davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

A MARCH DAY.-The temperature may IN
crease for several days if there is a gentle
southwest breeze and the sun shines clear.
The old snow-b banks waste away, the sun
brings out the fragrance of the ground,
when, just as you begin to dream of an un-
checked advance of spring, nature suddenly
remembers that three or four consecutive
days of fine weather are rather too much for
this season. so the sun goes out, moaning
wind sweeps the tree tops, few drops Of
rain fall, there may be roll of thunder then
all at once screaming north-wester sets in,
and as the binding snow fills the air, and the
wind goes roaring through the woods, the
scene changes to midwinter. The birds who
have ventured so far north now huddle into
the barns for food and shelter ground birds,
chipping birds, and perhaps party of white
crowned sparrows, on the way to their north
ern homes But the sun tries every crack in
the clouds, and in day or two the light snow
will be- melting again. Good Company.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

vances. aud Marcel signed note at twelve
months for nine hundred francs, being for
loans, plus interest at the market price.
VIII
During the succeeding summer Marcel cx-
ecuted the following commissions for his ben
efactor
Item-Bust of the philanthropist with a
crown of laurel.
Item-Statuette of the philanthropists al
legged niece.
Item-Terra- Gotta study of the philan-
thropists Newfoundland dog.
Item-A medallion.
Item-Another medallion
Item-Another medallion.
Item-Another medallion.
All these last being members of the phil
thropists family, or of his intimate friends
Needless to say that the artist did not make
any charge for these trifles indeed, he
would have been insulted had there been any
mention of payment made
One day the philanthropst met Il woman
Coming out of his protege's study.
Caught you, you rascal ~ he cried to the
sculptor. "That was all that was needed to
complete it. Go on; goahead, you're in the
tolls you'll he ruined within
But that is a model for
IF you would confno yourself, sir to cx-
ecuting statues Of male subjects we would
not see any female models coming out Of
your studio"
Another day Marcel was invited to dine at
Nefour's by an old chum who had just taken
prix de Rome. As he was coming out he
met NJ Lalibiere, who bitterly upbraided
him "You. my fine gentleman said the
philanthropist severely, "can 90 round with
kid gloves and vanished boots you can dine
at Nefour's while your meek and lowly benc-
factor has to dine at fourth class restaurants.
Aye, SOW benevolenco and you will reap in
gratitude" yelled the philanthropist, and
Marcel fed, followed by the boots and ieers
of the crowd.
Another day as Marcel was walking along
the street he saw gentleman point him out
to his wife and heard him say, There goes
that poor devil Of an artist that VI. Lalibicre
saved from starvation aud suicide and set on
his feet again. I hear he has treated his
benefactor with the blackest ingratitude.'
rs it true all his friends would -ay,
'that old Lalibicre has taken fancy TO you
and heaps and showers his bounty upon
you p
At this time Marcers note for nine hun
dred francs came due and the philauthropist
refused to renew it, alleging the hardness of
the times, The bailiTs once more began their
homicidai manuuyrcs
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26
NO. ID.

could understand it. ALI shook their heads,
and he then continued -
"Well, now, think should go 10 work
and discover the least uncommon agitator.
would then envolve a parallel according TO
the intrinsic deviator and punctuate the ther-
mometer."
so would :" answered every man in
chorus, and one Of them added "rve work
ed 'em out that way thousand times !"
Not one of the men, all of whom were in
business and had made money, could even
less work examples by it, and yet it was e1-
pected that a nine-years-old boy should go TO
the blackboard and do every sum of-hand. -
Detroit Free Press.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26
The school BOY. Fractions.

Several men were gathered at the door of a
blacksmith-shop on Cass avenue the other
morning, when a school-boy not over nine
years of age came along with tears in his eyes,
and one of the group asked
whats the matter, boy-fall DOWN."
"N-no, but I've got hard 'rithmetic les
son and expect to get l-licked" was the an
swer.
Let me see, l used to be a king-bee on
fractions"
The man took the book, turned to the page,
and read -
"Rule Find the least common multiple
of the denominators of the fractions for the
least common denominstor by each denomi-
nator and multiply both terms of the fractions
by the quotient obtained by each denomina-
tor"
He read the rule aloud and asked if anyone
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26
Miscellany.

