Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-04-07

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but for the necessities Of the case he woul
have staid in his seclusion all night. Iii
brothers voice awoke him to the reality o
chores"
The necessity Of something 10 be done a
once restored him TO comparative cheerful
ness, SO that he began TO descend the ladde
by his hands, a gymnastic performance OF
which he prided himself.
"Come, hurry, youngster. il you have moi
got the grist,' said james, as he noticed
disposition TO make some extra display.
not necessary TO dispatch.
As good luck would have il Stephen met
Harry Ames just driving home with Black
Hawk, and was not slow to accept an invita-
ton to ride just a little way" which riding
he suggested should be in the direction OF
the mill. As they drove along the road they
met Simon, who gave Harry a mock salute
which stephen returned with the cutting
alluslon How do you like lodging at the
Bald Eagle9'"
/" So they all know it," thought Simon
bitterly, as he let the question pass, without,
as usual returning impudence with interest.
lie had just sufficiently rec 1vered from the
stupor aud headache induced 10y his intoxi-
cation TO ego out and see what was going on
among the boys" Finding that his sin could
not be hid, however brave a face he put on. he
was about to go back TO the tavern aud there
JON the jewellers, in making light Of it when
he saw Mr.. Blake coming out Of the school
house. There" thought he forgot all
about my engagement at the laboratory this
afternoon. But | suppose 'twoud have
made no difference; Blake would have in
suited me, as these chaps have Everybody
lnnp1 10, L t,lr 81. l.. l. q. 4 4
hav'n't any friends and might as well enjoy
myself anyhow can. Luck Is against me,
and always was If it wasn't for Sally I'd
leave old kelp, and 60 either to the devil or
somewhere /"
BY this time he had proceeded so far that
the teacher must have seen him, and 10 turn
about would seem like an express purpose
to avoid meeting. Actuated more by
a spirit Of reckless pride than a real
desire TO talk with one who had witnessed
his recent degradation, Simon determined to
speak with Mr. r., as if nothing had hap
pened, Hell fling the first stone he mur-
mured "snd after that, Wen see who hits
hardest"
GOOD evening Simon; here you are, Just
in time TO go home with me and prescribe
for my wfe's sick plants. She has a rose
bush and fuchsia which are almost ready
to die, and whole window full of gerani-
ums that cannot bear another days neglect
| hear that you have worked some for Mr..
Lock, the gardeners you are probably wise
about flowers"
i" | did pick up few ideas Of that sort"
said Simon, and not without being some
what pleased at this recognition of his ac-
quirements. Z" House plants" he continued,
'are generally killed with kindness. They'll
bear more letting alone than folks will"
Right Simon but why do you let us
alone ? We should be very glad TO see YOU"
They had now reached the gate OF Mr.
BIS yard, and that gentleman opened it in
manner which indicated cordial and sim
cere hospitality, and said
81 believe you have never yet made us a
social call. Perhaps you do not accept gen
eral invitations. find most Of the scholars
do not"
at hasn't been our way here in Fairville,"
responded Simon, "but suppose it would be
a good way to get into"
They entered the house and passed into
cosy sitting-room, which had a bay window,
where stood u frame covered with potted
plants.
"There you see what hospital my wife
keeps. One would suppose She had pur-
posely collected all the invalids of the vege-
table kingdom"
Slandering my pets !" cried sweet voice
behind them and looking up, Simon saw
Mrs. Blake and his sister Sarah's face wore
a more pleased expression than he had no
ticed for a long time.
81 am glad to see you, Simon,r said the
lady, giving him her hand, and looking him
directly In the eyes yet without seeming to
search or accuse him. 81 have been very
unlucky, you see. Can't you do something
for my poor prisoners here My father
used to call me a jailor for shutting up
plants, and when they pine away so, | think
he was more than half right"
There was much chatter more Of the east
est kind Simon gave many useful hints and
professional opinions, and quite forgot his
Then there was an invita-
ton to tea.
"What will the she-Kelp say ?" asked
Sarah of her brother
Whatever she pleases," said Simon " it
won't trouble me much"
Mr.. Blake, who knew how little of respect
there was between the members of Squire
Helps family, and how little kindness to
found home feeling upon, did not think it
worth while to notice this ill-mannered al
usion; but said, +" If you are not needed at
home, we shall be happy to have you stay
and spend the evening"
The unaffected kindness in which this was
spoken, and the prospect of few hours
peace in such an atmosphere of cordiality
were quite enough to persuade them both.
Mr.. Blake, young man just married, had
taken the school at Fairvlle only two
months since during which time he had
been diligent in studying the disposition of
bis pupils, and in deyising ways to win their
confidence. This he had done in many cases
by his kind, yet firm management of them
IN the school-room; but he was convinced
hat the highest success could only be at
lained by teaching them to like him unpro-
fessionally-by approaching them ON the
social side-iust as he would persons of ma
ture years.
Mrs. Il. heartily co-operated with her hus-
baud. and had this very afternoon found the
way to Sarah's heart She showed her her
school-day drawings, her herbarium, and her
and she offered to teach her
young friend to sketch from nature when
the winter should be over. But it was not
these kind acts in themselves so much as the
free, gentle, sincere manner Of their perform
anoe that so won the girls confidence that
before the swift afternoon was over she told
the lady Of her great trouble-Simon was to
be expelled from school, OF course"
Not Of course" replied Mrs b. No
one is Simon's enemy unless it be himself"
The conversation which followed revealed
10 Sarah that 10 which her eyes had hitherto
been closed, namely, that if he or she lacked
friends it was largely their own fault, since
they had not been willing to meet Others
half way, but had repelled advances by chur-
lish manners.
You must not take it for granted, said
Mrs, b., that people despise you; because,
If you do, they will. Rather take it for
granted that they are as ready TO be on good
terms as you are
But at school they all hate me- cont
planned Sarah.
How do you know ?" asked Mrs. u.
Because they never have anything TO do
with me If they can help it," replied the girl,
bitterly.
"Now, Sarah" began the lady, taking the
visitor by the hand, let me tell you exactly
what ! think is your mistake You keep
yourself shut up too much you keep your
real thoughts and feelings too much under
cover and they wilt like my poor plants here
in the sitting-room. 1t always makes us un-
TO live without expressing our
selves. II you would only believe that you
can interest people, and take little pains to
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