Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-04-21
CHAPTER XIII.
THE TURNING roINT.

On Tuesday evening the conversation at
Mr. Am"s' tel-table turned upon his pro
posed visit To Hartford
No, sir, do not wish to 90" repeated
Harry, with a sad sincerity, for he had really
sacrificed his desire 10 his conscience. He
felt in some sense bound to stay at home hy
his last declaration to Simon, and the pros
pcct Of enjoyment had been dimmed by the
repoaches of the inward monitor. The
straight way of confession was in reality the
only safe path, but he had not vet learned by
prompt obedience to make duty seem always
plain. lie would very willingly have wiped
out the history Of the past few days, the as
socations of which were exceedingly dis
tasteful to him; and il was with a kind of
mpatieucs that he repeated emphaticaly,
his answer to his father, No. sir, do not
ciA to 60"
'Well. hope you win show more graft
tude another time" said Mr. Ames, as he rose
from the table.
Harry could have burst into tears, but he
held in " with sort Of pride until he
could 60 away by himself which he shortly
did, and in his own room tried to get relief
from vexation.
While thus grumbling to himself, there
came a rap at the door, and Louisa's voice,
calling
larry. you can't think who wants TO sec
you down-stairsw
WHO is it ?" he cried, impatiently.
"Oh, it's somebody extraordinary.
shau't tell. You must come and see"
:" | declare, won't stir a step unless YOU
tell me who it is"
"Oh, come don't be mulish, Hal" an
swered the girl and then, seeing that her
brother was in reckless mood, added, ITS
81 Byttes, then, il you'll believe it."
Harry was half inclined 10 think this one
Of " Lou's silly hoaxes," but as she posi-
lively affirmed" after the manner of Rhoda
of the gate, he carefully washed his tear
stained face, and descended to the sitting
room. Here, sure enough, sat Simon Byttes,
talking glibly and respectfully with grand
mother
"Cm ! see you a few moments, Hal %
said Simon, after an unusually cordial good
evening.
The hint was understood, and Harry led
the way into the ow'empty dining-room,
wondering what could be the object of his
companions altered manner. Before they
had seated themselves before the stove, the
explanation came.
You must forgive me, Hal, for nv out
ngeous abuse last week. II was mean b.
make sport of you, aud 10 set the other fell
lows ON. | have already owned up To Jim
barley and Edward Reems, and now | want
you TO forgive me. ! take everything back
We shall be friends, shant we 2"
Harry was wholly unprepared for this
frank confession, and the word t6rgjpe
sounded very, very strange from the mouth
Of Symon Byttes, OF course he could not
refuse reconciliation, but, in sort of con
fused way, told his humble friend that he
was "willing to make up"
{" | hope il will be once for all, this time"
said Simon, who was familiar with the tenn
poraIy nature Of the articles OF peace "
which passed between his school-fellows.
+" In fact, I've found new help, Hail." he con
tnued, evidently bent ON something more
than formal asking pardon"
Harry stared inquiringly.
:" must tell you that | mean TO be quite
another boy-to be, with Gods help, Chris
tian, Hal"
The younger boy started. What did he |
hear That mean and cruel and false ST. |
mon Byttes, that proud leader in mischief |
that acconplice Of Blum and the brilliant |
mocker Of good people, was he becoming
kind and respectful and serious II Harry |
had heard only these last few words OF |
Christian profession, he would not have be
lieved his own ears. But the story of last |
night, when this same youth took an un-