Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-08-07
OLD MONEYGRUB.

Ooldly and gloomily the short, dull summer
had departed the lowering sky and shorten
ing days gave warning Of the fast-approach.
ing winter, and the sad autumn winds we're
blowing the last leaves OF the bOughs, that
had sheltered happy lovers from the sun
rays for many a summer past
As dull "A the weather WAS the spirit OF
Walter Cumberland, as he walked slowly
home through the quiet streets of Haymin.
ster, carrying with him news OF a failure that
he knew would sadden three other hearts be-
side his own.
His father had been London merchant,
whom q sudden depression in his trade had
ruined. Death had released him from his
troubles, which, however, pressed heavily on
his son, and Walter had been glad to sccept a
situation AZ clerk in the Office OF friend Of
his fathers.
Mrs Cumberland could not endure London
after her husbands death. Moreover, at Hay
minister the rich old uncle who had brought
her up, and though he had never forgiven
her for marrying aud leaving him, aud though
even the letter announcing her husbands
failure and death had remained unanswered
yet she clung 10 the idea that IL she could but
see him, and show him her two boys, he
would forgive her, and the future OF her sons
would be easier.
So she came TO Hayminster with Johnny,
her youngest son, and Carrie Westheld the
orphan daughter OF an old friend Of her hus-
bands. and who would be her daughter some
day. for Walter loved her, and they were en-.
gagged.
Mrs Cumberland took lodging In quiet,
old-fashioned, moss grown street near the
cathedral, and that her uncle might know
she intended to work, she advertised for pu-
pills, which she and Carrie would teach.
But she might as we'll have stayed in Lon
don for the main object Of her return ended
in total failure.
She secured pupils, certainly, and the dean
himself engaged Carrie az morning governeas
10 his two little grandchildren but her nm
cle's door remained obstinately shut against
her. He would not zee her. and her notes
were returned unopened.
She said as little A possible 10 her children
on the subject and when Walter. one cold
autumn day. came down. express from Lon.
don. full Of an offer he had received 10 ioin
the firm az Junior partner, and open a branch
in fiourishinR provincial town, for which he
only required a few hundreds, which he
thought his uncle would surely lend him, she
let him go and ask, thinking there might be
just chance that the bright, active, hard
working lad might stir the old mans pity or
admiration.
1t was from this interview that Walter was
returning, amid the signing winds and whirl-
ing leaves, that, az they fell in withered heaps
seemed type of his own broken hopes.
"Well, what did he say2 viii he let you
have the money ?" inquired Johnny, eagerly
throwing aside the Lesson he had been assid-
uously preparing
mol" answered Walter, his brow darken-
ing. "The insulting old miser Mother, is ii
possible that you spent ten years OF your
-, Il A..
house 2"
81 did, my boy, and he was 30 kind, 40 in.
dulgent, that even now It pains me TO hear
you apply so opprobhous an epithet 10 him
He has changed as sadly as his once handsome
dwelling has done, answered Mrs. Oumber.
land.
well, mother, may just go back TO my
desk and my salary as clerk. He refuses to
advance me- the money. he even took the
trouble to enumerate all his various sources
OF wealth, and told me he could lay his hand
on elO, 600 any day, II he wanted It, 30 NJ TO
make his refusal the more bitter to bear, re-
piled Walter.
1.-THE old moneyRrubl" cried Johnny.
"Wby, what does he mean TO do with Il 2
And why is he so bitter against us 2"
"Never mind, Johnny daresay Walter
will do without it," said Carrie, soothinRly /;
land, after all, We are happier in our poverty
than he seems to be with all his riches"
lyon are dear little comforter, Carrie, "
said Mrs. Cumberland, patting ths girl's fair
cheek gratefully, while Walters face soften
cd, and even Johnny checked violent incli-
nation to have another go at old Money
grub"
They spent the evening happily together.
II the winter storms ragged without, all was
cosy brightness and comfort within, and
each stroVe to he oblivious OF 1t for the 9th
ers sake;
Next dAy wafer returned 70 London TO re
port MS want OF success and 70 give up the
project ana the little household at Haymn-
ster resumed It's usual course OF quiet peace
iu, n iapoiS. ., - o,u.,