Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-02-09


was gentleman, as any one could see, and
with his arlslocratic beating aud white
hands, on one Of which a massive ring
shone conspicuously, was fit match even
for one Of their young ladies-nlluding TO
the Misses Jobbins, who, perhaps, would
not have felt flattered by the allusion still,
ON the Cther hand (uOt the Harlequin's 9TH
or hand), there is a time in the life of
spinster when II seems rs ir she would he
willing TO marry any one, and ii must he
confessed this critical period was nigh at
hand with the alderman's daughters.
During the early days of their courtship
Kiddini was not The most attentive OF low
ers, and when taunted herewith, replied
that his arduous exertions at night render
ed him almost unfit for society. However,
when lie heard fiom their mutual friends
wife in the news that he really must pay
more attention 10 the pretty house-maid or
she would rebel, and when his betrothed
in coDflding moment shovel bin her
savings. bank book, 10 which she was cred
tied with the possession OF $40, Herr Kid
dinis affection received an impetus, and
lie became IS ardent rs could be wished.
Amer the run OF the pantomime his time
was more his own, aud, as he informed Su-
san, excepting the instruction Of a few dali
ly pupils, he had really nothing to do.
The sluntcd heritage Of the square was
beginning 10 give signs Of vitality, The
trees had already put forth their foliage,
and troops Of eigsling nurse-girls with
their urantine charges were to be seen
no t,,I, IA tho UruvplaH xvalEe tyhan
Kiddni one evening, sitting alone with
Snsan in the little house down the news,
moodily remarked that the time was ap-
pioaching when they were to seek the hy-
menial altar. OF course Susan hlushed
and said nothing, which was very correct
and proper. Then Kiddini, in still more
gloomy tones, said that he had had rather
a lad spring, inasmuch as some Of his pu-
pis had taken their departure from his
Terpsicborc1n academy without paying
for the lessons they lad received, and, that,
in s'IorI, he had not the wherewithal 10 pro-
vide a home.
This somewhat disconcertod Susan, and
quite unhidden there arose in her mind
the image Of tho young grocer and his
prosperous business but Kiddini, who
now became warm Oh the subject, suggest
cd that IL Susan would lend him go
out of her Little fund in the savings bank,
he would al once provide home, aud they
would he married in month. Kiddini
had no do ibts at all about the future; lie
had had an exceptionally bad spring, but
the autumn might prove quite the reverse.
This communication did not put Susan in
very hopeful mood but she had pledged
herself 10 KiddiEi, and twas only right,
she thought, that she should assist him in
his adversely. Sc was not long making
up her mind; and Kiddini, who had had
Infinitely less trouble about the matter
than he imagined he would have, received
the gratifying intelligence that Susan
would at once give notice Of the withdraw
al Uf go from the savings bauk, and that
the money should be in his hands in fort
nights time.
Never had Kiddini mamie sted so much
affection for his beiIothed as ON that eve
ming. lie wSs the most attentive, the most
ardent, Of lovers, and poor Susan felt al
most inclined 10 cry with happiness. She
was an atiectionate creature, grateful for
every word Of tenderness, aud the devo-
tion now manifested by her future hus-
band seemed to her full OF the pleasaniest
auguries. "Poor fellow" she said to cook,
on returning 10 her masters residence, 81
am certain lie loves me, aud were it twice
the amount. le should have it," In the
monetary arrangement, however, a slight
hitch occurred, inasmnch as Susan had for
gotten that whcn she entered Alderman
Jobbius's service that Worthy's wife had
introduced her To the savings bank when
she made her first deposit, but had taken
care TO have her own name Inserted as
trustee for her domestic, whereby the lat
ter could moi Withdraw one farthing with
out Mrs. JobDins's consent, verbal or writ
ten. This had escaped Susan's recollection
uuil she hunled up her bank book, and
looked admriugly at the $50 with which
she was credited. For some reason or 9TH
er, for which Susan herself would have
found II difficult TO account, she had rather
her mistress bad known nothing OF this
Withdrawal but there was no help for il
so she boldly asked the consent of Mrs.
Jobbns 10 what she wished. Great was
her surprise when the alderman's wife,
turning rapidly in her chair, told Susan
that she would do nothing of the kind.
mo" said the worthy Mrs. j.; "since
you've been in my house, now nearly six
years, I've watched over you, Susan, like
one of my own daughters, and Pm not go-
ing now to see you taken in by swindler."
"Oh, please, num-" interposed Susan,
with flush on her cheeks and an angry
sparkle in her eyes, which made her look
prettier than ever, "don't call him that -
"Well perhaps it is wrong TO call the
man names when l know nothing really of
him." replied her mistress; but at the
same time, won't give my consent 10 the
withdrawal of penny until you're mar
rled then, of course, you can do what you
like with your money, and l wash my
hands Of the whole affair. Depend upon it,
Susan, If your sweetheart means honora-
bly,, he'll marry you without wanting 10
borrow your savings; and as you are on
the right side, keep SO, Susan. Now go
about your work like a good girl, and per-
haps the time will come when you'll thank
me for not letting you have the money I'M
Ill after you're married"
Susan courtesied submissively, and len
the room for she knew one might as well
attempt TO lift the Monument as turn Mrs.
Jobbins when she had once made up her
mind. Rebelious cook said II was great
shame, aud she'd take good care no one
was ever trustee for her; and Kiddini, as
may he imagined, became frightGully mo-
rose.
But there the matter stood, and not all
the remarks of cook, the anxiety of Susan,
or the sullen temper of Kiddini could alter
| it.
| "pye got a couDle of pounds by me-"