Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-11-12
FARMER BR1ILs NEW PLEASURE.


Farmer Brill had been a Woodworking
industrious man, and now, in his later years,
he was enjoying tho fruit of his well-directed
toll; but not in the large measure that might
have been his il he had known how to get
the most from his possessions. The farmer
had worked narrowly all his life, still hoping
to find pleasure in receiving instead OF Civ
ing. He did feel less kindly towards his
neighbors than he should have felt, for he had
never been so kind and helpful towards them
as he should have been. and the consequence
was that great deal of GOODNESS and i'll
will lay between him and some of these
neighbors. The origin of this ill-will could
be traced, in most instances, to some denial
of service or favor asked in by-gone time.
Farmer Brill was staunch believer In the
doctrine of self-help; he asked no favors,
and gave none, except grudgingly and with
bad grace. And yet, hidden away down in
his heart and covered over by selfshness and
the love OF ga in, was an element OF kindness
that often stirred his nature, and tried to
assert itself in action.
The farmer sat in his shady porch one
lovely autumn day, trying to enjoy himself
His fields had been reaped and his barn held
the treasures OF golden grain which the gener-
Gus earth had given him. All around him
bent fruit-laden branches, and the air was
musical with bees gathering honey for his
hives. But, somehow, he was not happy.
A neighbor rode past and bowed to him
coldly.
miserable fellow" said the farmer in
his heart, 81 can't bear the sight Of
him"
Another went by, and the farmer turned
his head so that no sign of recognition might
pass between them. He knew this man to
be in trouble, and he never cared to have
anything 10 do with men in difficulties. they
were apt to want help or iavors and 10 be
offended when denied them.
Then the voice of child called to him
from the road: Cant have some apples
Mr. Brill?"
mo, you can't!" growled the farmer.
"Off with youl don't believe in beggArs."
The last sentence was spoken to himself,
half In excuse and half in repentance for
the sel6shness and Miniature he had be-
trayed.
Farmer Brill did not feel any moro COM
Portable after this. The frightened look of
the child. as he added threatening gesture
TO his hard speech, remained with him. and
he could not shut 1t from his eyes, turn them
which way he would. Nor did he see them
less distinctly when he shut his eyes and
hung his chin upon his breast. just how
long he had remained in this attitude the
farmer could not say when click from the
latch on the gate caused him to look up, and
he saw little woman in plain attire adVanc-
ing up the walk. She was n stranger, and
yet there was something familiar about her.
The freedom and plainness of speech with
which she at once addressed him did not SO
much surprise rs shame the farmer.
ut was not well Of thee. friend Brill. to
deny with harsh words, the request Of a
child. Thy trees are laden with fruit, and
the ground is covered with thy unused
abundance. Thee might give the child one
little apple"
The woman stood with her calm accusing
eyes fixed on the farmers face; they seemed