God Keepeth watch Forever.
Though tangled hard life's knot mAyb be,
And weariy we rue IT,
The silent touch Of Father Time
Some day will sure undo it..
Then darling, wait;
Nothing is late
In the light that shines forever.
We faint at heart, a friend is gone;
We chafe nt the worlds harsh drilling;
We tremble at sorrows on every side,
At the myriad ways Of killing,
Yet say we ALL
Ifa sparrow fall,
The Lord keepeth watch forever.
He keepeth count. We come, we go,
We speculate, toll and falter;
But the measure to each Of veal or woe,
God only can give or alter
He sendeth light,
He sendeth night,
And change goes on forever.
Why not take life with a cheerful trust,
With faith in the strength Of weaknessE
The slenderest daisy rears its head
With courage, yet with meekness.
A sunny face
Hath holy grace,
To WOO the Sun forever.
Forever and ever, my darling, yes
Goodness and love are undying;
only the troubles and cares Of the earth
Are winged from the first for flying
Our way we plough
In the furrov 'now :"
But after the t.ling and growing, the sheaf;
Soil for the root, but the sun for the leaf
And God kcepeth watch forever.
Mary Mdpes Dodge.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

Harrington another squeeze after which my
Lord left the executive chamber nursing his
hand and his temper, and declaring to a
friend that ''your American President is a
boor !"
The secret of the Presidents action was
that the Marquis had appeared at ball in
New York a few nights before his visit to
Washington and ostentatiously wore the rebsl
colors in his button-holc. The incident was
published, and the President, knowing the
Marquis was to call at the White House, con
cluded to give the naughty but ill-bred Eng
lishman puncture that he would get through
even his Bull-hide. And he did. id.-Iadidadpo-
liz Neirs
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

TALK AROUND Ir-An old lawyer was Civ
ing his advice to his son, who was just enter
ing upon the practice of his fathers profess
sion. My son" said the counsellor, ''if you
have case where the law is clearly on your
side, but justice seems against you, urge up
on the court and jury the vast Importance of
sustaining the law, If, on the other hand,
the necessity of doing justice, though the
heavens fall" but, asked the son, "how
shall manage case where both law and
justice are dead against me?" "In that case,
my son, tak round il, taik r0und HF'
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

LINCOLN AND LORD HARRINGTON. - The
Hon. Schuyler Colfax, in his lecture the 9TH
er night, told a new story and a good one.
The Marquis of Harrington, present leader of
the English Liberal party, was travelling in
this country during the war, and while here
made a semi-offical call on President Lincoln.
He was introduced to honest old Abe in the
White House with some ceremony, but Mr.,
Lincoln grasped the hand of the Marquis
with his broad hand closed grip ON it that
brought the tears to the Englishmans
eyes and said in a CHEEKY voice: "Glad to
see you, Marquis of Harrington. Shall never
forget you because your name rhymes with
one of our great characters-Alrs Parting
ton How are you, Marquis p and he gave
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

HOME CHEERFULNEss.- Many a child goes
astray, not because there is a want of prayer
or virtue at home, but simply because home
lacks sunshine A child needs smiles as much
as flowers need sunbeams. Children look lit
tie beyond the present moment If thing
displeases, they are prone TO avoid it, If
home is a place where faces are sour and
words harsh, and fault-fuding is ever in the
ascendent they will spend as many honrs as
possible elsewhere. Let every father and
mother, then, try to be happy. Let them
look happy. Let them talk to their children
especially to the little ones, in such way as
to make them happy.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

IUt CnU sHHII De UTItUN IOIU-
Marcel sold himself rs a substitute for
eleven hundred francs, which left him one
franc sixty centimcs after paying the note
and costs aud being sent to Algeria to join
his regiment died two weeks after landing.
As for NJ. Lalibiere, that benevolent gen
tleman lives and fourishes, and his big New
foundland dog having fshed drunken man
out of the Seine. the benevolent gentleman
has received from the Humane Society gold
medal which he wears on his benevolent
breast with e1cusable pride. -Fr0m the
FreHcA If Al5efe iStcoHd
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

There is a story told of blunt old sea cap
tain who was noted for his extreme personal
plainness. Being present at party, he had
taken no part in the dance, as his hostess had
some difficulty in providing him with part
ner. At last she led up to him prim and
aged spinster, at the same time whispering
a few words of apology in his ear. 'Oh, you
needn't make any apology, madam1, said he
with alaerityi ''any old thing is good enough
for me-"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26
THE NODEL PHILANTHOPIST
a story with a Moral.

