The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1879-07-18

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money at interest, they wouldn't nont
of 'em look twice at you"
ado you think sop said the deacon
and he pondered the question long ant
earnestly in his own mind. "Upon the
WHOLE" said he, bringing down his
palm upon the table, al amt sorry that
those investments of mine in the Mori
posa Silver Company have proved
failure"
"What do You mcan?" said Miss
Mahala Ann, curiously eying hin
over the top of her spcctacles.
But the deacon only shook his hcat
and smiled.
"Time will show" said he, "timt
will show"
The news that Deacon Grinder was
wrecked in Mariposa Mining stock flew
| like wildfrc through the peaceful com
munity at Fitchvillc Four Corners.
"Well," said Miss Philena Peck, ~
am beat"
ale never had any Judgment il
money Matters" said widow Clapp.
"I've thought all along that he was
living too FAST" said Barbara Bow
yer.
"Those poor little children, what is tC
become of thcmY" said Naomi Poole
wistfully.
The next day the deacon made his
appearance at Mrs. Peck's homestead
pale and rather shabby, with child III
each hand, and one following him.
"Miss Peck" said he, 81 suppose you
have heard the news?'
"Yes," said Miss Peck, looking vim
ger and tack nails. Gifts your failure
as you mean."
81 think of going TO California" said
the deacon, "to see what can do, and
if in the meantime, you could be Undue.
ed to give my children a home"
"Oh dear, mol" said Miss Peck. 81
never could get along with pack oi
children! dare say you could find
some sort, by inquiring around lit.
tle."
Miss Peck sat so very upright, and
glared so irightfully out of her light
blue eyes at the kdeacon, that he was
feign to beat retreat as soon as posi-.
BILE.
lie knocked next at the Widow
Clapp's door. A slipshod servant maid
opened it.
ms Mrs. Clapp at homer" asked the
deacon.
A head was thrust over the stair rail
ing and the widows shrill voice crieo
oat:
Ts that Josiah Grinder with his
swarm of young ones? Tell him l am
particularly engaged. Do you hear
Betsey,-particnlars."
Miss Barbara Bowyer was arranging
A :. 4 Il. ,..-l.t .xNl
ored ribbons in her window as the dea
con and his little ones walked into the
millinery shop.
Miss Bowyer," he said, "you were
ever a genial and charitable soul. Ii is
to you that l trust to make n home fol
my motherlcss lettlc ones, while | en-
deavor to retrieve my fortunes in the
West.
81 couldn't think of such a thing,
said Miss Barbara, dropping box o
artificial rose buds in her CONSERVATION
"And really think, Deacon Grinder
You havn't 10 business to expect it o
me! 1t is all can do to support my
self, let alone pack of unruly children
| dare say the poormaster could dc
something for them, Or"
81 thank you," said the deacon will
dignity, 81 shall trouble neither yol
nor him"
"Well,' said Miss Bower with {
toss of her head, "you need not fly int
rage because neighbor offers you
bit of good advicew
But Naomi Poole ran out to the lit
tie garden gate, as the forlorn dcacoi
passed by.
l..eslotnD ha
turning rose red and white by turns
sis this true~
"About my Mariposa investment
Yes"
"And that you are going to Califor
nia?"
81 am talking about it," said the dea
con.
"Would-could you let me take car
of the little ones while you are gone? |?
said Naomi, tcnderly drawing littl
Dolly to her side. 81 am very fond G
children, and | would take the bes
care of them. And you have been s.
kind to mother and me, Deacon Grind
or, that we should feel it privilege
be able to do something for you"
| And poor, soit-hearted little Naom
burst out crying.
There was moisture on the deacon
eye-lashes, too.
'"God bless you, Naomi" said ht
"You are good girl--a very goo
girl"
"Ain't it true?" said Philena Peck.
"Well," said Mrs, Mopsley. sit
and il amt. lie did lose what he il
vested in them Mariposa mines, but
was only thousand dollars; and Il
rest of his mony's all tight and safe
United States bonds and solid real c
tate"
"Bless me ~ said Barbara Bowyer.
"Well never!" said widdow Clap
with discomfitted countenance.
"And," went OH Mrs. Mopsley, vii
evident relish in the CONSERVATION 81
was causing, 'they are building ne
wing to the house, and he is TO be ma
ried to Naomi Poole in the tall.
"A child like that!" said Mrs. Clap
, "With no experience wha:ever!' sa
Barbara Bowyer, scornlully.
, IL only hope he won't repent of !
| bargain" sighed Miss rhilcna Peck.
" And Miss Philena's charitable hop
r were fulfilled. The deacon never d
V repent his bargain.