Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-05-05
Principal and Interest.

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40 mother, mother, am so tired"
The dew-drops quivered like imperial dia-
monds upon the broad green plumes of the
corn.field by the wayside the grass that
bent over the foot-path was heavy with even
ing moisture yet these two wanderers clung
together homeless and alone, in the falling
shadows of the night.
"Cheer up my child, we have not very
far to go. Come closer, let me brush the
dew from your curls. Now take my hand"
But the child hung back sobbing with
WEAKNESS aud exhaustion, and the pale young
mother bending over her in the vain attempt
to soothe the hysterical excitement, did not
hear the rumble of advancing wheels until
they passed close to her, and rough, hearty
voice exclaimed:
"What ais the little girl? Is she sick 7"
Mary Ellsworth had never seen Farmer
Raynesford before-yet the moment her
eyes rested on his wrinkled, sun-burnt face,
with the shaggy brows overshadowing kind
eyes, she felt that he was a friend and made
answer promptly;
"Not sick, sir, but very tired. We have
walked long way"
"Got much farther to go 2" asked the far
mer, tickling the horses ear with the end of
his whip.
"To Breckton."
Mr.. Raynesford gave low whistle
"That is four miles off, and the little gal
is pretty nigh used up Already"
al know it," said the woman with sigh.
"But have no money 10 hire lodging
nearer. In Breckton hope to obtain work
in the factory"
Farmer Raynesford gave the seat Of his
wagon thump with the whip handle that
made old Bonny drop the mouthful of clo-
yer he was nipping from the roadside and
prick up his ears in astonishment.
al won't hear to no such thing !" said he,
energetically. "Why, that child can't go
twenty rods further Here, get in long
with me- You won't be none the worse for
bit of supper and good nights rest /
know Hannah'll scoldl" he muttered, as he
lifted the little girl to his side, and extended
his hand to the mother but / cannot see
folks perishing by the wayside and never
offer to help 'em. don't care if she scolds
the roof of the house Off"
1t was an oddly shaped old farmhouse
gray with the storms of nearly half a cen
fury, with a broad door-stone, overhung by
giant lilac bushes, and kitchen where
even in the bloomy month Of June, great
fire roared up the wide-throated chimney
and shining rows of tins winked and gilt
tered at every upward leap of the flames
| Such neat kitchen as it was Mrs. Ellis
worth's heart involuntarily warmed at the
| genial sight.
Mr.. Raynesford jumped out of the wagon
threw the reins over post, and went in u
conciliate his domestic despot. "Lool
here, Hannah" said he, to tall, angula
looking female who emerged from pantr,
near by, at the sound of his footsteps, he
face nearly or quite as sour as the saucer o
pickles she was carrying, "jest set couple
more plates on the table will you ",
brought home woman and little gal tina
| found piece below, cen almost tired t.
death. They was calculatin' to walk on t.
Breckton, but | thought it wouldn't hurt III
to keep 'em over night"
"Fm astonished at you, Job Raynesford !
said his better half in a tone of Indignant
remonstrance. ave might jest as wei
hang out tavern sign at once and done will
it-you're always bringing home some poo
miserable creetur or other, and"
"There, there, Hannah" interrupted Mr.
Raynesford, "Pm always willin' to hear t.
you when you're anyways reasonable, but i
goes clear agD my grain to see poor folks
| suIItIlD anu newer slTtlCtl Oul utlliu manu-
'Taint Scripter, nor 'taint human natur."
"Well, go your own gait, Job Raynesford,
responded his wife, tartly, "only mark my
words, if you don't end your days in thu
poor house 'twont be through no fault o
bang that made all the lily cups and mill
went out to help his guests to alight.
| 4. ,,,;nl old " aaid ha
apologetically, as Mrs. Ellsworth sprang Il
the ground; '"she's kind o'sharp spoken bu
she means well arter all. We amt all JUS
! alike in our notions, you know"
"If all the world were like you, sir,
said the young widow with tears in her eyes
there would be less want and suffering
by far" Farmer Raynesford pretended
not to hear--he was busy lifting little Mar,
| out.
Set on them black kberries, Hannah +
said he, toward the close Of their evening
meal the little gals so tired she cant ca
nothin' solid T.
al was calculatin' to keep the black
berries for the donation party tomorrow,
said Mrs. Raynesford, rising with rather al
unwilling air.
"Nonsense I" quoth the farmer, with {
broad laugh. "I'm havin' donation part,
of my own, tonight Here, little one, se'
if these berries don't put the color into you
cheeks ~
All the evening little Mary sat by thu
hearth, with her hands in her mothers anC
her large blue eyes fixed earnestly on tn,
kind farmers face.
"What are you thinking about, dearest 2
asked Mrs. Ellsworth, once. She drew {
long sigh aud whispered 80, mamma hi
is 70 kind to us |"
The tops Of the far-off eastern woods wer,
being turned to gold by that wondrous al
chemist, the rising sun, when Mary Ellis
worth aud her little girl set out upon the
long walk to Breckton. Job Rayuesforc
went with them to the gate, fumbling un
easily in his pocket, aud glancing guilty
around to make sure that Hannah was moi
within seeing distance. When Mary ex
tended her hand TO say grateful goodbye
bank bill was thrust into it,
"Don't say nothin'," muttered Job, with q
sheepish air. Ten dollars amt much to
me, and if you don't chance to get work in
the factory right away, it may be good deal
o. use to you. Needn't thank me--you're
as welcome as flowers in May
Ten dollars !" calculated Mrs. Raynes.
ford, who had witnessed this little episode
from behind the curtains of her milk-room
window. ais Job Raynesford crazy TIC
give ten dollars to poor, strolling vagrant
If he don't get piece OF my mind" Aud
she hastened out, her cap-border fairly
standing on end with horror. Job awaited
the coming tempest with philosophic cool
ness. his hands in his pockets, and his lips
parted in good-humored smile.
:" She means well" he said to himself,