In a mean house i'll the Avenue Frochot, at
Paris, lived in a state of complete destitution
the clever but unfortunate sculptor Marcel,
who owed ninety francs to his shoemaker.
Ninety francs is not a very large sum when
you have it by you, but when you haven't
and are compelled to give your shoemaker a
note for it, and the note is protested for non
payment, and action is brought upon it,
and your shoemaker gets judgment against
you for three hundred and ffty-six francs
odd centimes-then it is a serious affair.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

A Western man, having lost his wife, was
accosted by sympathizing friend, who re-
marked upon his woe-begone appearance.
"Well, I guess you would look thin, too, 4"
was the melancholy rejoinder, ''if you had to
get up before daylight make the fires, draw
water, split wood, and feed the cattle, all be-
fore breakfast. just tell you what it is, if l
Maria's place will be resting by her side be-
fore many weeks are past"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26
need of three hundred and twonty-si1 francs,

need of three hundred and twenty six francs,
are you not?"
"Three hundred and fifty y-sx"
"Three hundred and fifty-six be it, l
have the money for you. In an hour you
shall have it,"
"But sir"
mo words My name is Lalibiere am
humble phianthropist-he is my card"
Indeed, sir, l do not know that
should"
"You should-you must-you shall Saint
Vincent de Paul is speaking to you through
my lips. Obey me as you would him"
"You say that in an hour you will send me
the money"
I'm one hour at the furthest. A philan-
thropist never breaks his word. l am a
philanthropist.
"Then, sir, let me tell you that you viii
do me one of the greatest services it is in the
power of man to render to his fellow"
IAN right-not a word of thanks-I won't
have it, said NJ. Lalibiere, as he hastened
away murmuring to himself, "Come, come,
l have not lost day to-day
Several days passed, during which Marcel
heard nothing from his benefactor. The
promised money did not come to hand and he
began to think that he had had to do with n
madman or a practical Joker.
In point of fact when NJ. Lalibiere went
home he opened the drawer of his library
table and took out fifteen Napoleons, ten FIVE
franc pieces and silver franc
"Vile dross :" soliloquized the philan-
thropist, clinking the money in his palm,
"vile dross Then something can be effect
ed with thee after all! Through thy agency
l become a messenger of Providence l aid
an unfortunate wretch-perhaps save him
from hunger or death-for in spite of his as
surance upon that subject his story that he
had lighted that brazier merely to cook his
sausage seems to Inc altogether too thin 1t
is sad TO think that so generous an action
will not even be mentioned among the Mis-
celaneous Items i'll the newspapers New
ertheless let me ring for my servant and send
these three hundred and tifty-six francs to
my protege of the Avenue Frochot. Let me
not forget that from the height of fyonder chin
ney-piece st. Vincent de Paul is looking
down upon me And yet what if that
young artist should be indolent or debau-
chee ? What if, instead of saving him.
should merely be furnishing him with the
means of entering upon new career of dis
sipation? Who is this man Shall / ever
see my money again The proverb says
that sleep brings counsel let me sleep on
this. Twenty four hours will not make much
difference to the young mamie has saus-
age
Having thus reasoned out the matter the
good man put his money carefully away, and
it being the day to perform that duty as a
member of the Life Saving society, whistled
to his Newfoundland dog and went off to
patrol the banks of the Seine, unhappily
without having an opportunity to succor any
body.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

