The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1889-10-23
Selected Storp.
She Could Not Go.

ated, she hoped to be present in pretty,
new gown so fitted to herself and her
condition in school life that she would
not be conscious of her clothes: but
the night previous to the proposed day
of purchasing the frock, an urgent
need of just that fifteen dollars for
general family use caused the familiar
pale blue, that was in the habit of APP
pearing at whatever little merry
markings its owner attended, to be the
best available costume. Miss State
(short for Statira) quelled her little
vanities and began to array her little
figure for the festivities in which her
quick wit was to scintillate, when the
awkward brother whom she loved was
brought in with broken ankle. State
stayed at home, and when Tommy
kissed her, after the surgeon had gone
home, she would not have minded stay
ing away from dozen receptions.
Still, the great professor of mathe-
mates was present at the reunion, and
she had been longing to see him. There
were reasons for this desire, and Sta
tira was not blind to the probability
that she had missed rare opportunity.
When she had read every book of
the four years course but two, and
Molie had to be sent to the mountains
or die, and every possible cent was joy
Ously contributed by all the brothers
and sisters, of course the books were
not bought, the diploma could not be
taken, and State does not know whether
or not she can accomplish this desired
result next summer, for she is really
the house mother, and her father must
be prudent in order that there may be no
lack of means to keep his pretty, insane
second wife in safe asylum, while the
older children nurse and love the little
child she left at home.
There seemed an uncanny element
in all these disappointments that Sta
tira silently accepted, and the hard
places did not rob her of her faith that
she had grasped in the midst of trouble
two years ago, and while she was now
and then pctulant or too grave, she
grew in grace week by week, and knew
seasons of peace.
q" We must have State" was the cry
when the delegates to the great cOnven-
ton were chosen. Why, of course
State must 90. She is the best endeav-
Orer of us all"
And State did so wish to go. She
longed for the strength that is found in
great concerted movements. She was
thirsty for the uplifting that words of
experience can give. In short, she felt
the need of the influences that conven-
ton would have to Put forth, to say
nothing Of the educating effect of jour
neying to historic city.
A neat gripsack was packed, simple
gown hung from two hooks until it
should protect the girlsh figure, and a
wrap and close hat lay on the bed in
the little spare chamber 1t was eight
O'Clock Saturday night, and the twenty
dollars was in the purse in the grip
sacks inmost pocket.
1t does SEEM" thought Statira,
leaving little Ned asleep in his crib,
"as if am really to have this happi-
ness. We all are well; Mollie so
bright and capable since she came
home, and every one is so kind about
wishing me to go! l know it will do
me great deal of good and hope it
will make me more helpful to Others"
And with this aspiration came a
thought of her own very dear and pri-
vate ambition. She had written few
delicate and tender sketches, with actual
experience for their foundation, which
had been printed, and she expected tC
meet an artist in Philadelphia who was
to consult with her, under the direction
of a well-knOwn publisher, in regard tC
illustrating Christmas story. Unless
the decision was made at once, it would
be too late to have the affair completed
for the next holiday season. That the
hOped-fOr good fortune would be o.
benefit as an earnest of future oppor
tunity in doing the work she liked best
and in which he thought she could BIZ
useful as well as happy, she understood
thoroughly, and she was very thankful
that way seemed opening for her will
ing feet. /" Perhaps | can take all the
expense of sending the little ones to
good school, by and by, and it will be
so good for father to feel able to res
even a little, once year." she thought
And just then the bell rang sharply
How many hearts thrill painfully al
the sudden jangle that almost tells un
welcome tidings.
Statira was breathless for an instant
then she flew to the door. A tall figure
dressed in dark blue stood on the broad
upper step, and soft voice said:
g. am Lucy Saxon, and must ash
you to receive me. | think you are
Miss Brooke"
eyes," said the dazed Statira, whC
had never heard of any Lucy Saxon
"Will you come in?" she asked.
Eyes, certainly" said the stranger
who smiled little as she saw the sobe
face of the young girl, who, after tn,
first surprise faded, was as gently hos
pitabe as heart could wish, asking n,
questions of her composed guest.
But when cup of hot coffee and
slice of bread and butter had refreshed
the intruder, and from her odd basket
trunks had appeared a careful toile
which made the plain woman YER
elegant lady, she said to her hostess
"Now, my child, we will have littl
talk. Do you remember your father
brother, who plucked you from under
horses feet when you were three year
old?"
81 can just remember him." sal
State.
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