kiss mamma just once,
she thought. Dear mamma she is sit
ting down to tea now, with Persia curleC
up at her feet-and how lonesome sh'
must be-"
1t was sad aud desolate ride spite o
the sublime scenery that spread itself like
a panorama, on either side Of her and
Myrtle Folliott could not but rejoice wher
the man said:
"There's the Hall, Miss"
1t was square and rather gloomy
looking structure of gray stone, standing oil
height, with terraced walk extending
along its whole front, and pair of stiff
stone urns guarding fight Of shallow steps
"What large house," she invountarily
exclaimed.
Yes, Miss it is large" said the driver
"we've had fifty patients there at time.
Again Myrtle stared, and again he
ready wit suggested solution Of the diff
Guilty. Was it not possible that this lad,
for whom her services were secured was al
inmate of Water-Care," or Hygeial
Home" some such retreat for the ailipg
II was not so pleasant, but
Miss Folliott r. spoke cheerful voice
, +" Pray, let me assist you to alight, | an
Doctor Campington."
And tall, middle aged gentleman ad
vanced down the steps-a gentleman with
r high, Shakespearean brow and mustach
slightly grizzled-who led the way into
pretty octagon study, or reception room
/ with a red carpet, crimson curtains, an
' walls lined with books, whose glded bind
' ings reflected the CHEEKY blaze of an ope
wood fire.
Pray, be seated Miss Folliott," b
said, The servants will bring you som