The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1883-12-26

see established ia an old-fashioned lyceum.
We used to have 'em when | was boy,
and l can count up more'n half dozen
prominent public men who did their first
speaking in the lyceum in the old red
scbool-house."
"Oh, there's nothing like it for bring
ing out the boys" said Jonas, with en-
thusiasm. "Pd like TO see one established
in every neighborhood. had not thought
OF it before, but don't see why we can't
combine one with the reading club, de-
voting an evening once fortnight TO a
debate
MIR. Sanders so heartily approved of
this proposition that at the next meeting
1T was laid before the members.
"Must the girls debate as we'll as the
boys :" asked Ruth Tompkins, timidly.
at is not compulsory, but l haven't
the slightest doubt that they would be
able to hold their own" said Jonas, srnil.
ing maliciously. Then up spoke Tom.
81 move that we have paper, and all
who don't care to speak will have to write
something"
The family smiled furtively at this,
knowing that Tom considered declama-
tion his forte but the motion was forth
with seconded and carried. It was aston
ishing to see the energy with which the
young people entered on this "new de-
parture; !" and it was equally astonishing
to see what undreamed-of talent was de-
veloped. Our own girls and boys, though
they had never manifested any relish for
writing compositions, took genuine pride
in the club paper, contributing to every
number, without the slightest urging, q
squib, story, or bit of rhyme, and even
venturing occasionally to try their hand
at an essay or review.
I" 1t is altogether different from writing
compositions" said Bell, who had frankly
confessed to Annie that she found the
meetings far from stupid.
But the club was not their only recrea.
ton. Within a few moments walk OF
the house was a small pond that afforded
excellent skating, and often on still nights
the boys would build fire on the bank
and, pitching tent near by for the com
fort of those who did not care to trust
themselves to the CLASSY surface of the
pond, hold sort of skating carnival
Now and then we received and accepted
an invitation to an apple-paring or a quilt
ing.bee, and not infrequently an evening
was devoted to popping corn and pulling
candy.
al want the children to feel" sale
Jonas, who always entered into these
sports as heartily as any of the younger
ones. "that life may be just as enjoyable
in the country as in the city; and wan
them to be able also to enjoy the simple
pleasures of life"
81 think the country is jolly in winter,
said Ben. "You can't have half as much
fun in the city coasting and skating"
"But we have missed all the concert.
and lectures and parties" said Annie, re
gretfully.
"But all those things will keep, little
woman, and be just as good another year,
said Jonas, patting her head " even bet
ter perhaps, for, as an old elder, wht
sometimes preached for us when l was {
boy, had habit of saying, Hope deferred
inaketh the realization more sweeter.'"
"Oh, l am not complaining" sale
Annie, brightly. 81 have really enjoyed
4 ne winter; and the time has gone 81
.spidly that it hardly seems possible tina
auo.day is the first of March,"
"Well, l think, on the WHOLE" sale
TJonas, as he numbered the last page O.
"The Life and Letters of Professor Kar
Vln Steuklenberg, "we shall all have t,
admit that our winter in the country ha
Lpsen 70 loss to us."-Marian Breck, il
= Christian Union