Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-04-30

that a little lame brother had sometimes gone
about with the knitting-woman. They two
were left alone in the room, and went around
shaking out the fire and putting up books
and papers.
"Oniy ten cents week for each one
that's so little" said the boyish tones, mus
ingly.
"Yes, but it isn't so very much that can
teach them, " answered the little woman hum
bly,. "And then it's all they can afford to
pay, poor things And you know we began
more for their sake than our own, though we
do need the money Courage though, john
ny 1t all counts, aud you shall have
your ovcrcoat pretty soon now. Besides,
this is work that blesses both ways-in what
we give as well as what We get
If she could only pass that open door Mrs
Wilkin was growing benumbed by standing
so long in the cold. Finally the lights were
oXtinguished und the two came out. Just
then, fortunately, johnny remembered they
had left book behind them, and rs they
turned back, the prisoner seized her oppor-
tunity and escaped.
She was sitting alone 10y the fire when Tim,
who had made his homeward route sufficient
ly circuitous TO include a call on his mother,
returned He sat down near her twisted his
fingers uneasily, and Mrs. Wikin guessed
what was coming.
There's been an oyenn' school here, Aunt
Liz'beth"
80 l understand, responded Mrs. vii
kin, cooly.
"Why, | thought began Tim with wide
open eyes, and then checked himself with a
sudden reflection that it might not be well to
recall the conversation of the morning. I'D
like TO 20 to it-that is, | have been once or
twice, he said. Fact is, Aunt Lizabeth,
,tl,, 1;,nl 81, l,afpra Npu
took me, there wasn't any school for me to
90 to, and so I'm behind other fellers. Miss
Kelsey she makes 'rithmotic 50 plain, aud
helps me with writin' and So
You might do worse" said Mrs. Wikin
briefly. Go if you want to. Only one
thing, Timothy Stone, | won't have any ten
cent business about it. Honest is honest,
and its worth moren ten cents q week to
tench you anything, as know
Tim forgot to be astouished at his aunt's
knowledge, and overlooked the reflection up
on himself, in the pleasure Of expressing Il
desire that he had cherished secretly but
hopeessly.
"She wouldn't take any more pay cause
she'd want to serve all alike: but oh, Aunt
'Lizabeth, if could just give her and John
ny omcthiug nice for Christmas
"Humph, I'll think about it, not disap-
provingly
Liz'beth, began Mr.. Wilkin nervously,
the next morning, Il wouldn't say nothin' to
anybody about thieves or watchn them mill
folks if | was you
Il don't mean to, replied his wife with an
odd pucker about her lips.
"Well, I'm glad Of it-I really am, ~ said
Mr.. Wilkin in a tone of great relief. Il
don't think anybody has stole anything and
somehow it seems to me as if our duty now
a-days is a good deal like it was when them
Israeltes took Jericho-oul just marching
against the bit Of wall that's right in front of
us and lettin our neghbors take care of
what's in front of them 1t sort of seems that
way, Liz'both.'
Mrs. Wilkin did not answer but she took
her revenge that evening, when Mr. Wilkin
was going out.
Reuben" she said quietly, If you see
any thieves round our smoke house, Just tell
EN- there's couple of chickens hanging near
the door, that dressed II purpose. It's nat
ural Belinda "A ike n change of meat IA well
as other folks. '- .Sdturddy AJterHoon.