Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-12-07
The Steep OF Time.

ness of the snow, and bending by degrees
straight, stalwart form beneath the weight
Of age. The firm and elastic step of younger
DAYS had become of late mere totter, and
the once strong, powerful arms hung almost
helpless at his side. But the brain was still
unaffected by the slow process Of dissolu-
ton that comes naturally to the aged, and
tonight the soul shone with unclouded
splendor, clothing itself, as it were, in the
garments of immortality.
The cottage was a rude habitation for
two immortal souls. The wind came rush
ing in through every crevice, the little cur
tain at the window waved with every breath,
and the light upon the table flickered. The
room-there was only one-in this uncer-
tain light presented weird appearance.
White curtains were drawn across one end
and concealing two beds; a stove, pine
cupboard, chairs and table comprised the
furniture. Everything denoted poverty, yet
there was a neatness and refinement about
the place seldom found in such abodes.
animal" The tremulous tones fell from
the lips of the octogenarian seated in his
large, high-backed chair close to the stove.
"Yes, grandpa |" and young girl of six
teen arose from her seat by the table piled
high with shop work, and went quickly to
her grandfather.
"Hlina," he said tenderly taking her
hand, "have you time to listen little while
to me- 2"
ooh yes, grandpa" and a sweet smile il
lumined her whole countenance.
"Mina, have lived eighty years; the
sands of life are almost run out, and before
/ 60 want to tell you how happy you have
made me. But for you, darling, where
would | be on this terrible night 2" and the
old man shivered as he spoke.
"But for you, grandpa, what would have
become of me when helpless babe, thrown
parentless upon the care of strangers Oh,
grandpa, you took me to your heart then,
and if have made your life little more
sunny, it is only giving back the love have
drawn from you"
"Dear child dear Mina" and the old
man smoothed with his trembling hand the
hair of the fair young girl beside him.
"Minal" There was now clear ringing
sweetness in his voice not before noticeable,
which caused the girl to look with intent
gaze into his face.
"What is it, grandpa2"
do you fear Death?"
"No, grandpa; why 2"
I" feel his approach, Nina. Do you fear
to remain alone with me in his presence?"
"No, dear grandpa" and the girl twined
her arms lovingly around his neck. will
go with you, grandpa, through the dark
valley to the shore of the beautiful stream
that divides the mortal from Immortality
The door opened noiselessly, but the old
man and maiden noted not the entrance of
a dark-eyed youth, Rudolph--their best and
truest friend-who stood and watched the
two, unheeded.
"Mina, dear !" and the poor old man tried
to draw her more closely to him. You
have gone with me through many dark
places. | was in dark valley when you
came to me, but you, twining your strong
little arms about me, have guided my totter-
ing steps up the steep of Time" We
have almost reached the summit now, and
Just beyond are the lowery fields of eternity.
See see dear Nina; the angels are wait
ing for me y
ayes, dear grandpa, see;" and with
loving tenderness she supported him more
firmly.
"Mina, good-byl You can go no further
with me now, but | will return to break
down the brambles in your path. Kiss me
once more Good-byl dear childw and
with blessing still upon his lips, the head
fell back, the arms dropped helpless,-tht
spirit had departed
Ten years passed. A picture was on ex
hibition in the same great city,-a pictur,
whose praise was rung throughout the land
And why Because in its truthful sim
plicity it touched chord in the heart o
everyone who beheld it.
Crowds thronged the hall where the pic
ture was exhibited and there was nothing
very remarkable in the fact that among tn,
many elegantly attired women who congre
gated there ON certain afternoon, one iron
the humber walks of life should seat her
self near the front. Her dress was nea
but plain and her face bore careworn ex
preston not strictly in accordance with he
years.
The gaze of the young woman was fixet
for time upon the picture, while feeling
of wonderment filled her soul. Then sh
glanced at paper that had been thrust int
her hand as she entered the hall, whicl
simply announced the name of the picture
"The Sleep of Time under which wer
these words But you, twining your stron
little arms about me, have guided my tot
tering steps up The Steep of Time"
Again her eyes were riveted upon the pic
ture; at last she comprehended it all. Their
were the rugged rocks and mountains repr,
senting life and near the summit toiled a
old man whose feeble form was supporte
by a fair young girl-indicating that yout
must ever be the staff of age-and Just b,
yond appeared angels with out-stretche
hands, waiting to receive the weary toilt
and conduct him to place of rest. Yes,
was all clear to her now; the picture wa
true to life; the likeness of her grandfatht
and herself perfect
Overcome by emotion, the young woma
drew her vail over her face and quietly le
the hall. She descended the stairs lii
one in dream, but reaching the sire
she threw up her vail that she might il
hale the fresh air, for she felt almost stiie
A gentleman stood near her as she pause
and stepping quickly forward laid his har
upon her arm.
"Mina" " Rudolph" burst simultan
ously from their lips as he clasped her har
fondly in his own.
"Mina, have searched for you near
eight years."
And | have waited"
And never lost faith 2"
"No, Rudolph, never - and the two pass
on together.
hcio was lcoiiuB AKIN 10 cOuteIpt MA
Tested in the aristocratic circle that had
lionized and literally patronized RUDOLF
the young and distinguished artist-wh
it became known that he was married to
poor sewing girl, But what cared Rudolf
and Nina Shortly the power of art ov
came prejudice, and their society was eager
sought.
Rudolph and Minas home is Just outsi
the city The house aud grounds are lar
and commodious, well calculated for I
object for which they were purchased
home within home for aged gentlem,
Here Rudolph and Nina are happy in
enjoyment of art and the exercise of uns
fish love; and here they are educating tn
little son and daughter by precept and
ample in the true philosophy of life.
Tread down the brambles and smoo
the path OF life as you walk therein, Il
the young may follow in your footsteps
harmed. Press bravely forward, ever add
the aged as they slowly climb up 81
Stoep of Time. "-Selected
In the humblest dwellings and in the