Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1875-06-02
WOODSTOCK, VT., WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1875

father intend you, love But who could
imagine such william as John Burge
ever existed ?"
"Ah, me-ah, me to look round at
this place, and remember the pleasant
home which once was ours Now, we
are alone, with not a single friend in
the world"
"Not one! Oh, yes, mother, believe
me, one p cried the girl, quickly.
"He-Gilbert-will be true trust
me, he will.
"Why, then, Clare, has he not writ
ten q
81 do not know-I cannot tell" eX-
claimed the daughter, piteously shut
oh pray, pray, mother, do not take
that hope from me Let me believe in
Gilbert. 1t is my only support in this
bitter misery !"
The widow, touched with a plead
ing countenance, was about to reply,
when, interrupting herself, she said
"Clare hear some one out in the par
lor. See who 1t is, dear.
The girl obeyed, and started at the
weird scene she beheld,
Seated before the CRATE on Il three
legged stool was the cobbler, yet in
leathern apron and cap. On his knees
was bellows which he was working
with consummate skill, evidently a
master of the art, sending the Goals in
to bright blazes that threw flashes of
lurid color over the quaint figure and
the room.
Upon hearing Glare he turned, al
most with snarl.
"How doyo expect to boil a sauce
pan with such a fire as this ?" he
growled. Never was halter as mad
as you, Pm certain. Now, look at
that amt it a picture 2
Glare did look, and saw that not
only were the Goals increased, but
that they were not from their own
store.
'It is quite cheering" she managed
to say, "but-but, fear, Mr.. Cray
shaw, you have been robbing your
self"
"Robbing myself ?-me ?--not a
bit. I'm miser Didn't you hear
the boys call me so-Jerry, the mis-
er.'' he snapped. ed rob anybody
sooner than myself. | am miser,
and I'm proud OF it. Some men are
called painter and poet. Well, I'm
called cobbler and miser.
ideally !" said Clare, little anus
ed, little frightened, looking at the
glowing Goals II should have scarce
ly thought so.
"That shows your ignora nce,' re-
sponded Jerry. Cant you see, by
calculation, it's cheaper to keep up one
good fire than two small ones ? So I'm
going to sit by yours. Also, club
bing two persons, tea together is
cheaper than taking it alone. 1t
makes only one for the pot necessary.
You perceive, now, ! am miser. |
want to have my tea here
Care looked at the table upon it
was a new loaf, fresh butter, eggs, and
a neat package of tea.
ooh, Mr.. Crsyshaw-" she began.
"Are you going to refuse ?" he
snapped "Mayn't l have tea 2"
"How could | refuse" she be-
gan, when he interrupted by:
"Then don't lose time See to the
kettle. III boil the eggs
Similar behavior from some people
might have given otfense, but there
was such a quaint, odd way about
Jerry that robbed it of that pow l..
He was So old, and snapped aud
snarled as if really his suggestions
was the result of deeprooted mean
ness instead of the contrary. Mrs.
Weston did make some .demur but
Jerry shut her up at once.
81 see. She's frightened at your
taking tea with such u fascinating
young fellow as I an" he said. "Leave
The door ajar then tie old lady can
lake a squint at us now and then and
Join the talk. I'm wild young sprig
confess.
Clare could not refrain from burst
ing into merry peal oflaughter. Jer-
rvs gray eyes twinkled with delight
under bis shaggy brows as he looked
up at her.
Well, the two hustled about, the
,obbler certainty the brisker, until
inally they were seated at very
comfortably tea. During the meal
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