Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-10-19

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65TSo icle herein much that would
9x@ seem to indicate a mighty con.
ceit of myself. Unfortunately the little
word Il" throws n big shadow in this
history. 1t looms up all too frequently
in every page for the sign of n modest
man. But, indeed. l cannot help it. for
he was the only observer of all there is
to tell. Now. there is much, for ex.
ample, in the very marrow Of my his
%tory-things that never would have
happened, things that never would have
been said. but for my fame AS a scholar.
My learning was OF small account. for,
1t must he remembered. l I'M writing
of a time when any degree of scholar
ship was counted remarkable among
the simple folk of PARKWAY.
Hope took singing lessons and sang in
church every Sunday. David or Uncle
Eth came down for us often of "A Satur-
day and brought us back before service
In the morning. One may find in that
town today many who will low to tell
him Of the voice and beauty and sweet
ness Of Hope Brewer those days and
of what they expected regarding her
and me. We went ont a good deal
evenings to concerts. lectures at the
churches or the college or to visit some
Of the many people who invited us to
their homes.
We had a recess of two weeks mt the
winter holidays. and David Brewer
came after us the day the term ended.
Oh, the great happiness Of that day
before Christmas when we came flying
home in the sleigh behind n new team
Of grays and felt the intoxication of the
the lamps were lit and we could see
mother and Uncle Ed and Grandma
Bisnette looking out of the window.
and IL steaming dinner on the table. |
declare. 1t Is long since then, but |
cannot ever think Of that time without
wiping my glasses and taking a mo-
ment OF. Tip Taylor took the horses.
and we all came in where the kettle
was singing OF the stove, and loving
hands helped us out Of our wraps. The
supper was a merry feast, the like of
which one may find only by returning
TO his boyhood. Alack, that is a long
journey for some of us.
Supper over and the dishes out Of the
way, we gathered about the stove with
cider and b%utternuts.
WELL" said Hope, 'I've got some
news to tell you. This boy is the best
scholar of his age in this county,"
Tibet so?' said David.
Uncle Eb stopped his hammer that
was lifted to crack a butternut and
pulled bis chair close to Hopes. Eliza
beth look ed at her daughter and then
at me. a smile and q protest in her face.
True as you live" said Hope. "The
master told me so. He's first in every
thing, and in the town hall the other
night he spelt everybody down"
what! In Hillsborough!" Uncle Eb
asked incredulously.
"Yes, In IIillsborough," said Hope,
"and there were doctors md lawyers
and college students and l don't know
who all IN the match"
Most remarkable" said David
Brewer.
"Tree-menjious" exclaimed Uncle Eli.
II heard about 1t over ut the mills
tdny," said Tip Taylor.
"Merci Dicu!" exclaimed Grandma
Bisnette, crossing herself.
Elizabeth Brewer was unable TO stem
this tide Of enthusiasm. ! had tried to
stop 1t. but instantly It had gone be-
You'd my control. II ! could be hurt
by praise the mischief had been done.
ITS very nice, indeed" said she 40.
berly. II do hope 1t won't make him
conceited. He should remember that
people do not always mean what they