Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1875-07-21

bttWcth bNO fbhiohthS hhio III tuo
interior of Vermont. At the foot
Of one OF these eminences stood a
neat farm house, surrounded by
the smoothest lawn and extensive
fields, waving, at the time of our
story, with golden wheat and shin
ing corn. A level interval of now
ing grass lay between the snow
white farmhouse, dotted with
graceful American elm, amid a
group of which arose tho broad
roof of the thrifty farmers large
barn. The whole aspect of the
scene was one of comfort, neatness,
rorder and substantial independence.
In the little village, which bears
the romantic name of Groutville,
lived, some time since, man
known as Deacon Joel, quiet
good natured person who was very
intimately known by the whole
neighborhood, for he was always
ready to subscribe the largest
amount to relieve the suffering and
to promote the cause Of Christian
ity. Deacon Joel had no children,
and for several years after he en-
pioyed no servants, living prudent
ly and very happily. At last there
came along an old bachelor, by the
name of Chester Dillaway, who de-
sired to take board and lodgings
with them. He was well to do in
the world and desired only quiet
home; his money was well invest
ed, and he had had enough of city
life. The terms were agreed upon,
and DiIlaway took up his abode at
Grove Hall, as Joel called his res
idence.
Soon after, the deacon's wife
found the csre of her family too
great for her, and a servant was
taken into the house to assist in
domestic duties.
II was soon found that Hannah
Goodale was not a saint. She
would tell falsehoods to hide her
faults. But Groutville was an out
of-the-way place, and the deacon's
wife could do no better; so she
managed as best she could, and
continued to retain the girl, who
soon became acquainted with a
dissolute man employed at the
neighboring hotel, who visited her
often at Grove Hall.
"Where did you get acquainted
with this man Paddeford z" asked
the deacon's wife. one day of Han
nah, abiding to the visits of this
fellow.
"In town, ma'am," said the girl.
''Did you ever see him until you
came to Groutville to live with
me p continued Mrs. Joel.
"No, ma'am' never in my life.
"Mr. Joel thinks he is not very
person, and he thinks 1
you would be better off if you t
would not permit him to visit you" I
eff some people l could name |
would mind their own affairs-I t
don't mean you, ma'am-they'd |
get along better, I'm thinking"
replied Hannah, rudely, and Mrs. i
Joel turned away.
A week after, the deacon and f
his wife went over to Mud Holler n
on visit, aud returning home at q u
late hour in the day, lost the right a
road. After riding some miles the d
deacon discovered his mistake, and t
turned homeward once more, where a
he did not arrive until near mid Ii
night. He found his house locked b
last, and, supposing from the late j
ness of the hour that the occupants b
we're asleep, he knocked Justify, a
md called upon Hannah to admit p
lin; but he received no answer. s.
"She sleeps soundly, upon my
Tord," said the deacon's wife. io
"Sleepsp exclaimed Juel. eff io
he wasn't so lazy by daylight, I'd al
wear she was dead. But where III
an Dillaway be! If he's here, to
'e sure he must hear this noise. nj
Ialloo! Open the door!" shouted st
be deacon; and, giving it kick, q
be latch gave way, and he tumbled z
eadlong into the entry. "By k
ovel" he exclaimed, picking up nj
is portly person again, "the door pl
asn't fastened at ALL" sc
"They left it open for us. Why
idn't you try the handle first 2" te