The shoemaker's bill having been paid of
Marcel had to set himself ndustriously to
seeking orders.
"Did any one call ?" was his invariable
question on returning at night from his fu-
tile searches, and the concierges invariable
answer was, M. Lalibiere was here at
noon"
ANY one else ?"
yes NJ Lalibiere came back at , o'clock" "
did he ? Any one else -
"Oh, yes NJ. Lalibiere was here at 500"
"Did he leave any message for me?'
"Oh, yes he said that this wouldn't do at
all, at all that he was dissatisfied with your
conduct that you spent your time in run
ming about the town instead of working, and
that this was not the way to make provision
for your old age"
Irritated by this, Marcel finally resolved to
stay at home and have it out with his bene-
factor.
"Oh, I've caught you at last :" cried the
philanthropist as next day lie entered Mar
cells apartments. "How are you? what are
you doings Come, give an account of your
self"
Il have been out on business running
about town looking for commissions"
mo, young man, you have been out in
tent on silly, frivolous pleasures-wallowing
in the designations of the city and this will
go on SO long as you have any money left"
Money l have no money"
mo money? Have you already run
through my four hundred and fifty-six
francs?"
ALLOW me to observe that it was three
hundred and ffty-six and not four hundred
and fifty-six francs which you lent me. Fur
ther let me call your attention to the fact
that the money went from your hand to the
bailif, and that never had a eentime of it.
You rendered me agreat service, and for that
am duly grateful to you, but as for saving
me"
"What Haven't saved you after all
Come, now how much will it take to save
you ?"
LET me explain. l have no money to
live on while waiting for orders to come In
and during their execution. Lend me hve
hundred francs that 1 can live on for six
months. By that time l shall have commits
sions and be able to get along and pay you
back. Unless have such assistance must
inevitably sink"
NJ. Laiibiere gave him the money--partly
out of compassion, partly to secure first ad-
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

1t was a bitter morning in December. A
cold wind howled through the streets where
the snow lay thickly. The sculptor Marcel
was in his chill ateler engaged in scraping
with the nail of his little finger the thick
coat of frost deposited upon the panes of his
ILL closing windows.
What fearful weather. he said with
shiyer; "a man wouldn't leave bailif out
of doors in such weather"
Your sentiment honors you, sir :" said
bald-headed little man. dressed in black and
wearing galoshes, who had noiselessly open
ed the door and entered unobserved.
"Oh, said Marcel Il merely said bailiff'
just as | would have said dog"
The little mans little eyes shot forth fire
AS he growled, Beware, sir those auda-
cious words may cost you dear"
care you, then, bailif p
II am-at your service answered the lit
tie man; come to seize your goods and
chattels, if l can find any to seize"
"Ah, then you are the accomplished gen
tleman to whose dexterity it is due that my
shoemaker's bill has increased from ninety
francs to three hundred and sixty"
You do ME proud, sir.
And to what am indebted for the honor
of this visitI"
II have called to inform you that unless
within the delay of eight days provided by
law you pay the amount of the bill in ques-
ton, your effects will be sold to satisfy the
judgment against you. have duly posted
the public notice to that effect upon the out
er door of the house, and now serve you with
a copy thereof as the law prescribes- costs
eleven francs fifty centimes. have the
honor to wish you a very good morning, sir. -
When the bailiff had left the room the un-
happy young artist cast a despairing glance
around then with an mir of determination
stuffed the crevices of the doors and windows
with paper and rags, and placing in the mid
die of the floor a charcoal brazier, lighted it,
and sitting down beside it awaited impatient
ly the moment when from the burning en-
bers would he evolved heat sufficient to broil
the link of sausage on which he proposed to
breakfast.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

Not far from the Avenue Frochot resided
the distinguished philanthropist NJ. Lalibiere,
man of some fifty years of age, childless
and widower, and possessed of a very com.
Portable little fortune, He was a member of
the Life-Saving society, though he could not
swim, and regularly twice a week went up to
patrol the banks of the river in company
with his Newfoundland dog. No one had
ever been seized with cramps while swim
ming while Mr.. Lalibiere was in the vicinity,
but that was not his fault. Whenever great
catastrophe happened Mr.. Lalibiere subscribed
five francs to the fund for the survivors or suf-
ferers, putting down his name and address in
full in the subscription list Over his chin
ney piece hung a magnificent picture of ST.
Vincent de Paul rescuiI 6 q naked baby from
a snowdrift.
On the day on which this story opens NJ
Lalbiere cast an enthusiastic glance toward
this picture.
"0h, my glorious master and model, said
the worthy man 1.-THE falling thermometer
indicates clearly the sacred duties which it is
my privilege to discharge toward suffering
humanity. In just such weather didst thou
delight to relieve human misery let me not
prove faithless to thy glorious example"
Thus saying, NJ. Lalibiere muffied himself
as warmly as he could, and going out walked
along the street in search of an opportunity
to display his philanthropic zeal. He found
no naked babies in the snowdrifts whereat
he rejoiced exceedingly, for he never could
bear children, and when he reached the ave-
nue. stopped mechanically before Marcel's
door, his attention being attracted by the
green placard announcing the sale of the ar
lists effects He read it through, took two
PAGES forward and three backward then, pc
rused it again, and resolutely entering the
house inquired the way to the sculptor's
room.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

