Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-03-19

uOl llhb pl nv thNt-N tIullIp'I W tlliN IN
noccnt gathering, hut there seemed no
help for it. She could not escape through
the locked door; and boldly revealing
herself, and explaining her absurd suSpi
cons, and the remarkable way in which
she had come there, WAS even more than
her thought could en- lure. So she kept
her place. hoping that when the pupils
were dismissed she might slip ont among
them unnoticed. But when the lesson
hour ended they departed slowly. by twos
and threes. the open door hinging II flood
of light out into the hall. At last one lin
gercd, and Mrs Wikin listened intently
AS she caught his voice.
Now, Tim. said the little knitting -wo-
man, | like to have you come, you know
that, and I'll help you all can, but you
really must tell your aunt about it.
We'll, you see. don't know what she'll
say, began Tim irresolutely
But that shouldn't hinder you from do
ing your duty.
Don't know about that, said Tim still
dOubfully. You see Aunt Liz belh's got
an awful mount of duty of her own, and
it's such n particular kind that other folks
cant get much chance to do theirs only
when hers is nappin' Why Uncle Reub
gives my mother lots Of meat, but he just
slips ii off and don't tell
Well, if you don't know what is right
for you, do know what is right far me,
said the little teacher with quiet laugh;
and cant let You come again until you
tell your aunt how You spend your even
ings.
Mrs. Wilkin nodded II vigorous approval.
h,t - al in
state of dissatisfaction
There was II sound of crutch tapping
on the floor, and Mrs. WiIkin remembered
that IL little lame brother had sometimes
gone about with the knitting woman.
Ihey two were left alone in the room. and
went around shaking ont the fire, and put
ting up b. oks and papers.
Only ten cents II week for each one
hats so little, said the boyish tones mus
ingly.
Yes, but it isn't so very much that can
teach them, answered the little woman
humbly. And then it's all they can afford
10 pay, poor things! And you know we
began more for their sakes than our own,
though we do need money. Courage,
though, Johnny! it all counts. and you
shall have your overcoat pretty soon now.
Besides, This is work tn. blesses both
ways in What we give rs well rs what
we get.
If she could only pass that open door!
! Mrs. Wilkin was growing benumhed by
standing Sc long in the cold. Finally the
| lights were eXtinIuished and the two
came out, Just then, fortunately, Johnny
remembered that they had left ii book be-
hind them, and rs the unconscious jailers
turned back the prisoner seized her op-
poriuniiy and escaped.
She was sitting alone by the fire when
Tin, who had made his homeward route
sufficiently crcutous to include call on
his mother returnpd. He sat down near
her. twisted his fingers uneasly, and Mrs
Wilkin guessed what was coming.
There's been IN evcnin' school started
here. Aunt Liz'beth.
So understand, responded Mrs. Wikin
coolly.
Why, thought-bcgan Tim with wide
open eyes of surprise, and then checked
himself with the sudden reflection that it
might not be wise to recall the CONVERSE
ton Of the morning. I'd like TO 90 to it
hat is, I have been once or twice, he said
| Fact is, Aunt LIZ beth, when we lived
down the river, before you took me, there
wasn't any school for me to 30 to, and so
I'm behind other felIers. Miss KeIsy she
makes 'rithmetic so plain, and helps me
with writin, and So
You might do worse, said Mrs. Wilkin,
briefly Go if You want to. Only one
thing, Timohy Slone, | won't have any
ten cent business about il! Honest is hon
est, and it's worth more n ten cents II week
to teach you anything, rs ISnow.
Tim forgot to be a>toni>hed at his
aunt S knowledge, and overlooked the re
Election upon himself in the pleasure of
expressing desire that lie had cherished
secretly but hopelessly.
She wouldn't take any more pay, cause
she'd want to serve all alike, but oh, Aunt
Liz beth, If | could just give her and
Johnny something nice for Christmas!
Humph! I'll think about it, answered
Mrs. WiIkin not disapprov!ngly.
Liz'beth, began Mr. Wilkin, nervously,
the next morning, | wouldn't say nothing
to nobody about thieves, or watching
them mill folks, if WAS you.
l don't mean to, replied his wife, with
an odd puckcr about her lips.
We'll. I'm glad OF it--l really am, sad
Mr. WiIkin in IL tone of great relief. |
don't think anybody's stole anything, and
somehow it seems 70 me as if Our duty
nowadays is good deal like it was
when them Israelnes took Jericho-only
just marchn' against the bit of wall that's
right in front of us. and lettin our neigh
Dor take care of what's in front of him. 1t
sort of seems that way, Liz beth.
Mrs. Wikin did not answer, but she
took her revenge that evening, when Mr..
Wilkin was going out.
Reuben, she said quietly, if you see any
thieves round our smoke house. Just tell
EN- there's IL couple chickens hanging
near the door, that | dressed purpose.
It's natural that Belinda d like II change
of meat AS well as other folks