The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-01-16
Paying the Piper.


FOOLS" If Roger Bolton had ever heard
this proverb, or if, having heard it, he had
applied it, 1 should not have this lit.
tie story to tell of him, but, as you have
been told of some of his sisters misad.
ventures, it is but fair that you should
know of one or two Of his.
1t is singular fact that few, if any, of
our tribulations come from frankly-ac-
knowledged ignorance, while more than
we could comfortably count come from an
assumption of knowledge which we do
not possess. l do not know that Roger
was any more conceited than are most
people of sixteen and thereabout, but he
had come to that trying age through which
everybody must pass-he had had enough
experience to give him a rather exalted
idea of his own powers, and not enough
to show him how exceedingly limited the
most exalted powers are, and must be, in
this "wale." He had taken of late to
calling Mehetable "my dear child " in
very grandfatherly manner, and to smil-
ing superior smile instead of explaining
himself, and his sister, who was very
nearly as old as he was, felt more irritated
than she admitted, even to herself, by his
air of general superiority. His promotion
from school to the freshman class in col
lege had good deal to do with this devel-
opment, and Mrs. Bolton talked rather
anxiously with her husband concerning
it. Mr.. Bolton, however, did not feel
much distressed about it. He was still
young enough to recollect passing through
similar crisis, and coming safely out of
it, thanks to few of the hard knocks
which the world has ready for aspiring
genius. He knew that many small faults
of the head are best corrected by the
heart connected with that head, and he
lost no opportunity to help his son to such
principles as would drive out, by their
own weight, small weaknesses and follies.
Roger had very keen sense of the ludic-
rous, and little gentle ridicule some.
times showed him his own absurdities,
and toned him down for day or two.
He would have been still further toned
down had he realized that much of his
popularity with his class was owing to
"that pretty little sister of Bolton's."
Mehetabel did not belong to the socia.
bles;" she went to few evening enter.
tainments, and when she did visit among
her schoolmates certain little dignity of
her own gave such of these dashing col
lege youths as had the good fortune to
meet her a feeling that some better pass
port to her favor must be found than
insane compliments and knowledge oil
dancing. Added to this, Rogers home
was we'll known as the pleasantest house
in the village where homesick boy could
take tea or spend an evening, and it was
also known that Roger had rather un
usual privileges as to asking his friends
there, when once his father and mother
were satisfied that the friends were of the
right sort. So it was no wonder that
apart from his CHEEKY disposition anG
readiness to fraternize, Roger was consid
cred among his classmates to possess un
usual attractions. One of his numerous
friends, pleasant but in no way remark
able young fellow, had strayed home with
him one afternoon-for, as / should hav'
mentioned, Mr.. Bottoms home was in ,
college town, and Roger "boarded a
home," as the less favored boarders ex
pressed it.
Mehetabel, who was sitting by the win
dow to catch the last light on a bit o
Christmas work, looked up as the gate
latch clicked, and exclaimed to he
"Oh, mamma, there's that everlasting
little Mr.. Duffy with Roger again 1 d.
suppose he's brought him home to sta.
till Monday p
Mrs. Bolton laughed at her daughter
distress, and remarked gently,
eff he is only to last until Monday, 8
far as we are concerned, | think we Cal
stand it, daughter and you know W
agreed only to-day that we would ratbe
have Roger bring home even uninterest
ing people than find his pleasure ava
from home"
ooh, it's all very we'll for you to be s
philosophical, Mrs. Mother" said Mehet
abel, responsibility, "when you kno,
quite we'll that you and papa are engage
to spend tomorrow afternoon and ever
ing at grandma's! |"
There was no time for Mrs. Bolton t
defend herself before Roger and his frien
walked in, and Mehetabel's fears wer
realized Mr.. Duffy had come to spen
Sunday; and he seemed so pleased abou
it that the severe spinster relaxed littl
of her dignity, and talked to him abou
his home, and his mother and sisters, in
way which entirely finished charming hin
hhOW JOu uOu ouOlO Dullc
Lady Meta" said Roger, apologeticall,
when the guest had been shown to h
room, and the family was saying goo'
night, "but the poor little beggar locke
30 homesick, and sort of plaintive, yeste
day, that l thought would risk it an
let him have the pleasure of your SUI
day pudding and things; it's Orient
luxury to him after that beastly boardin
house."
"I'll forgive you this time,' reptile
Mehetabel, trying to look severe, b,
much softened by the delicate COMP
ment, "only don't abuse my generosi
too often. Did you forget that MANN
and papa were going to grandma's to-mo
row ?"
Totally, my dear girl, or I'd have pos
poned him, of course. But we'll be
dignified as we can, and represent ii
heads of the house worthily, and they W
be back to help you through Sunday, yc
know"
An opportune cricket.match furnish,
entertainment for the youth the ne
morning, and his enjoyment of the hon
dinner was pleasing thing to see. N
Bolton had come home to dinner, for h
drive to his mothers was long one, al
he and his wife would need to make
early start. As they rose from the tai
Mr.. Bolton turned to Roger, saying,
I" If the barrel of cider-vinegar thai