Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-22
A Mistake.

to one another, " Let us go to the school con- |
vention appointed at New Lincoln. We
shall have the ocean thrown in, can probably
be lodged together, and who knows what
pleasant things may be laid up there wait
ing for us.
School has closed. With thrill of JOY
such as only Woodworking teacher knows,
we turned the key upon worry and care,
had few lovely days of rest at home, and
now have taken seats in the early train, and
will be in New Lincoln in time for the after
noon session, and our place for tea. Teachers
at these conventions were entertained by the
citizens.
We were all young. Ada and were sis.
ters and Anna was Just like one of our own
family. We were Just in that frolicsome
mood that borders on wildness but does not
venture in when there seems to be funny
side to everything. We wonder where we
shall go, and whom we shall meet, but the new
system of imparting instruction, and the best
methods of government that we may learn do
not affect us as forcibly as the original found
ers of the school convention might have
deemed necessary and proper.
A crowd had gathered in the waiting'room
when we arrived, and places were being as.
signed. A large number evidently had
been expected, for there was busting about,
and looking for more hospitable mansions.
Teachers were pressing to the stand, each
determined to get his or her card as soon as
possible.
"Let us sit down in this corner and wait
awhile" said Ada, al never like to push.'
allow long will you wait ?" asked an
other.
80, patient waiter is no loser. Why,
somebody wants us of course"
So we take our seats, and watch the throng
coming and going.
shall never forget my first glimpse of the
man destined to bear so important part in
our visit. He was one of the committee, and
had Just bent forward to address remark to
the secretary, then, taking up his hat passed
out. / remember that he glanced at our
corner as he went by. Swedenborg tells of
the invisible circle surrounding each ind:vid-
ual, corresponding to his spiritual presence.
With some it is small and faint, with others
as wide and clearly marked as the perfume
around fragrant flower
Something of the kind came to me through
the magnetism of this man. He certainly
bore the mark of refinement grace and cul-
ture, but through it all there shone spirit
ual brightness. 1t was in the light that
beamed through the beautiful dark eyes in
.
angels; in the expression that told of some ex-
perience, where only the sweetness of sorrow
had been left l thought of Fra Augelico's
saints, of Nathaniel, the man without guile,
of the beloved disciple, and | wondered if
this person, like the famous Scotch divine,
did not make sinners repent by standing ST.
lent before them.
Ada whispered: "Did you notice that
man p and in another minute Anna leaned
forward, "Girls, did you notice that man
Did you ever see any one like him before 7"
He came back and went on with his work.
Once or twice we asked Ada il she would
not go forward, and she replied; "No,
can't bear to be urgent they will come to
us by-and-by"
Occasionally he passed, but without word.
We wondered if he thought us unworthy of
the better places.
At last when nearly all had been sent out,
he came 1" You have been waiting long
time; would you three like to go together ?"
eyes" answered Ada.
"Would you be willing to take one room
with two beds ?"
ooh, yes" said Anna, eagerly, "that is
Just what we would like"
He brought a card. /" Here is the place,
No. 8, at Mrs. Westons, Weston street, and
this is Miss Weston" bowling to a young
lady, "who will go with you"
We followed, passing up long street with
fine residences, where other teachers had
been sent Sometimes Anna and |, who
were behind, would whisper, "Don't you
wish it were here 2" and finally of large
stone house, &c If it could be this; but she
doesn't look like it."
However she stops and remarks, ave are
here at last"
We walked through pleasant grounds into
a wide porch and hall. Mrs. Weston, lady
fresher and handsomer than her daughter
meets us cordially. We are led to our room
1t is cool and pleasant. Anna, who has lin
gered moment, hurries in. 40, girls, dc
believe that beautiful man lives here, for
heard some one call him Mr.. Rowe at the con
vention, and Mrs. Weston Just asked if Mr.
Rowe had come in. Can it be possible thai
he has taken US to his own house ?"
Ada and Anna put on their light blue
dresses, and we go down to supper There
waiting for us at the door, stands Mr.. Rowe
| am very glad TO welcome you here" anc
there is such kindness and cordialty in these
few words that | think of all the gooc
things j mean TO do in the future. We arr
presented to the rest of the household-twc
daughters, a son home from sea, and two lit
tie boys.
1t was already late when we returned from
the evening session, which was devoted L
lecture upon the benefit of studying the an
Gent languages, especially Greek. / thinl
at this time we stood high in Mr.. Rowe'
favor. lie had shown us marked poltenes
and attention. Before retiring, the famil,
grouped about the room, and the converse
ton turned upon self-sacrifice and loyine
ones neighbor. had bad headache, bu
nevertheless we sat up far into the night
Anna was unusually bright and brilliant
and remembered with what pleased lool
Mr.. Rowe listened and replied to her.
What good talk we had His thought
and words are always helpful. "Chris
gives us the best lesson" he said. "Lool
fare, and God will take care of yours; yo
do believe in vicarious sacrifice. Every da
you suffer for another. 1t is in the nature Q
love TO do this" Once he said "The 10
the father experienced in the return of tn
prodigal implies the previous sorrow, so eve
amid the eternal gladness of the divine lif,
is mingled the sorrow over the waywar
and lost" Speaking of strength A Chris
tan character is only as strong as its veal
est link"
Ada said, DWELL, if life were not so full {
trouble and care 4"
lie turned with glance of sympathy tn,
was like benediction. "But God can tur
that trouble into blessing and peace"
| could not determine what constitute
the remarkable presence of this man. W
could see even then that he ruled the hous
not by words, but by an influence that Il
one wanted TO resist.
But this young lady's head" he sal
starting up, "will not be improved an
there will be no enjoyment for her to-mo
row, so let us say good night"
lie stood at the door as we passed on
and each met his look of kindness and
probation. We remembered it well, for
was the last.
In our room we turned on the gas, Dire
down the shades, and now what possessed
we never shall know. Whether it was Il
excitement of our talk, freedom from Ii
restraint we had felt, or the return of OF
school girl spirits, | cannot tell, but v
began to laugh and talk in a way that b
lieve we never did before or since. Eat
one seemed determined TO make herself
dioulous. Anna, letting down her long hal
fell upon one kuee struck an attitude al
exclaimed, 40 girls |" Ada and /, wi
bursts OF laughter, followed. We danced ,
and down the room wa commented fraa