Hills of the Shatemuc

l so forecas

loss a gai

and through

f interest

NYS

day

not enjoyed, and to be remembered for ever, as part of one strong drop of life's bittersweet mixture. The travellers, for Mr. Landholm was to accompany his son, had already dressed themselves in their best; and the other eyes, when they could, gazed with

some corner to cry; Winthrop was nowhere; and the mother of the family s

le taking up two or three of the plates, cast looks of affectionate pity at her mist

ed hand timidly on Mrs. Landholm's shoulder, - "don't ye, Mis' La

The old woman continued to go round the table, gathering the plates, but very evidently bus

is a hap

ting is u

down and put her face

id, - They will not be ashamed," she repeated, looking up, while the tears streamed down her cheeks. "I will wait. But oh! - I wisht I had patience! I w

r business and qu

loor left clean and bare. It oddly and strongly struck her, as she saw it, the thought of the hands that had lately been so busy there; the work left, the hands gone; and for a few moments she stood absolutely still, feeling and putting away the idea that made her heart ache. She had a battle to fight before she was mistress of herself and could speak Winthrop's name. Nobody answered; and scolding herself for the tone of her voice, Mrs. Landholm spoke again. A little rustling let her know that she was heard; and presently Winthrop made his appearance from below or from some

t all. When she did, it was to return his kisses, first on one cheek and then on the other and then on his forehead, parting

last, "you have too ha

k it so; - there is nothin

s wish," she obs

approve of

if there were many a th

of it, mother?" Win

ow there is one wish before all others in

id no

e we can make ourselves alone. We must practise," - for next winter, she was going to say, b

field and see what Sam Doolittle has been at;

be back by

t be lon

n, and another after Winthrop who was moving off at a good pace; and then slowly

th little Winifred on her knees, and sing

flowers than

nor sorr

through rude

d press

ooped to take

at into your

m-by I won't see him get up again; and times when I lose something, I think by'm-by I won't want it; and sometimes when somebody goes away

id her mother, "and let mamma m

- for G

I'll make one of G

purpose of a sleeping chamber, and a bed accordingly in one corner formed part of the furniture. Their eyes were accustomed to that. It did not hurt the general effect of comfort. There the supper-table was set this evening; the paper window-curtains were let down, and a blazing fire sparkled and crackled; while befor

d Winthrop, catching her up

t slap of her little hand on his cheek requested to be s

one," said Asahel. "Whe

the barrel cover, - "do you think

- "you'll let it fall in

pily put in its place again with the right side out; and little Winifred, who had watch

vernor can

n; and cakes of Winthrop's baking and mamma's buttering, the children pronounced "as good as could be." Nothing could have better bro

etween the three for a large part of the evening. When the little ones were gone to bed, then indeed i

ough many a crevice in the wooden frame house; and feeling too much of its work upon her, she went into the kitchen to see if there were not some warmth still lingering about the covered-up fire. To her sur

at are you her

ut to war

you bee

ma

have yo

my room

what, m

e said a littl

his mother placing his chair agai

have been her

sual calmness, and she thought as she looked it was an excellent face. Great strength of character - great truth - beneath the broad brow high intelle

?" she said softly, bending down near

ch his mother saw oftener than anybody, but she not ofte

ask me,

d ask you,

d to trouble you

me now, whether I know it or not; for I

other," he said smiling ag

are just

t to displease you,

boy," she answered, bending down again and this tim

en mastering himself as it wer

want to be

is face, once and again, but beyond th

perfect silence; he not stirring his eyes from the fire, she not moving hers from hi

f a somebody

only can find a way; and I am sure I can find a way. It is in me, and it will come out. I don't want anybody to

eak this. His mother kept her fac

ill you tak

a'am, yet; I hav

he difficultie

mot

ne not of proud but o

han you think for, or than

say, m

or your father to do more than pu

ith again the calm face but the flushing c

ha

a man of Rufus! I must do it f

it. But she sighed as she

ise not to be troubled, mamma,

of my promises than

boy, what do you

norance, and then to get the power that knowledge gives. Rufus said the other day that knowledge i

yet, Winthrop; you are

other, and I haven't ta

e? A question in the minds o

you been thin

st spring

going put it

de no difference, mother; it would have come, sooner

, and that was now expended in keeping the inside warm. Every brown beam and little window-sash could witness the story of privation and struggle, if she would let her mind go back to it; the a

rn, nor the mark of intellect that was upon the features of the second. But there was the unmistakable writing of calm good sense, a patient and possessed mind, a strong power for the right, whether doing or suffering, a pure spirit; and that nameless beauty, earthly and unearthly, which look

e hardest difficulty of all. - How can

in this world, if it is to be for your good or happin

as s

life a garden of roses - if I were sure

you know

erve me, my boy. But till you love God as well as

d passing present wants and future contingencies, went beyond, to the issues, and to the secret springs that move them. An earnest and painful look; a look of patient care and meek reliance; so earnest, so intent, so distant in its gaze, that told well it was a path the

gently touched his c

look so for me!

er face on his shoulder and wrapped her arms round him. And

e? My boy! I would die to know that you loved

ll she had unloosed her arms from about him and sat with

ything to please you - anything that I can

you do,

n, and she looked up a

your life, - all the knowledge you will ever get and all

im, ma

work - in doin

stian," he said hesitati

er this whole-hearted fashion you are not mine as I wish to see you, - you are not mine for ever, - my

on; and when she raised her face it was to kiss him quietly, - but twice, on his lips and on his cheek, - and bid him good night. But his soul was full of one meaning, as he shut his little bedroom door, - that that face should neve