Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-12-31

ne uld 80, opening the door gently so as
to let more light in upon the sleeper.
Herbert, luckily for himself, perhaps, for
good looks after all, are not without their
effect upon any one, had an attractive face.
He had frank, good humored expression,
and half smile rested upon his face as he
slept.
"Poor little fellow !" thought Mr.. Tory,
"he seems Just about the age of my Charlie.
How badly | should feel il he were obliged
to wonder about the streets in this way,
sleeping on doorsteps, and not always secure
from interruption there"
As he spoke he felt ashamed of the mo-.
mentary impulse which he had felt to wake
up the sleeper aud send him off.
As IL such a child could do me any
harm by simply sleeping on the steps.
hope prosperity is not hardening my heart"
Perhaps it was this feeling of compunc-
tion which led him to the resolution which
he now formed.
Al first his benevoence had only gone 80
far as to induce him to leave our hero un-
disturbed. But now he could not help
thinking that kindness called upon him 10
do more. Why should he leave our little
hero to sleep on the hard stone out in the
cold, when there was more than one bed in
his spacious dwelling which would be un-
occupied Why should he not suffer him
to pass one comfortable night, especially as
it would do him no harm
But would not people think him Quixotic
to throw open his house for the reception of
beggars and vagabonds This was the
suggestion of worldly prudence, and in a
moment his sturdy Independence asserted
itself, and he was ashamed of it, Besides
he had taken another look at this sleeping
boy, and feeling of tenderness had arisen
in his mind. Rather let me say in his
heart, for the heart is the fountain of all
good feelings and impulses.
lie accordingly stepped gently over our
little hero and entering the back parlor
found that his wife had not yet retired. He
hastily explained to her his purpose, and
had no difficulty in enisting her hearty CO
operation. Women are, as rule, more ten
der of heart than men, or rather it may be
said that upon them the world has less effect
in bunting their natural sensibilties.
"Where shall we put him 2" said Mrs.
Tory, hesitatingly.
In the blue chamber"
"The best chamber 2"
Yes For this one night, at least, the
poor boy shall fare sumptuously. l owe it
to him for my momentary hardness of heart"
"What pretty boy he is, and how soundly
he is sleeping r. said Mrs. Tory " 1t seems
pity to wake him."
at will not be necessary. l think can
carry him up without waking him. At all
events, | will make the attempt"
The merchant lifted our hero gently, and
carried him carefully up stairs.
81 WONDER" he said, "if could not take
off his clothes without his waking. He
would sleep more comfortably"
parha f,1
seems to be very sound asleep. He seems
about the age of our Charlie"
at was that thought that softened my
heart toward him. fairly trembled at the
possibility of our darling one coming to
this"
"By the way" said Mrs. Tory, with
sudden thought 81 should think one of
Charles suits would Just about fit this lit
tie fellow"
$50 it would 1t is good thought. We
can lay them on chair at his bedside. Won't
| he be surprised when he wakes up in the
morning.
By this time Mr.. Tory had succeeded in
removing our hero's clothes without awak-
ing him. He had once or twice spoken a
word in his sleep, but his exhaustion was
too great for him to be awakened from sleep
| Early the next morning the children were
made acquainted with the adventure of the
night before. They listened with the live
liest interest, and were curious to know what
our hero would think when he woke up.
Accordingly they gathered in the entry, and
the door was partially opened. But they
had to wait some time. The soft couch was
favorable to the slumberer, and it was late
when Herbert awoke.
At length his eyes opened. A moment
after, and he was sitting up in bed, looking
wildly about. Where was he?
He recognized none of his surroundings.
He had never in his life slept in chamber
so beautifully furnished. How he ever came
there he could not divine. What made the
matter more mysterious was, that he could
see nothing of his clothes Those on the
chair were much better than he had ever
worn. Be tried hard to remember anything
which could throw light upon his present
surroundings, but without success.
At length light flashed upon him, and he
exclaimed q know how it is, Pm dream
ing. l wish it wasn't dream, though.
wonder when | shall wake up"
There was sound of stified laughter, and
then Charlie entered the room and spoke to
the bewildered boy, explaining how he came
TO be there.
"And am l to put on these nice clothes 2"
asked Herbert, delighted.
"Yes," said Charlie, "you are quite well
come to them. You see we are Just Of a
size, and have plenty more. Only make
| haste, because we have all been waiting to
get breakfast with you, and I'm as hungry
as bear
Herbert's appearance was very much im-
proved by the new clothes. As he de-
scended to the breakfast room he wondered
whether he was the same boy that went to
sleep on the doorsteps the night before.
After a hearty breakfast, Herbert pre-
pared to go, not without hearty thanks for
the kindness which had been shown him.
But hefound himself Unexpectedly detained.
Charlie had thrown an arm about him and
held him forcibly.
ats no use resisting" he said, in a lively
tone, you are my prisoner"
He then explained to Herbert that he was
about to enter Mr., Torry's counting-room,
and would continue to live with them.
Need tell you how grateful and happy
our young hero was, and how the good mer-
chant never saw reason to regret his kindness.
Dear reader, may it chance that as this
New Years anniversary comes round, many
poor child of poverty dream dream OF
happiness aud comfort, aud may his dreams
find as ample realization as Herbert's -
| Selected.