The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1888-08-22
A Submissive Will.
BY JENNIE.

Go back with me two-score years and
ten to New England homestead on the
outskirts of the village of s.. The
shadows of evening are falling on nook
and dell, while the first rays of the full
moon are lighting up mountain and
hilltop, shedding silvery radiance over
the scene, and peeping in through the
open doors and windows Of the stately
home of Matthew Metcalf The chilly
Winds of spring have lapsed into the
soft breezes of summer. Nature has
donned her lovely mantle of green.
Without nothing breaks the stiffness of
the night save the gurge of the river
as it winds its way to the sea or the
footsteps of arriving guests hidden to
the wedding of Miss Lucy. Within
wealth and art have combined to make
that home one befitting the name and
social station of the Metcalfs. Lucy's
marriage day is her twentieth birth
day also, and as she comes from the
hands of her dressing-maid, she is the
picture of health, beauty and grace,
while in the depths of those dark blue
eyes one may trace the loveliest of fe-
male characters. A moment she pauses
and kneeling utters that oft-repeated
prayer, "Our Father who art in
heaven" The old clock in the church
tower tolls out the hour of nine-and
tolls away the name of Lucy Metcalf.
Henceforth she is Mrs. Layton.
Years pass-years of happy married
life to the young couple, years of peace
and content to the aged pair. Two
bright and winsome children come to
make glad the household and cheer the
inmates with their prattle. Prosperity
smiled upon them, and in the thankful
ness of her heart the same Lucy kneels,
as of yore, and repeats that prayer" Ha,-
lowed be thy name, thy kingdom come"
The years lengthen out, years which
have made the already happy life of
the Laytons more happy. New friends
have been won, until their home is con-
stantly filled with guests. But their
cup of happiness which has been filed
to the brim may be drained to its sor-
rowful bottom. Death knows no sta
ton. With those welcome guests he
enters the Layton mansion. Again
and again he returns, till from that
home-circle the aged pair and blooming
children are taken. Only the younger
couple is left. In her loneliness Mrs.
Lay lOl Otli OhiJ tulll W ulIl W W
she has been wont to give thanks and
pray, THY will, O Lord, be done"
Years of loneliness to the aching
heart and weary mind of our friend
pass. Misfortunes do not come singly.
To aid friend Mr.. Layton becomes
involved in debt. Its weight increases,
until the failure of Layton e Co. is an
nounced. Poverty begins to pinch, but
in her hour Of need Lucy turns still to
her Comforter and prays, " Give us this
day our daily bread"
Their creditors heart is never moved
by pity. He has never felt the pangs
of deprivation. Limitude is a stranger
to him. Money, money is the one cry
of his soul. The auctiOneer's voice is
heard at the home we have so often
visited. With meek and humble spirit
the stricken wife bows, "Forgive US
our trespasses as we forgive those who
trespass against US"
Bitter was the anguish that rent the
hearts of our friends as they left those
scenes of joy, of sorrow, of rich pros
perity and crushing misfortune.
Mr.. Layton was fast giving way under
the struggle against adversely. Quietly
the wife prayed, Lead US not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil"
The frame which had been tortured so
long soon passed to the home which
knows no departure. Again the trust
ing lady submitted, d" For thine is the
kingdom and the power and the glory
forever" Hard the struggle, bitter the
cup of sorrow, but the last dreg had
not yet been tasted. Live she must.
The food which supplied her wants,
the clothes which covered her weary
limbs she must labor to obtain until her
Heavenly Master should call her home.
Joyfully in his good time she yielded
to the summons and breathed her last
4" Amen"
REMARKS BY EDIToR.-It is proper
to state that "Jennie" is novitiate
in literature, and a Submissive viii +"
is her maiden effort for the Household.