Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1893-12-18

pain to the beloved one is not always the
wisest counselor, but the good parents,
although net satisfied with the uncer-
tainty that hung over their child's fu-
ture, avoided any word that might force
Grenville into an avowal Of his sentl-
ments until it should be settled past con-
troversy whether 1t was to be peace OF
war with the south.
Fears lest Roses peace was endangered
and apprehensions for their country We're
the only shadows that fell across their
pleasant life. Both these perils caused
at times great anxiety, but like the
dreams of the night they soon vanished.
for to American minds the idea OF a war,
or any attempt at real dlsunlon, had SO
little tangibility it was not strange, en-
crossed as they were with so much that
was novel in their own situation, that 1t
should be difficult to realize the danger
Their minds were not aroused by the in
tense excitement that city residents eX-
perienced when morning and evening
papers and frequent bulletins kept the
brain in perpetual tumult
Mr.. Newton could not afford either
time or money for such luxuries OF an
noyances. But their one weekly paper
or some intelligence brought by Duncan
in his FREQUENT visits to Lillian and the
friends at the farm often reused their
indignation almost beyond control, She "
ing that under all the peacefulness of
their present life fire smoldered that
needed but spark at any time or mo-
ment to leap into an inextinguishable
flame.
When Dunbar was present, the coun-
trys prospects were the constant theme,
but of late Granville, who once was ac-
customed to meet Dunbar that they
might walk together every evening to
Mr. Newton's house, now apparently
avoided him, for they seldom met and
never called together. While Jasper was
with them those topics that were Of the
greatest interest were never mentioned
The family ventured on no questions,
and he volunteered no remark. He was
unwearying in little acts Of kindness, apt
to devise topics OF general interest or
amusement, and to Rose never was lover
so devoted.
If Rose was only waiting patiently for
unmistakable revelations Of his feelings
and intentions or had really been lulled
to rest by his unceasing kindness and
tenderness, neither her parents nor broth
ers could understand, but they had be-
come painfully certain that he harbored
in his heart Il purpose that might at any
moment sweep all her hopes, like sand,
away"
1t came at last, that fearful day, just
as the cold. stern winter had departed
and spring was full of promise-Su1nter
surrendered For some days groups Of
men We're seen standing on the corners
of the streets in earnest conversation,
and expectation stood aghast with hor-
ror'
The excitement spread all over the
country. At Montgomery farm the
peace and quiet of the winter were dis
PEELED by stern and resolute watchful-
ness, waiting impatiently for the signal
to spring to arms. Dunbar was with
them every evening of the previous week
to keep them posted and arrange for in
slant action whenever needed. Gren-
vile came not at all Rose moved about
her work mechanically. repelling any
indication by word or look that seemed
like sympathy with an impotence, an
irritability. SO foreign to her nature that
it was too evident some concealed fear
L.
On this eventful Sabbath Grenville
made his appearance in season for din
ner He apologized for his absence the
past week on the plea of slight illness
telling Rose he would have sent her Il
line, but each morning he felt sure of be
ing better before night, but found him
self mistaken He had. however. en-
braced the first moment of convalescence
to come to her. So wretchedly pale and
haggard did he look that her heart re
preached her for the doubts which she
had tried in vain to conceal, and even
her friends We're so struck by his nisera-
bly, changed appearance as to be almost
ready to hope they had misjudged him
and carefully avoided remarks that might
disturb the Sabbath by bitter feeling OF
unguarded anger.
Eustace had failed to be with them in
the morning or to attend Lillian to
church. and knowing such unwonted alb
sence was significant George. with his
fathers consent, after dinner was just
starting for the city when he espied the
truant riding rapidly up the lane AMI
fastened to meet him. AS the friends
met Eustace exclaimed:
cit is war now, war of complete ex-
termination or submission
tsStay a moment. Is Grenville with
your
eyes He has been here but short
time and is either i'll or in great mental
anxiety. Have you heard anything
more of his movements?''
eyes, indeed! Enough to destroy hirnl
Our poor Rose!
1.-The southern sy1npathizers in the
city are wildly jubilant over this first
aggressive step of their brethren and
now feel safe to speak out. Horton
told me exultingly that Grenville was
heart and hand with them; that he had
Just received a letter from his father
L e