Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-17

fell on Letty's placid face with the bright
hair shining like halo round it.
Feeling very much as if he had enter
tanned AN angel unaware, the man stood
enjoying the pretty picture. hcsitaiing to
wake her, yet fearing that gruff halo
from old Dan might do it too suddenly
Somehow he hated to have her go. for the
gloomy foundry seemed an enchanted sorl
OF place this morning with pure Heaven
and earth outside. and within the little
mate" whom he felt a strong desire to keep
" always alongside" for something better
than lucks sake.
lie was smiling to himself over the
thought, yet half ashamed to own how il
had grown and strengthened in a night.
when Lefty opened wide pair of ewes
full of the peace sleep brings and the soft
lustre that comes after tears. Invnlun-
tarily the man drew back and waited
silently for her to speak. She looked
bewildered for 4 moment, then remember
ed and sprang up, full of the relief and
fresh gratitude that came with her first
waking thought.
How long I've slept! How very kind
will st, rt me right
" You are heartily welcome! l can
take you home at once, unless you rather
wait for Dan," he answered, with quick
look toward the door. nc If alraady Jealous
of the venerable Daniel.
I'D rather 90 before any one comes.
But perhaps you ought not to leave yet?
wouldn't like to take you from YOU
duty" began Lefty, looking about for her
hat
DUTY he-hanged! I'm going to See
you safe home. if you'll let me. Here's :
your hat. | dried it; but it don't look
quite shipshape somehow" And taking
the shabby little objrct from the nail
where it hung, he presented it with such
respectful care hat II glimmrr of the ola
mirthfuntss came into Letlys face. as she
said surveying it with much disfavor:
at is almost rs bad rs the one gave
you; but it must DO"
I've 90 lha, old thing up to my plac"
now. Keep it for luck. Wish | had one
for you. Hold on! Here's II tippet-
nice and warm Have it for Il hood
You'll find it cold outside"
He was 80 intent on making her COM
Portable that Lefty could not refuse. and
tied on the tippet. while he reflled the cup
with hot coffee ca,efullv saved for her.
Little Red Riding Hood! Blest if you
ain IT, he exclaimed admiringly. rs he
turned to her again and saw the sweet
face in It's new head gear.
But you are not the wolf" she an
swered, with smile like sunshine, bend,
ing to drink from the cup he held.
As she lifted her head, the blue ewes
and the black exchanged again the subtle
glance of sympathy that made them
friends before; only now the blue ones
looked up full Of gratitude and the black
ones down soft with pity. Neither spoke
but Lefty stopped. and, gathering OLD
Sally in her arms, kissed the friendly
creature, then followed her guide to the
door.
"How beautiful!' she cried, as the sur
came dazzling down upon the snow, thai
hid all dark and ugly things with a veil o
purity.
Looks kind of bridal, don't it?" sale
the man, taking y long breath of the frosty
air and strengthening himself up, as il
anxious to look his best by daylight
He never had looked better, in spite o.
the old coat and red shirt; for the glow
of the furnace fire still seemed to touch
his brown face, the happy visions of the
night still shown in his eyes, and the pro
tective kindliness of a generous nature
gave dignity to the rough figure, as he
strobe into the snow and stretched his
hand to Lefty, saying, cheerily
Pretty deep. But hold on to me and
I'll get you through. Better take my
hand. l washed it purpose"
Lefty did take it in both her little ones
and they went away together through the
deserted streets, feeling us if they were
the only pair alive in the still white world
that looked so lovely in the early sunshine
The girl was surprised to find how shor
the way seemed; for in spite Of drifts. she
got on bravely, with strong arm to belF
and friendly voice to encourage her. Ye
when she reached the last corner she stop
ped and said. with a sudden shYness which
he understood and liked:
I'D best go on alone now. But In
very grateful 10 you! Please tell me youi
name. I'd love to know who my friend is
though never shall forget his kindness" ="
Nor | yours, Dick Stone is my name
But I'd rather you'd called me your tramp
till we get something BETTER" he answere
ed, with laugh in his eye, as he ben
toward her for II hearty shake of the slen
der hand that had grown warm in his.
- will! Goodbye, good-byen Ant
suddenly remembering how they partec
before, Lefty bushed like rose and rar
away as fast as the drifts would let her.
And III call you my Lefty some day
if I'm not much mistaken " Dick said tc
himself with II decided nod, us he wen
back to the foundry, feeling that the worlt
looked more " sort of bridal than ever.
He was not mistaken, for when spring
budded his dream came true, and in the
little sewing girl who bound him with t
silken thread SO soft and strong it never
broke, he found IN anchor that held hin
fast TO happiness and home. To Lefty
something wonderful happened at last
The prince came when mos. she needet
him; and. though even when beggar's rags
fell off his only crown was an old hat, hi'
royal robes red flannel and fustian. hi
scrptre sledge hammer, she knew ant
loved him, for
THE man was man for a. that"
--Independent.