The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-06-22

~ wonder what pa and that pretty
lady at Mr.. Browns are talking about9"
remarked Tommy Perrot, with his ell
bows on the window-seat.
His mother stretched her neck to
look out, and then rose from her chair,
and watched her husband and Mrs.
Vaughan, through the blinds. They
were standing at Mr.. Browns gate,
and the coquettish widow was critical
ly surveying the Perrot mansion, and
pointing out something to her compan-
ion. The interview was rather pro-
longed one, and Perrot, when he came
in TO supper, looked remarkably pleased
and cheerful. reurr1
"What on earth could you and that
woman have to say to each other?" was
the wife's inquiry, as he drew up to the
fire, rubbing his hands and running his
fingers through his hair.
"She was remarking about the house.
She thought it badly planned"
81 should like TO know what she has
TO do with the house. 1t being badly
built is no concern of hers"
"Why, she was only saying that il
she lived here she would have room
added on the west side, and one or two
little alterations made. l thought her
suggestions we're very sensible; and, in
fact, very nearly what I've heard you
express. You don't like the house,
you know, Marthy."
Whatever Mrs. Perrot's feelings may
have been, she resolutely suppressed
them. But on the following day (Sun-
day. she surprised the family by an.
nouncing her intention OF accompany
ing them TO church.
"Ain't it rather risk, Marthy?" her
husband doubtedly suggested, while he
at the same time exultantly rubbed his
hands behind his back. eff it's on &C.
count of the children, my dear, don't
worry yourself. They've taken fancy
to Mrs. Vaughan, and she keeps 'em
very quiet, now, by merely nodding and
and smiling at 'em when they're rest
less. never saw such woman for
managing children"
MRS. Vaughan had better attend to
her own affairs, and keep her mods and
smiles to herselfl" said Mrs. Perrot,
Pm surprised at you'll"
Perrot meekly put on his Sunday hat
and went on the porch to wait for his
wife.
"Your medicines doing wonders
Vlnnie," he remarked, in whisper, as
he passed his niece in the passage.
And she gave a shrewd little nod as
she replied:
81 knew it would, uncle!"
Mrs. Perrot went to church, and re-
ceived the congratulations of all her &C.
quaintances on her improvement in
health and looks.
and was heard to remark to group OF
friends:
81 brought Martha Perrot out of q
decline that would have carried her
off in few months, and yet she don't
feel bit grateful"
But Winnie and her uncle knew how
it really was.
AS they reached their own gate, Mrs.
Vaughan crossed over and shook
hands with Mrs. Perrot, and told her
how glad she was to see her out again,
and looking 30 strong and well.
"That's the most deceitful woman !
ever knew" remarked Mrs. Perrot, as
she removed her bonnet, and took
Ellen on her lap to change her dress
"a thing she had not done for months.
"Why, no, Marthy, don't think
she is. She's a nice, good woman,
and will make a fine wife for Tom
Wheatly."
"For whom?"
"Why," didn't you know she was to
marry Browns cousin, Wheatly? And
they want to buy this house; and as
Brown means to move to the other end
of the town for convenience to bust
ness, I've thought of taking his house,
which you always had fancy 70. How
would you like that arrangement"
Mrs. Perrot replied, in subdued
tone, that she "would think of it,"
She was very thoughtful all that
day, and particularly gentle and affec-
tionate to her family.
"Im afraid I've been great trouble
and vexation to you, Samuel" she
said, that evening. 81 wonder you
could have borne it at all with such pa
tiencew
And Perrot replied, earnestly:
my only trouble was about you,
Marthy; and now that you are getting
to be yourself again, l feel as if l had
nothing more to wish for"
Mrs. Perrot was quite strong, and
plump, and blooming, when she went
with her husband to Lavinia's wed.
ding.
They carried with them the prom.
ised wedding dress, but it is doubtful
whether Mrs. Perrot knows to this day
how it was won.-Saturday Night.