Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-06-10
Aunt Janet's Story.


The wide expanse Of the lake lay, dark
and gloomy blue space, before the door Of
Aunt Janet's time.browned dwelling. II
was about to rain. They knew that and
all the bright faces in that little back room
bad put on cozy look. Their arrange
ments were all made for the night. They
we're 10 rest under that roof and hear the
rain patter upon il. The rats would run
riot above their heads, and in every nook
and hollow Of the wall They would arise
betimes, in the morning, and each give a
helping hand at milking the two cows and
preparing the warm meal. Tonight they
were to have red berries and white milk for
supper, and then they would settle down in
delightful group aud hear one Of the rich.
est, rarest old stories in the calendar.
\ But, now, who was to petition for the
lstory2 There was clamor Of voices and
hoshing into silence, which Aunt Janet
enjoysd in the pantry with a sly smile all
10 herself -Four busy pairs Of hands
helped her to lay the cloth for supper, to
remove it at last, and then TO wash the
dishes. The floor was brushed, bright FIRE
kindled on the hearth the patchwork was
produced and they all sat around the old
lady in the blaze Of the freight. "a fue
view you have here Of Lake Champlain, in
fair weather" said Mary Hsgep, to whom
was assigned the duty of alluring Aunt
Janet's fancies into the storytelling vein.
A charming spot ii must have been when
the trees grew down to the waters edge
And in those days you were all happy, we're
you not, Aunty, in your fresh log cabins2"
4" We knew little of the cares and envy
ings that come of a life Of luxury" but we
had our little heart aches, and small troub.
les then as now"
Is that the way with life, Aunty3 |
feel brave enough, somehow, to struggle
with its difficulties. 1t seems a pleasant
thing enough to live. Sec how happy we
all are here. Are you glad we are with
you tonight Aunt Janet ?"
Yes, you are always welcome-thrico
welcome when it rains, for that is about the
only time feel very lonely. And you
need not, my dear girls, be SO long coming
to the point, for | am going to tell you
story tonight"
They gathered around her closely at the
stand, and as they made ready to listen,
each took piece Of patchwork from the old
lady's work box. She kept these blocks in
readiness for her young friends, for well she
knew that to them these we're belongings Of
her old.time dwelling, and that in helping
her at this work they were preparing warmth
for many poor mans child.
While the girls were waiting patiently
for the story to begin, Aunt Janet sat
among them with folded arms, looking out
solemnly at the darkness.
am hardly in the mood for story.tell.
ing tonight she said at length. ~ will
not answer for what gloomy tale | might
relate. We had better sit aud chat pleas.
antly by the fire." At this they all pro-
tested
Then it shall be true story" and
after moments thought the old lady began.
In my early days this country looked
little as it now does. There was only
clearing here and there, and there were
plenty Of grand elms hereabouts that might
better have been left standing to this day
1t is nigh on to fifty years" said Aunt
Janet falling almost unconscously into the
speech of the time she was carried back to,
for her grammar was usually quite perfect,
"nigh to fifty since the time | shall tell you
Of There we're good many yeung people
in the settlement in those days, though they
had to be gathered in from miles around if
there were any doings for them to attend.
There were fresh.faced, bright-eyed girls
among them too, but none roster or hand
somer than Esther Landon."
Esther Landon ?" interrupted one of
her auditors.
Yes, We will call her by that name.
Esther had had better advantages than the
other girls. She had been educated by her
aunt, who lived away in a grand city. She
understood arithmetic, and grammar too,
and for two years she had taught their
school. This gave her consequence in the
eyes of the young men. For that reason,
aud because Of her pleasant face, she re-
ceived much attention among them. But
she bestowed her favor only on young
Richard Hyde"
Again was Aunt Janet interrupted by an
exclamation.
g. am telling true tale" she replied
grayely, "The names are all withhold from
you. Though good and trusty, you are
but young things to hold the secrets of your
elders" And Aunt Janet continued her
story. There was to be quilting frolic
at Squire Groves whose house. a framed
one, was the largest and most covenient in
the settlement, and he had made large
clearing and had started fine orchard
There was lovely lookout upon the lake
too, from his front door. We were ex.
pecting pleasant day and evening there,
can tell you. 1t was bright day in une.
| remember the blush roses bad climbed
into the best room window and filled it full
of fragrance, and we girls were about as
fresh as the roses.
The quilt was pretty one, of pink and
white-nne small blocks Of pink in a white
ground, and they called it the nine beauties.
We took it of that afternoon. Esther Ian.
don took the last stitch, and then four OF
them shook it over her head This signi.
ded that Of oil those girls she was to be
married FIRST And the prospect did seem
fair enough, for the wedding day was al
ready set.
The evening brought all of the young
men together among them was a stranger
from the city, who had come up to the lake
and wilds to fish and hunt. This evening
the girls were in quite strife to see which
could secure this mans attention, for he
gave himself fine airs, and was so graceful
and gallant that he quite threw the honest
boys Of the settlement into the shade. Well,
he gave to all these country maidens ready
smiles and polite speeches, but to Esther
Landon he gave entire devotion. He had
been trying to woo her ever since his visit
at the lake. Hitherto he had found her
but coy, for Esther, though somewhat of a
beauty, was not giddy, aud she loved only
Richard Hyde.
But this evening she was weak enough
to wish to enjoy mean triumph, and show
her companions at last, how coolly she could
cast of what they coveted, and thus teach
them and this stranger also, wholesome
lesson. But Esther had but lily counted
on the forbearance of the man she loved
neither had she considered him enough 10
the plan she was forming. She danced first
with Wharton (or so will call the strangerl
and gave him encouragement to fix himself