The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1897-08-11
SELECTED STORY.
The Pot of Gold,

man in the main, and looked up to
with respect by all the inhabitants OF
the village of Centerville, was rumored
to have, in Yankee parlance, "a pretty
sharp eye to the main chance"-a Pc
culiarity from which deacons are not
always exempt.
In worldly matters he was decidedly
well to do, having inherited a fine farm
from his father, which was growing
yearly more valuable. 1t might be sup
posed that under these circumstances
the deacon, who was fully able to do so,
would have found help-meet to share
his house and name. But the deacon
was wary. Matrimony was to him in
some measure matter-o'- money, and
it was his firm resolve moi to marry, I'M
less he could thereby enhance his
worldly prosperity. Unhappily, the lit
tie village of Centerville, and the towns
in ,the immediate vicinity contained
few who were qualified in this inpor-
tant particular, and of those there were
probably none with whom the deacon's
suit would have prospered.
So it happened that year after year
passed away, until Deacon Bancroft
was in the prime of life-iorty-fve or
thereabouts-and still unmarried, and
in all human probability likely to re-
main so.
Deacon Bancroft's nearest neighbor
was a widow.
The Widow Wells, who had passed
thro' one matrimonial experience, was
some three or four years younger than
the Deacon Bancroft. She was still
quite comely woman. Unfortunately,
the late Mr.. Wells had not been able 10
leave her sufficient to make her indie
pendent of the world. All that she
possessed was the small, old-fashioned
house in which she lived, and small
amount of money, which was INSULT
fcient to support her and little son of
seven, though hardly to be classed
as productive" of anything but mis-
chief.
The widow was therefore obliged TO
take three or four boarders, to exc out
the scanty income. which of course i'm
posed upon her considerable labor and
anxiety.
Is it surprising then, that under these
circumstances she should now and then
have bethought herself of a second
marriage, as a method Of lettering her
condition? Or again, need we esteem
IL d SDOCldl nOhOOl3 II, III bCl lNiOC-
tions upon this point, she should have
cast her eyes upon her neighbor, Dea.
con Bancroft? The deacon, as we
have already said, was in fourishing
circumstances. He would be able to
maintain wife in great comfort; and
being one of the chief personages in
the village, could accord her promi
nent social position.
hnc obi md
however, that it takes two to make a
match, fact to be seriously consider
ed; for in the present case it was ex-
ceedingly doubtful whether the worthy
deacon, even if he had known the ia
vorable opinion OF his next neighbor,
would have been inclined to propose
changing her name to Bancroft, unless,
indeed, suitable motive was brought
to bear upon him. Here was chance
for finessing.
One evening, after day of fatguing
labor, the Widow Wells sat at the fire
in the sitting-room, with her feet rest
ing on the fender.
IF ever am 80 situated as not to
have to work 30 hard she murmured,
Il shall be happy. It's hard life
keeping boarders. If 1 only was as
we'll off as Deacon Bancroft
Still the widow kept up her thinking,
and by-and-by her face frightened up.
She had an idea which she resolved to
put to.execution at the very earliest
practicable moment. What it was the
reader will discover in the sequel.
Henry said she to her son the next
morning, Il want you to stop at Deacon
BancrOft's as you 60 along to school,
and ask him if he win call and see me
in the course of the morning or after
noon, just as he finds it most conven-
lent
Deacon Bancroft was a little surpris-
ed at the summons. However, about
eleven O'Clock, he called in. The wi
dow had got on the dinner and had
leisure to sit down. She appeared
little embarrassed.
Henry told me that you would like
to see me- he commenced.
Yes, Deacon Bancroft, do, but l
am very much afraid you will think
very strange of tat least of what
have to say to you
The deacon very politely promised
not to be surprised, although at the
same time his curiosity was visibly ex-
cited.
Suppose said the widow, casting
down her eyes-'mind, am only sup
posing the case-suppose a person
should find pot of gold pieces in their
cellar, would the law have right to
touch it, or would it belong to them?'
The deacon pricked up his ears.
"A pot of gold pieces, widow Why,
unquestionably, the law would have
nothing to do with it,.
And the one who formerly owned
the house couldn't come forward and
claim it, could he deacon?' inquired
the widow, further, with apparent
anxiety
No, madam, certainly not--when
the house was disposed of, everything