The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-04-22

them the go-by go entirely. I'd like to
show them the prize have won. Will
you go there, toop"
So it was settled, at last. But only
the two young people and Mr.. and Mrs.
Tate, who were " country born" were
let into the secret. To the rest of the
world they were going " CONSUMING"
One good-sized trunk was packed
with serviceable but pretty and dainty
things. For" as mamma Tate re-
marked, I" no one will appreciate them
more than those whose eyes are not
surfeited with shop windows all the
time"
The simple but grand service at the
| floral altar was over, the concealed mu-
sicians had rendered the wedding
march; showers of rice had battered
upon the carriage top; and, at last, they
were off and alone, to begin the prob
lem of new Saxon home.
1t was drawing toward the close Of
the second day after, that fair, elderly
face, framed in by snowy hair, looked
out with expectant gaze from the door
way of plain little home up among
the hills. The soft September sunlight
lay with golden glory upon the rich
green of late meadowland, on yellow
brown of grain stubble, or set, like
brilliant bouquets and flaming sumac,
against more sombre hues of elder
bush or fringing willow. A telegram
the day before had told of coming
guests, and Aunt Hannah with her
faithful Abigail had been busy in the
loving preparation. "It's so kind of
Annals girl to think of an old woman
like me-" she had said. 81 never ex-
pected it of her, but if she is her moth
er's own daughter and not just what
the fashionable city has made of her,
there must be something to her."
81 do hope they will find something
"There is the peace of the hills at
any rate; yea, and its strength too"
"Phineas," she told her "man of all
work at noon, "you may fasten Kitty
to the low carriage and let Joey's boy
go in it, while you take the light
wagon for the trunk. Then the boy
can ride back with you and leave the
young people to themselves. They will
like that best"
So the "young people" were riding
up now through the glory of the sun
light and color, jumping out for golden
rod or crimson branch or russell bough,
until gentle Kitty and the low carriage
looked like one great moving bouquet.
But what in the world they can find
pretty in them air weeds" Phineas de-
clared; forgetting the day that he had
pinned on bunch of d" silver weed" at
Abigail's throat, saying that her eyes
shone so bright that he could not see
but it was roses.
Aunt Hannah's smile welcomed them,
"weeds and ALL" and they were soon
seated, with the sharpest of appetites,
at the solid, round table with the claw
feet, that Marjorie's great-grandfathe
had set up housekeeping with; spread,
too, with the finest of linen cloths that
had been spun and woven by the far
away bride of hundred years before.
They slipped their fragrant tea from
cups more dainty and fragile than any
in their city home, while they listened
to the story of the great great-aunt,
who, at nineteen, had purchased these
for her own bridal, and then, before
the day appointed, had buckled the
sword to her lovers side and sent him
out under Washington's command to
die on Southern soil. The fat little
silver teapot and creamer had been
brought from Holland by some ances-
trail refugee. When the sun went down
upon them sitting there, Marjorie re-
marked:
"This is the lovelest five-o'clock
tea Aunt Hannah, that l ever at
tended. 1 feel as though were
dressed up in modern clothes, but set
back into part of picture spoon. What
stories of tea drinkings seem to hear
them tell. And it is 30 quiet here,
Aunt Hannah. 1t must be easy to hear
the good word up here"
Il often wonder" said the soft voice
of the elder lady, that more of our
city people do not frequently take few
days, even one or two, for the country
quiet. They would find Gods Word in
the stiffness; voice of guiding such as
Elijah of old heard on the mountain
side. Many an answer waits for those
who will lay their ear close to the heart
of Nature and ask it,"
After this cane day of fishing with
Joey's boy for guide, and long ride
after gentle Kitty, with the discovery
of as many wonders as Rome offers.
On the perfect Sabbath they attended
the village church, and as they tarried
In tne large porch, Aunt Hannan, WIN
simple country custom, introduced her
young guests to one another, who gave
such cordial welcome to A" Annals girl "
as quite won the daughters heart.
There had been pure and sweet music ;
there were dresses as simply elegant as
Marjorie's own; there were faces OF
culture and refinement. In her heart
she hoped to find favor for mothers sake.
81 thank you 80 much for inviting
me here" the young bride said at part
ing. 81 shall never, never forget my
lovely time"
"Dear child" Aunt Hannah re-
turned, "you have done me great
good in coming. Life will seem broader
to me now. shall have more interest
in the busy world where you two are
going to take an active place and work
for God and humanity. The blessing
| a l. Il ELL 4