Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-04-10


cottage Of the Stanleys. Thinking il might
be little help financially, as we'll as an ad.
vantage to Miriam, Mrs. Stanley deemed il
best TO admit them to the family if possible,
particularly as they were well recommended,
and known to belong to circle in which
intellect and refinement were the standard Of
excellence rather than wealth. so the little
parlor and the bedroom adjoining were Civ
en- up and Miriam cheerfully resigned the
pretty chamber she had always Occupied,
aud couteuted herself with lounge in the
room Of her little sisters.
To be sure such an addition to the family
increased the labors of Miriam, but she was
active and skillful and with light heart and
willing hands she cheerfuly undertook the
extra labor.
Miss Clyde proved pleasant companion
who readily appreciated Miriam's worthiness
Of character, and early formed for her a
lasting friendship. 10 Walters society, too,
Miriam found charm, aud the quiet sum-
mer evenings spent in Gertie's little parlor,
after her daily household tasks were accom-.
plished, were the pleasantest she had ever
known. Then Walter would read or repeat
fine passages from favorite authors, or his
sister as her health improved sang her pref
test songs, accompanying them with her
guitar. Then Walter, finding Miriam so
sweet singer, procured an organ which he
played with skilliu fingers, and on the even
ing air the voices of the trio blended most
tremendously as they joined in the anthem
OF praise.
In the society in which Walter Clyde had
mingled, he had met many proud beauties
who would gladly have shared the elegant
home which had recently come into his pos
session on the death OF. his parents, but his
criterion of worth was exalted.
The virtues of his pious mother who had
early taught him the blessing of doing good
and the daily Christian life Of his almost
idolized sister we're constantly before him.
and in the comparison the useless lives Of his
numerous lady friends were pronounced
weighed and found wanting"
But here in this obscure village he had
found a maiden who in addition to the fas-
cination of form and face, possessed also,
charm of mind, and evidently moulded her
life after the pattern of Him whom his saint
ed mother had tried to initiate. Here he
believed he had found one whom next to
God be might worship, (f he might be per-
mitted to bow to mortal beiBg) but such
seemed the purity of her character that he
only dared worship afar of, for in the light
Of her goodness his own best actions and
thoughts, even, appeared to him iguobe
Unlike too many young men he did not look
upon his wealth as a sure passport to the
favor Of the opposite sex, or rather he knew
it would avail him nothing in the eyes of
Miriam Stanley whose clear blue eyes he
felt searched for the motive in every word
and action.
But, finally, she seemed to have abandon
ed the search, for whenever their eyes met
the long lashes dropped or were raised but
timidly, and from this fact our hero must
have gathered courage, for one evening as
they sat together in the golden twilight he
ventured to whisper something which made
the lashes droop still lower and the blue eyes
Gil with tears. They must have been tears
Of Joy, however, for smile, strangely
sweet, llumined the beautiful face.
Long they sat there in the fading light,
but their JOY was too deep for utterance. Lat
err, when Gertie found them, Walter had re-.
covered his speech sufficiently to present her
with her newly promised sister, but Miriam
only waited for her gentle caress, and then
sped away to think upon her new and great
happiness.
In the morning Mr.. and Mrs Stanley were
duly apprised of the progress of affairs and
their approval sought to sanction the prom.
Uses of the youthful pair. This was freely
given, and ere the winter had come with its
-" icy MANTLE" Miriam was Miriam Clyde
and with her devoted husband and his anna
BILE, loving sister was happily established in
their city home. For the rest we will read
an extract from letter written by Miriam
to her mother on the first anniversary Of her
wedding day.
After mentioning items of interest, among
others that Gertie was soon to leave them for
happy home Of her own, she adds an
almost sorry that father would not accept
more pecuniary assistance from Walter
knowing as do how heartily welcome he
would have been to such aid, yet know he
was right in believing you would be happier
in the dear old home, and whenever my IA
theirs burdens press too heavily be sure Wal
ter's generous heart will prompt him to send
speedy relief All mother, when | an
constantly beholding new evidences of my
husbands generosity to you, and consider
my own great happiness in possessing, moi
merely husband, but one so truly good and
noble, | cannot forget that for doing my
duty and remaining with you, instead Of
yielding to my own selfish inclinations anC
| spendinp q summer with nv aunt | have
though unmerted, received great reward.