As NJ Lalibiere opened the door he was
half strangled by the fumes of the charcoal
aud of the sausage. Bouncing across the
apartment, with one vigorous kick he over
turned the brazier, and then dashing TO the
window threw it open, exclaiming, Wretch
ed man, what were you going to do 2"
II was going to take my breakfast" " re-
piled Marcel, who thought he he had to deal
with lunatic.
TO take your life, you mean" said the
visitor with severity and deep feeling "to
commit that greatest and most unnatural OF
crimes"
"To commit suicide Not much. I'm
not such an idiot as that" muttered the
sculptor, as he picked up and busted the
fragments of his sausage
"Do you mean to say that you were not at
tempting to suffocate yourself?"
mo what should l want to sufocate my
self for?"
"Are not your effects to be seized and sold
for debt"
"well and suppose they are p
81 thought" stammered the philanthro-
pist, that possibly you might have been re-
duced to despair and in paroxysm Of
II beg your pardon, said the sculptor
haughtily, "but what business is that OF
yours, anyhow? Who are you anyway ?
The philanthropist reflected for moment
and perceived that there was offered to him
an opportunity TO do benevolent action at
a small cost
0You ask who l am anyway-what my
business is anyhow" he said, solemnly
"Young man, l am your guardian angelImy
mission is to save you You are urgently 'n
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

The sale of NIarcels effects had been fixed
for the 18th of December. On the nth, not
knowing what to do, he wrote a letter to NJ.
Labiere, for an answer to which he called in
person next day. The philanthropist was
somewhat disappointed on seeing him, but
concealed his chagrin very successfully.
Aha. my young friend, he cried gayly,
here We are again, eh? The money is
ready, waiting for you: why didn't you
come for it sooner:"
Il understood that you would send it, sir.
That's where you were wrong, my dear
boy. Let me see--three hundred and fifty
six francs, wasn't it ~
Three hundred and ffty-sir, sir"
Sure of it 2
Quite, sir"
Il could have sworn it was two hundred
and fifty six on the notice, but perhaps | was
mistaken. Anyway, here is your money, and
now sit down and write me a note for the
amount at one year, without interest. Mere
ly as matter of form, you understand if
you can't meet the note when it comes due,
you can renew it, and SO on dd iIViHitum.
het me trust that you comprehend the duties
which my liberality imposes upon you. No
more recklessness and idleness spring from
your couch to your work with the lark and
let night find you still toiling If you have
any improbable acquaintance and associa-
llOuS DTthh Win lutul hl once anu Huhli9. r.
A life passed in acts of kindness TO my fell
lows authorizes me to speak thus plainly to
you. So comport yourself that | shall not
have to repent my generosity toward you. l
need not say that the entire universe shall
never hear a whisper, breath of this. | am
not discreet, l am dumb not a man but
tomb in such matters"
That night, at dinner party, NJ I.alibiere
told the story or Marcel which he enriched
with sundry dramatic details.
And so, >" he said, when l bro Ike into his
wretched garrot, found the unhappy young
man kneeling on the floor and with his fe-
verish lips trying to fan into activity the ia
tai brazier which an instant later would have
become his tomb"
Two days later, at another dinner party
NJ. Laibiere told how, his attention having
been attracted by the convulsive sobs of the
young artist he had dashed in the door and
found him stretched upon the floor, giving
no signs of life ; and how he had given three
thousand francs, which, of course he would
never see again.
Luckily" went on the good man with
beaming smile, 'as all my heirs are well of
l have no reason to fear that by such acts of
prodigal generosity, which l commit almost
daily, / will move them to have me locked
up for being unable to take care of my
tate"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-26

Xh IN N5A per day at home Samples worth IS
~ ~ VGS free. Address STIEsOE Co., Port