Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1886-09-13

gathered quickly a handful Of the
sweet. fresh blossoms. 1t was but
moments work and, as the lady and
her little girl emerged from the door
way, he slipped his gifts into the
hand of the latter; and she looked
up at him with smile of such glad
surprise he could but feel that. in her
eyes, at least, it was no mean return
for the gold just given. Moreover,
the lady also thanked him so gracious
ly that none could have doubted the
sincerity of her pleasure and, with
a lighter heart the grateful boy re-
turned to his mother. This was the
beginning of brighter days. Anoth-
er home was found for the widow
and her son, where both could more
easily obtain work; and prosperity
seemed to flow in upon them, even
as misfortunes had lately done. Dis
tance, and the relief from need alike
suspended the acquaintance formed
with the generous lady under such
hard circumstances /; but neither Louis
nor the mother ever forgot the help
ing hand that had thus been out
stretched to them. Daily they asked
Gods blessing on the mother and
child whom he had sent to their aid !;
and in Louis healt fingered ever the
longing to be permitted to recon-
pense their goodness.
Ten years had passed away; and
in ten long years many and great
changes can arise, both sad and hap
py. In these years, Louis had be-
come prosperous young merchant !;
while to the home of the lady, once
so wealthy, sorrow and reverses had
found their way. She who had help
ed so many with her early gifts now
lay on a bed of sickness; while,
through sudden misfortune, these
worldly possessions were slipping
from her, and the young girl at her
side dropped under a weight of pam
and care. At last day came full of
bitter woe. The fair home must he
given up 10 impatient creditors, and
all its household treasures sold to
the highest bidder. The unhappy
mother was unable to leave the room
and the young daughter beheld, with
unutterable sorrow, articles endeared
from infancy pass into the hands o
strangers. A beautiful desk, a
which she had penned her letters
alone remained to be disposed of
but just as the auctioneer began to
call it out, sudden recollection
seemed to fash across the poor girl.
mind, and, thrusting her hand will
swift impulse into one of the small
drawers, she was removing some
treasure, when the salesman stopped
her.
i am sorry, my young lady sale
he, respectfully, but coldly, 'but
cannot allow you to withhold any val
uables from the sale. Everything
must be included and, extending
his hand. the girl with choking sol
dropped into it only wlthered huncl
of violets! 'Ah?' he said, with s
glance of surprise, but little compass
sion, and, more to reassure the crowC
than with any other motive, he hello
up the dead flowers, crying, "A sou
venir Who hids?'
There was moments silence, anG
then strong, manly voice respond
ed, 800 francs The words passed
like an electric shock through the as
semhly, and all eyes turned in curl
Gus quest upon a young man, who
with flushed cheeks and countenanct
full of compassion, had just entered
the room.
Are you really in earnest, mon
sieur% asked the auctioneer. Il am,
was the answer; and, as no one dis
puted the sale, the withered violets
were at once handed down to the pur
chaser. The sale was now quickly
ended, and the crowd dispersed
but the young stranger remained
Need l tell you his name, children p
continued grandma, after pause
"But here he comes to speak for him
self y and, looking up, the little
group around the fireside saw grand
pa just entering with smiling face
and we'll they knew that he was Louis
Mayran, and the young girl of whom
they had heard was also sitting there
before them, her snowy cap resting
on her soft, white hair.
WOMAN