Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-04-11


all can remember when Joe was boy
together with myself Fine folks, Winnie
and you think we'd better go 2"
." would like to go, grandpa, don't have
many recrcations-1 don't want many, for |
think contented, honest labor is the grandest
thing in the world, and the best discipline
but, somehow, | cant tell why, but | do
want to go. | can wear my black cash
mere, and you'll be so proud of me-
"Proud of you, indeed, my child, no mat
ter what you wear. Yes, wen 60"
And thus it happened that among the ten
guests that sat down at Josiah Mayberrys
hospitable, overlooking board that cold, blue
,ked day, Winnie Wilmington and the little
old man were two-and two TO whom En-
nest Mayberry paid more devoted attention
than even his father had asked and expected.
OF course it was a grand successful ex-
cepting the cold hauteur on Mrs. Mayberry's
aristocratic face, and that was failure,
because no one took the least notice of it,
so much more powerful were the influences
If Mr. Mayberry's and Ernest's courteous
and gentlemanly attentions.
81 only hope you are satisfied" Mrs. Jo-
'iah said, with what was meant TO be with
ring sarcasm, after the last guest was gone,
ind she stood moment before the fire al
inly hope you are satisfed-particularl with
he attention that Ernest paid TO that young
Soman--unnecessary attention, indeed"
Mr.. Mayberry rubbed his hands together
briskly. Satisfied ? Yes, thankful to God,
| had IL in my power to.mske them forget
heir poverty, if for only one little hour
| Did you see little Jimmy Hurd's eyes glisten
| Shen Ernest gave him the second triangle of
le ? Bless the youngsters heart they won't
want anything to eat for week.
al was speaking of the young lady who" y
Mrs. Alayberiy was icily severe, but her
husband cut it short. So you were-pretty
little thing as ever | saw. A adylike, grace
tul little girl, with beautiful eyes enough to
excuse the boy for admiring her"
"The boy You seem to have forgotten
| your son is twenty-three-old enough to fall
| in love with, and marry, even poor, un-
known girl you were quixotic enough to in
vite to your table"
"Twenty-three So he is. And if he
wants to marry beggar, and she is good,
virtuous girl-why not 2"
A little gasp of horror and dismay was
the only answer of which Mrs. Mayberry
was capable.
"Grandpal'
Winnes voice was so low that Mr.. Will
nington only just heard it, and when he
looked up he saw the girls crimson cheeks
and her lovely, dropping face.
YES Winnie. You want to tell me some
thing ?"
She went up behind him, and leaned her
hot cheek caressingly against his, her sweet,
low voice whispering her answer Grandpa,
want to tell you something. MIR May
-we--Ernest has asked-he wants me to
oh, grandpa, cant you tell what il is ?"
lie felt her cheek grow hotter against his.
He reached up his hand and caressed the
other one.
Yes, can tell, dear. Ernest has shown
his uncommon good sense by wanting you
for his wife. So that is what comes of that
dinner eh Winnie 7"
Aud may | tell him you are willing, per-
fectly willing, grandpa? Because do love
him, you know"
And you are sure it isn't his money you
are after, eh 2"
She did not take umbrage at the sharp
question.
:" | am at least sure it is not my money he
is after, grandpa" she returned, laughing
and patting his cheek.
Yes, YOU are at least sure of that there,
| hear the young man coming himself. Shall
| go, Winnie?'
1t was the young man himself" Ernest
Mayberry, with shadow of deep trouble
and distress on his face he came straight
up to Winnie aud took her hand, then
turned to the old gentleman.
Until an hour ago | thought this would
I've the proudest, happiest hour OF my life,
sir, for / should have asked you to give me
Winnie for my wife. Instead, must be
content to only tell you how dearly love
her, and how patiently and hard viii work
for her to give her the home which she de-
; ,erves-because Mr.. Wilmington, this morn
d | II K hpr tntn
iailed and both families are beggars."
His handsome face was pale, but his eyes
were bright with determination and brave
ness nothing could daunt Winnie smiled
back upon him. her own cheeks palng.
r Never mind, Ernest, on my account;
" can wait, too
j Old Mr.. Wilmington's eyes were almost
y shut beneath the heavy frowning forehead,
II and quizzical look was ON his shrewd old
= lace as he listened.
e. "Gone up, eh Well, that's too bad.
+ You stay here and tell Winnie am just as
t. willing she shall be your wife when you
d want her, as if nothing had happened, be
i cause | believe your can earn bread and
1 butter for both OF you, and my Winnie is a
! contented little girl. I'll hobble up to the
h office and see your father he and | were
u boys together; word OF sympathy won't
come amiss from me-"
It Aud off he strode, leaving the lovers alone,
I getting over the distance in remarkably
e short time and presenting his wrinkled,
% weather-beaten old face in Mayberry &
y, rhurston's private office, where Mr.. May
ID berry sat alone, with rigid face and keen,
n troubled eyes, that nevertheless lighted at
t. the sight of his old friend.
n Pm glad to see you, Wilmington. Sit
ID down. The sight of a man who has not
II come to reproach me is a comfort"
ie But Mr., Wilmington did not sit down
lie crossed the room to the table at which
i Mr.. Mayberry sat among a hopeless array OF
'u papers.
- There is no use wasting words, May
ld berry, at time like this. Did you know
We your son has asked Winnie to marry him 2
Mr. Mayberry's face lighted second, and
y then the gloom returned. "lt my sou hac
II a fortune at his command, as thought h'
ed had yesterday at this time, | would say
H. God speed you in your wooing of Winnie
k Wilmington. As it is--for the girls sake
~ disapprove."
70 So you haven't pound over and above
a> ell, Mayberry?"
he There will be nothiug-less than moth
III ing. / don't know that | really care 81
OF much for myself but Ernest-iti is a terribl
~ blow to him at the very beginning of hi
Oh career.
Mr.. Wilmington smiled gleefully, Good
~ Neither do | care for myself but for Win
rs ME, my littl Winnie. tell you what
nj Mayberry, perhaps you will wonder ii an
rs crazy, but I'll agree to settle quarter of
he million on Winnie the day she marries you
ed boy. Aud I'll lend you as much more
re it'll be of any use, and III start the boy 10
IN himself, if you say SO. Eh z
eS' Mr., Mayberry looked at him in speeches
u ]