Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-06-30
change o. how dear is every tree and spot


we were happy, mother, Ben and all our
childhood joys and sorrows were shared
with her. Ben was gentle boy, shrinking
from harsh word or look, in constant dread
Of fathers anger, while I did not know
what fear was. | think father saw some
thing of his own nature in me, and till
was about twelve years old seemed to be
his favorite. Then | angered him and was
unforgiven to the end. His last act showed
that he considered had forfeited all claim
to my birthright. When heard my fathers
will read was the first time for years had
thought of that occurrence Then the scenes
came vividly before me-
"It was on Sunday, a warm, bright Octo-
Der day. The trees were flushed with life
some amber, some ruddy and others still
green. o how pleasant it was. The air
was filled with the aromatic scent Of leaves,
and my brother and |, forgetting il was Sab
bath, thoughtlessly strayed down into the
orchard We had always spent Sunday af-
ternoons with mother, who, by singing
hymns and telling us Bible stories, made
the time pass happily. But this day she
was not well, and we were left to our own
resources. Had it not been for mother,
Sunday would have been day Of perfect
misery TO us, as father insisted upon having
forbidden us ever to leave the house after
church, but everything in nature seemed to
call us out and we found ourselves under the
old apple trees, | making wreaths of leaves
aud Ben telling Of his sea life that was to
come. said; q can climb better than
YOU so in moment was at the top of
tree. Ben made the attempt to follow me,
but was poor climber | was laughing
merrily at his awkward efforts, when with
out any warning father appeared before us.
He said Ben, come here. Ben was pale
with fright, but came down instantly.
"My father had cane with which he
struck him across the face, drawing the
blood-had raised the stick for another
blow, when rushed towards him, seized the
stick, threw it as far as | could, stamping
with rage, and said How dare you strike
him it was my fault don't think it
half as wicked to climb trees on Sunday as
it is to get into such rage. Why doesn't
God strike the birds and the squirrels for
playing about if it is so wrong, he would
teach them to keep STILL
any father looked at me for a moment,
then walked towards home. My brother
was trembling with emotion in consequence
ave did not tell mother, and as my father
never mentioned it again, we forgot it alto
gether. Mother wasn't quite well after this,
though she lived some years, sometimes suf-
tering intensely, then having hours of ease.
When she was able she tried TO reconcile me
to the thought of her death. She would
say "Darling, it is only this poor suffering
body that will be taken from you. My
spirit will always be near you. You're not
to grieve, for you give me pain. You must
stay with your father and care for him.
"At first | was perfectly inconsolable
but when l saw her sufferings, and heard
her pray to be taken, gave her up to God.
Care for your father and with her arm
about Ben's neck, she fell asleep. / obeyed
her, tried TO be happy, felt she was near me,
| fancied could feel her hand upon my head,
her kiss on my face. After she was gone
father grew more stern. l know he loved
my mother, but he never mentioned her.
"Ben was so unhappy that urged him
to leave and go to the city. Father made
| no objections, so we were left alone. l
did what could for him, but could get no
| nearer.
"About a year after mothers death he
told me he was obliged to 60 to the city.
Remained few days-then went again,
and again. The last time he brought home
| a wife-a widow sister Of his lawyers.
She had two daughters. Il was an ignor-
dut COuubty WOudLj oO llcy odiu, duu ~
was true; had never been at school my
only teacher had been my mother, with
whom had read many modern and ancient
authors.
"The new wife had only been there few
months when my father, true to his nature,
turned his face to the wall and died without
a last word.
"My stepmother's brother was there. Al
ter the funeral they came to my room, asked
me what / intended doing, as | must now
earn my living. She said that my father
had dsinherited me, owing to my rebellious
conduct. / could, in reviewing my life, only
remember that one childish act of anger.
But did not question the justice or truth of
what she said. Mrs. Hopkins said There
is all your father left you, twenty-five dollars; /;
this will be enough to take you to the city,
and then you must get some situation. You
are only fitted for servant, as you have no
education
81 knew she spoke the truth. ! asked
our minister for a letter, took last look at
my dearly-loved home, and with the letter
and my fathers gift, came to the city.
Saw the advertisement for a janitress, and
| answered it in person.
"Mr. Fleming has been most kind to nae,
and tries to make me forget my menial po-
spect. l am always busy having no time
brother was living, should be content but
as have had no letters from him since
fathers marriage, and the last time heard
he was on the eve of sailing for South Amer.
lea, fear he has been lost at sea.
"Now, doctor, you may think it strange
that l should thus frankly give you my
whole life, but remember | am not a city
lady, but an ignorant country woman"
The doctor said You've done right. To
repay you for it, have good news for you.
If you had Aladdin's lamp what would you
wish for? ?"
"Two impossibilities--my old home and
brother Ben.
"Now listen to my story. Once ON time
there was very sick man, who, thinking he
was going to die, made father confessor of
his DOCTOR told him that he was lawyer,
and few months before had forged will
defrauding an orphan of her home for the
purpose of enriching his sister. This girl
was made to believe that her brother was
lost at sea-all his letters were intercepted.
These letters were written from South
America Now never mind, Miss Ruth,
don't faint nor fall on the floor in your
favorite attitude"
AS uOCUOi was spcdhiub L uicW ClO5cT
to him. at this caught his hand, exclaim-
ing "O my brother is alive Thank God
Tell me all about it,"
The doctor said "Please don't squeeze
my hand so, city girls would know better
Now sit down quietly and / will tell you.
My patient Mr.. Talbot, is your stepmother's
brother. He has made all the reparation in
his power. Written to her to leave, bag and
baggage, and to put everything in the exact
order you left it. The words of kindness
you sent the sick man with the flowers
touched his heart that, with the fear of
death, gives you back your home and your
brother. You are not to cry and spoil your
face, for I've got favor to ask. want you
to put your hand in mine and say with your
namesake of Bible renown "Where'er thou
goest will go; thy people will be my peo-
pie thy God, my God.''
don't know what answer made, but
felt myself drawn close to that noble heart,
and a feeling of perfect trust and rest came
to me, which has never left me, though more
than year has passed since that happy day.
After few minutes of silent joy the doc
tor said s. have watched you closely since
that day, and have grown TO love you as |
never thought to love, but | did not intend
telling you yet but / forgot my intentions
when heard the story of your life and felt
you were so alone, and as ! have none TO
care for me, thought perhaps you would
come and be an old mans darling. Don't
blush but 90 aud tell Bridget To ask all her