Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1874-03-04
How Harry Came Home.

" SlX years to-day! what long time,
sighed Maud Merlin, sinking into low
seat by the window, and pressing her sad,
white face against the glass. All me!
how happy | was; bit it's all over, shall
never be happy again.
Her dark eyes overfiowed with tears
and her memory went back to the old
home of her childhood. the great rambling
country house, with the spacious rooms
and blazing fires, and large hearted hos
pitalitv. She could see the old garden
with its winding borders and cool retreats.
and catch the sweet edors of the pinks,
and the drowsy murmurs of the bees; and
there was the wood-bine arbor, beneath
which she and Harry sat so often together.
How well she remembered one evening
above all others, an evening in lovely
June; the air heavy with spicy odors, and
full moon pouring down its glorifying
light upon the snowy billows of orchard
bloom, and the long hedges of crimson
roses, weighed down by their own inn
mense perfume. On that evening she had
listened to the story that has been so often
repeated. but which never grows old
Maud, my darling, love you-will you
be nv wife, She recalled the very
words; she seemed to hear his clear-voce
anu ste Ills ltllutl eyes Ilc DtbIOllltl
ring was still upon her finger, Just as he
put it that night, and beside it another
even vet more sacred, her wedding ring.
And this stormy deSolate night was the
anniversary. Six years ago, and the ole
homestead had rung with music and rev
elry Every window blazed with light
and every broad hearth-stone glowed will
flaming logs For, on that night. robed il
Il al 10 III L.
and sweet us her own virgin heart, Maud
sole daughter of house and heart, an,
beauty and belle wherever she went, be
came a bride.
Bidding farewell to the old home an,
the old friends, Maud went forth with he
husband, from henceforth and forever t
, be the light of his home, and the inspir;,
, ton of his life.
, One year, one short, sweet, happy veal
: that went by like some rare, rich melody
without single note of discord to brea
its perfection, and then the trouble came
e The bare remembrance of it blanced tn
4 wife's cheeks, and made her breath com
4 in quick, painful g;lsps. At the close
this short, happy year of her welded lif'
her husband received information concerr
ing the illness of an only brother residin
in California. He was dying of a SLOW
but sure disease, and wished to see h
e brothers face once more. Harry Merli
e did not hesitate an instant; the path
d duty was plain-he must 90. Maud el
o treated to be permitted to accompany hin
IS but he was ineXorable The risks an
e hardships were too great:
n Left alone. Maud was not the woman
, give way to dependency; it was her n
n ture always to keep her face to the sun 81
:; kept herself busy with the duties of h,
household. and at last the dreary da
IF went by, and tidings from Harry cam
IS He was safe at his journeys end, but b
[e brother was dead, leaving Harry howeve
to the inheritor of a considerable forum
E. Just as soon rs his business matters cou
is be arranged, Harry wrote, he would sta
ut for home. Soon after Il second mail cam
er bringing intelligence that Harry in cor
m pany with quite party of brother trav,
lie ers, had set out, taking the overland rout
1T Maud counted the days with throbbil
o. impatience, the parting had been so lon
Sc she so pined to see his dear face, and he
d, his voice once more. She worked fro
he morn till night, filling the rooms with lit
b; ornaments and getting up little surpris
E. against his return. She sang the ball,
l he admired; never did woman count t
lis passing moments with such loving expo
n, tation. At last the day came She h
Up received no further intelligence, but S
ar felt sure that he would come The eve
nd ing was in spring, genial and balmy. tn
al little home a wilderness of blossoms.
e. prepared his supper with her own hant
he she adorned the rooms with the flowers
is loved; and even laid out his gown a
Ill slippers, and drew his arm chair meath
ms window. Then she went to her room a
res put on the dress he liked to see her W,
cd "a mauve silk with dainty laces at
throat and wrists, and jet and gold or
he ments: her fossy, brown hair. held b.
ed by sprigs of heliotrope and sweet VERDE
a Surveying herself in the mirror, she smi
te. and blushed, remembering his words WI
ne she had first worn that t-lress:
to- "Oh. Maud, you are so beautiful;
ne ways wear this dress, darling, when
or wish to please me.''
en- The May sun wheeled lower and low
me and at last went. down, leaving the ca