Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-05-20
Playing with Sunbeams.
by MRS. F. rRENrrss.

ihtie " a story tolu OF littie cnliu slt- |
ting on It's nursery floor, playing with sun
beam that lay athwart the carpet. Now he
would try TO catch it in his fingers, and
laugh merrily at each failure; now he would
bathe his little hands in its warmth and |
brightness, and then clasp them for joy.
Now we meet, sometimes, though not
often, with charming growu-up children,
who can be happy in the enjoyment of the
intangible when the tangible is wanting.
They are the oppositcs of those characters
Of whom it has been said that it takes more
than everything to make them happy, less
than nothing to make them miserable.
Mary Arnold had grown up in an un-
usually happy home she never remem-
bered hearing an uukindy word there.
From this home she passed, when quite
young, into one Of her own, which promised
her all the Injuries in which she had been
accustomed. But her husband met with
heavy losses Just as he had won his bride,
aud she was obliged to live in an humble
style hitherto unknown to her. He thought
he knew what sweet spirit she possessed,
when the day Of prosperity shoue for her
without a cloud. But he was astonished
and cheered when adversely revealed her
true character.
d" 1t is going to be very hard for you, my
poor child" he said to her, ito descend
with me into all sorts Of petty economies,
to which you have been unused. This is the
trying part of these financial difficulties
do not care so much for myself"
1--WE shall see" she returned, with a
smile.
1t is easy to smile in advance" he said,
in reply to the smile. " But you do not
know what it is going to be to you
1t is true, she did not know. She had
now to do with her own hands, what she
had had other hands to do for her must
make very little money go great way
must do without luxuries; in short, must
have that grim and unpleasant master,
Economy, sit with her at her table, reign in
her kitchen, preside over her wardrobe, and
become general Master Of Ceremonies. But
her friends found her unchanged by circum-
stances. When they condoled with her,
she would reply:
"But think what kind husband have !"
And she played with this sunbeam, and
made herself glad with it, and so genuinely
happy, that it was refreshment to meet
her.
Z" But 1t will not last" said the ravens.
4" By-and-by, when she has children, and
must clothe and feed and educate them. we
shall have a new tune"
Well, the children came, and she had not
moment OF leisure. She had to be nurse
and seamstress, never got :. her afternoon
out, never had her work ali done ana out
OF the way she was industrious, ana ar.
ranged her time Wisely Out sue couiu no,
work miracles she feit, great deal oi
the time, like straw borne hlther and
thither by the wind she could not choose
what she would do at such Tune but was
forced to tasks with no room Tor her own
yolition.
Now, then, quoth the ravens, "we
shall hear you complain. You have TO
work like day7iaborer, and see what mis-
erable wages you get
Miserable wages she cried, " why l
don't know OF anybody SO rich as l am
With such husband and such children
and such friends, am as happy as the day
is long "
" You have great deal of leisure Tor
your friends 10 De sure.
Wen, should IKE 70 see more oil them'
it is true. And by-and-by' when the child
ren are older l SHALL
By that time you VIII be SO oid your.
self that your heart will have grown coid'" ="
"on' no II Is TOO pusy 10 grow cold
80 she maze sunDeams out OF her daiiy'
homespun tasks, ana went on her way re-
joiclng
The ravens were puzzled.
1t must be her perfect health" they
whispered to each other.
Time passed the children grew up and,
Just as the long-needed prosperity began to
flow into the house, the young people began
to pass out of it into homes Of their own, till
father and mother sat at their table alone
"Now you have spent nearly lifetime
in toiling for your children, and what is the
good of it all II As soon as they get old
enough to be comfort to you. they every
one of them 60 of and leave you"
So said the ravens.
"Just what | did at their age!" she re
piled, cheerily "Why shouldn't they ge
married, as well as IT And instead O.
losing, | have gained children. Whereas
had only six, [ have now twelve. And
have plenty Of time now to SEQ my friends
to read, to take journeys aud to enjoy my
husband"
But now long, long days of ill.hsaltl
came and laid leaden hands upon her. Sh
had twelve children, but they were scat
: tered far aud wide, and could only com
occasionally 90 take brief visits.
"very hard = said the ravens.
!" On, mol 1t is such delight to me tha
they all got away before this Illness over
took me. II would have cast such loon
upon them TO DC at home and miss mother
from the table.
but the time Is so long what
sad DltV Won are not allowed To uSe VOIIl