Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1876-07-07


Lester took her mothers place as mistress of
the mansion. As she knew nothing about
housekeeping, and had no desire to inquire
into its mysteries, she was very glad to retain
Susie's valuable services. Now the whole
management fell upon the shoulders OF
the faithful servipg-maid. She sat at the
table behind the silver service and did the
honors belonging TO the mistress, because 1t
was too much like work for Mrs. Lester to
serve the tea or coffee. Often it was left to
her to assist Mrs Harper to entertain the
] most aristocratic guests, in the parlor, while
| the nominal mistress finished the last new
novel in her own boudoir.
at was Susie who talked with Mr.. Harper
Of the latest news, whether commercial or
political, of shipwrecks, collisions, marriages
and deaths. 1t was Susie's face that always
wore cheerful, happy, self-satis6ed air. 1t
was Susie who made the old rooms echo with
joyous mirth, aud caused father, daughter,
and son.in.law to shake with laughter until
they would fain hold their sides from sheer
exhaustion.
Thus the days slipped by without any
remarkable event taking place till year
and half had swept over the grave Of Mrs.
| Harper. At this time Sue took it into her
head to visit some friends in New England.
So, one evening, as she sat in her family
parlor, Mrs. Lester, having retired, as was
her custom, to her own room, Immediately
after tea (Mr. Lester always spent his even
ings at the store), Sue informed Mr.. Harper
Of her recently formed plans. At first he
seemed struck dumb with surprise. Then
he inquired how long she wished to be alb.
sent.
| "Ah Sue did not know but she might
spend the remainder of her life on that rock
bound coast. If she had not been so busy
with bit of dainty embroidery--for she had
learned very many of the fancy accomplish
ments of the day--she would have perceived
a very perceptible pallor overspread the ia CO
of her UiS Uis. For a few moments ST.
lence reigned in the little parlor, with the
exception of the little French clock which
stood on the marble.top comfortable, and
which seemed to Mr.. Harper to say in most
imperative manner, Speak quick speak
quick"
Presently he arose aud walked to the tete
a tete on which Susie was seated, and draw
ing her work from her hands, he took seat
by her side.
"'Susie, | can't spare you !! came in clear
distinct tones from the lips of Mr.. Harper
Il love you, and want you to be my wife
If you must go to New England, let me &C.
company you as your legal protector
alt was Susie's turn to be almost speech
less with the surprise of this unexpected pro
posal. But it was not the less pleasing tt
the lonely heart because unlocked for
Soon she gave Mr.. Harper to uuderstan nd
that the high esteem with which she had
learned long ago to regard him, could soor
ripen into a stronger affection when it was
thus privileged. Aud thus there was a
wedding appointed, to be held in the village
in little more than two weeks.
"Of course Mrs. Lester was terribly in
dignant when she learned that her iathe
was about to marry their servant GIRL AM
declared that she would leave the house th a
very day. But when her father inform et
her that if she left the house, before he wa
married, she must leave it forever, and never
hope for any share Of his property, she con
cluded to bottle her wrath for future use
She well knew her husband could never
support her in the Injuries and the idlencs
of which she was passouately fond.
"But all this did not prevent the brid
from looking very lovely in her bridal dres
of heavy blue silk, and dainty lace trimmings
Nor the groom from appearing serenel,
happy, as he gazed upon the fair face anC
: graceful proportions of the bride. The tri
to New England was enjoyed most intensely
as it should have been, by one who had 5
bravely earned all the good she had ever re
d ceived.
e During their journey Mrs. Harpe
}, learned that her husband had been chose
s. Representative and that they would spen
o the winter in Washington. If she coul
; adorn kitchen, Mr. Harper found she coul
g also grace a reception room, even though
d were the Presidents.
1.-THE following spring, the happy pair re
It turned to their residence in b. OF cours
IS they found the halls deserted by Mr.. an
J Mrs. Lester. But Mistress Sue did nc
!, mourn the loss of their society. Neithe
e was she left alone because she had once bee
r "a servant girl Strange as it may seen
Mrs. Grundy and her set, with very few ez
d ceptons, welcomed Mrs. Harper with ope
G arms to all the social festivities. For wa
N she not the wealthy, stylish Mrs. Harper
IT and had she not spent winter in Washing
a ton, with the highest ladies of the land
s Was she not as accomplished as many VIII
's make large pretentions?
he ayes. But if she had been much le
81 worthy and had wealth, it would have bee
u: just the same with Madam Gruudy. None
Id not worth, she embraces. File upon sue
8. base PRINCIPLES m-MaY Maple IN RMr.