Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-07-31

right before me. The meadows, relieved
here and there by the brown earth and
springing corn. the river. aud hills Of apple
blossoms, and beyond, the mountains; (the
glory and protection of the whole) while the
blue tapestry is held up over it to give us the
Wow. How can there exist" she continu-
cd, ANY Inconsistency, cruelty, or darker deeds
Of criaio, on this beautiful earthpr
"Never mind. Hottie, those unpleasant
things exist n great toay off," said Mr.. Blake,
land shall have TO set you down in the
middle Of your blossoming picture soon, for
we have come to the old Barker place.
This meadow and pasture back of 1t used to
belong to tho old gentleman; he added
another meadow "a part Of tho old Wicker
estatc) and his son has added still more. so
1t Is quite large farm now. 1t was very
fortunate for your friend to marry 50 many
ncres, and better still that you should light
down on fow more, so near her.
"Yesn-replied lIettle, rather sadly,
"though these acres bringa deal of work
with them."
But they bring money TO hire help with,
and IL l was n woman | would call my work
done sometimes. and sit down, If | had to
play it was, rs Carry says"
There is Mr.. Barker at the door"
Good morning good morning" said Mr..
Barker cordially, as he led the way for Het-
tie into the house; while Mr.. Blake rode on.
"Mrs. Barker, here is your friend Mrs.
Blake"
"You will think started out rather early
but have to catch tho chances as they go
by" suggested Ilettie.
ut is all right il you will excuse us. our
work is not all finished up yet"
Don't let me hinder YOU" replied Mrs.
Blake, and taking out hor sewing busted her
self alone until dinner time. with an occa-
sional word from Mrs. Barker MS she passed
through tho room.
Two, and three o'clock came around ;
still Ilettie sat mostly alone with her Sow
ing meanwhile tho stepping continued in
the kitchen; first this girl. then the other,
then Mr.. Barker. What they wore all doing
Hettlo could not make out, for there was
none of the heavy work around. But be-
fore the slow hour hand had gone half his
round again. old Dobbins welcome face
C"ilc up ~ uD uOOt "hu hi. bihhV S'iOu
for his wife.
81 am so glad you came to-day, TO come
oflener." said Mrs. Barker.
"Yes shall, thank you" Though the re-
ply came up through many Jumps in her
throat, Il was not noticeable, and she was
soon out on hor way again.
"What ails you, llcttc' you sit like a stat
ne here are tho meadows and the river,
that shone so bright this morning, you seem
too tired to see them now"
II am very tired and can SEQ nothing, or
want nothing, but the way home"
When in her own room she sank down by
the window, with such pale face and fold
ed hands, one would think, to see her, she
had just returned from tho burial of her last
friend
She sat down to think over the day that
had passed so YEARLY. Was not their
friendship of consequence enough to fOrcgo
some triAing cares? for she could discover
nothing of any Importance to keep her friend
! Helen's time so absorbed. Sho thought OF
7 the long ago when all of their thoughts and
all of their joys were shared together; of the
future-poor sensitive Hcttie! she feels thai
the temple Of love they reared together and
: cherished so long. is falling. The tide oil
worldlinOss has swept over it and left it al.
most in ruins.
SO abe lays out the days 10 come in cold
indifference. "Ifthis is the way, l will walk
in it. But il is n pity that even in far
J mers' homes we cannot give our friends q
warm reception, setting before them some
thing rs nice and comfortable MS we hav,
! provided for our own families, with some Of
our time and kind words; rather than bur,
] ourselves alive in this incessant toll.
: The door opened, and Mr.. Blake broke il
upon her reverie. "Wsll wife, hav'nt got
to the end Of your journey yet? or are yor
equipped for another, with hat and glove.
on?"
II hav'n't arrived quite TO the end of this
ono yet"
, "Tell me what troubles you, llettie; then
we will 40 out and have some OF Phebe',
good tea"
I "Oh you could not understand! only was
= so homesick all day; Helen does not seen
. as she used to. and shall never want TO &c
: anywhere again. OF course l should no
: have thought Of going 10 some places so ear
I ly in the day, but that was not the difficulty
r with Helen: it was the same in the afternoon
rs before dinner. She was not willing to
Q sacrifice any of her time to my entertain
. mont. If this "A the way. ean follow.
like work and to stay mt home"
but you would soon he just like her, |
you follow right in her tracks, Of course
: Instead of that 1 would have an individuali
y ty Of my owni wltcn my friends came TO SCI
y me, I would show them how it's done; Civ,
u them my time. and make them happy"
"YOu know James that is the way have
endeavored to do, and work the harder whel
they were gone, bnt lteel so tired tonight.
"Yes, know; and know just how you
4 will treat your next company; l have M
fears about that, whether you ever go on
again or not. So would take of my ha
and gloves awhile"
; Aud favoring the suggestion, IIettie ros'
to 90, first stopping to kiss her MONTH!
$ roses, and drink in little of the inspiration
= sweet flowers always give, softly whispering
: 1--WE will love everybody, even Helen, ant
r will open our doors to all Ofour dear friends
y you dear roses with perfume. with glad
ness, and we WaI BIO happy STILL"
-s-Ss-
II | n.