Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-27
The DOve.COIored SILK;
on, 1HR REwARD or A TRuE MANI.

The DOve-COIorcd SILK;
on, tHE REWARD OF rRUE HEART.
BY kind and thoughtful arrangement
on the part Of their employers, every do.
mestic in the house of Sir John Dayton,
baronet and banker, received his or her
salary one week before Christmas Day.
Very bright and tempting looked the tiny
pile Of sovereigus that Lottie Warde, Miss
Dsyton's own maid, carried away to her
own chamber, aud sad meditating over, with
a cloud on her pretty face such as it seldom
wore Last Christmas the spending Of her
money had cost her no trouble, except a
quickly stihed regret that she could not do
more with it for those dear ones, whose
kisses and joyful thanks had been such
pleasant requital Of her generosity.
Although she was as dutiful and loving
daughter and as kind a sister as of yore,
there had been an event in Lottie's life
since the year began that was closely con-
nected with the impatient sigh she gave, as
she sat Caring at her gold, and abstractly
turning it over and over in her palm. She
her late father, young man so well con-
nected that many wondered he should think
Of wedding a girl who was "in service"
Mr.. Charles Morrison, they argued, with his
good prospects and excellent situation 10
the office Of Smithson Brothers, ought to
look higher for wife than Lottie Warde,
whose father had died bankrupt, and whose
mothers sole dependence was the annuity
some Of Mr.. Wardes compassionate cred
itors had purchased for her. But if Charlie
Morrison heard these things limited, he
laughed and forgot them. He loved Lottie
for herself-her sweet temper, her good
principles, and the pretty face aud figure,
that were always set off by the perfect neat
ness and propriety with which she dressed.
Lotto, however, had taken to heart many
OF the remarks made in her presence or told
by ill.natured friends, and had rather has
tily decided in her own mind That the rela-
tives of her afhanced husband looked down
upon her because of her position. This
fsncy-for il was nothing more--had made
her shy Of meeting them, and unwilling to
accept the invitations so kindly sent her.
But Charlie had made point of her &C.
ceding to his parents wish that she should
join the family party that always gathered
around them at their handsome house at
Clapham on the eve Of tho great festival
and as Miss Dayton had cheerfuly con-
sented to spare her, she had not been able
to excuse herself
Naturally timid aud shrinking from
"A Al
visit as an ordeal rather than pleasure.
She was to be introduced to Charles mar
ried sister from Manchester, and to the
wealthy uncle from whom be had expecta-
tions aud her anxiety that they should
think well OF her eliminated the inquiry,
"What shall wear2"
1t was no use discussing this question
with her betrothed. She knew he would
say that nothing could be in better taste
than the well-ftting dark merino that had
been her best dress since the commencement
OF autumn. But Lottie had her share OF
girish vanity, and as she raised her eyes to
her looking-glass vision rose before her Of
certain dove-colored silk in a mercers
window near St. Paul's that would become
her admirably. 1t was true that such an
expensive purchase would absorb evory
farthing in her possession, but she chose to
ignore this. So strong grew the temptation
that when Lottie went that night to visit
her mother she fingered long at the mer-
GERS window, and decided that on the NOR
row the dove-colored silk should be her own.
The children threw down their books and
toys when Lottie entered, for they loved her
dearly, and Mrs. Warde, though she had
been wearing very anxious face, as she
stitched busily at some childish garment,
contrived to smile at her eldest daughter,
who, however, was not easily deceived.
Something has gone wrong, mother; |
am sure of it by your looks. What is it n
"Nothing you can alter, dear; nothing,
in fact, that | ought to dwell upon. l
heard, by chance, that the man through
whose roguery your father failed has re.
turned to England, and is in prosperous
circumstances; and it worried me for lit.
tie while to think that my excellent, up
right husband went to his grave in sorrow
and poverty, while this dishonest man holds
up his head and grows rich; but it was
oniJ iut u minutoi uhhu auu NIo. w aIuc
smiled now with less effort. 81 know to
whom have committed my cause, and will
not murmur at anything He Wills"
Lottie kissed the placid speaker aiec.
tionately, but she was not as sympathetic
as usual. Her little sister hung about her,
wondering whether they would have q
Christmas pudding, and one Of them blurted
| g. lad Lat 4,
did not 90 to church on Sundays till even
ing service because her shawl was so shabby.
Lottie slid her hand into the pocket where
lay her little purse, but drew it back again,
telling herself that she could not possibly
20 to visit Charles friends meanly dressed
and when the youngest child climbed on
her knee and frankly asked what she was
going to bring him for Christmas present,
he was set down again and 50 sharply told
not to tease that Mrs. Warde's mild eyes
were raised 10 surprise.
:" beg pardon, mother" said the daugh-
ter, coloring under the reproof the look con.
veyed. al am afraid | am rather stupid
this evening. What were you saying about
Robertf-he is elected pupil teacher at bis
school. Of course he ISL knew he would
be he has worked so hard for it, dear, good
boy" and she ran across the room to kiss
the studious lad, who warmly returned her
csresses.
"Then you are glad Of it, Lottief SO
am l, only think mothers bothered bit
about the books shall want"
"Will they cost much2" asked his sister
"Well, dear, 1t seems much to persons
Of our limited income" Mrs. Warde re-
piled. "And he must have new suit of
clothes. But | hope to manage it without
running into debt, If you can help me a
little"