Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-10-28

one more striking contrast we will give as
requisite in showing the tendency and end
of good or bad principles, united with good
or bad habits.
Unable to get any employment in tho viii
lage, Thorne hearing that steady work could
be obtained in Charleston, South Carolina,
sold of portion of his scanty furniture, and
his COW, by which he received money enough
to remove there with his wife and child
Thus were the sisters separated; and in
that separation, gradually estranged from the
tender and lively affection that presence and
constant intercourse had kept burning with
undimiuislred brightness. Each became more
absorbed, every day in increasing cares and
duties; yet to one those cares and duties
were painful, and to the other full of delight.
Ten years from the day on which they
parted in tears, Ellen sat, near the close of
day, in mcanly furnished room, in one of
the southern cities, watching with troubled
counienance, the restless slumber OF her hus-
band. Her face was very thin and pale,
and it had fixed and strongly marked ex-
| p'''o'oii vi SuutIlUgs WI IIllluEtI d UOy
and girl, the one about six, and the other a
little over ten years of age, were seated list
lessly on the floor, which was uncarpcted.-
They seemed TO have no heart to play
Even the elasticity of childhood had depart
ed from them. From the appearance of
lhorne, it was plain he was sick; and from
all indications the room in which he lay, af-
forded, il was plain that want and suffering
were its inmates. The habits of idlcncss he
had suffered to creep at a slow but steady
pace upon him, and dleness brought intern
idleness completed his ruin, and reduced his
family to poverty in its most appalling form.
Now he was sick with a southern fever, and
his miserable dwelling afforded him no cor
dial, nor his wife and children the healthy
food that nature required.
'Mother!' said the little boy, getting up from
the floor, where he had been sitting for half
an hour, as still as if he were sleeping, and
coming to Elen's side he looked up earnest
ly and imploringly in her face.
'What, my chidl' the mother said, stoop-
ing down and kissing his forehead, while she
parted with her fingers the golden hair that
| Tell IN tangled masses over II.
Can't have piece of bread, mother 2
Ellen did not reply, but rose slowly and
went to the closet from which she took part
of loaf, and cutting slice from it. handed
it to her hungry boy. 1t was her last loaf,
and all their money was gone. The little
fellow took ii, and breaking piece off for
his sister. gave it to her; the two children
then sat down side by side, and eat in silence
the morsel that was sweet to them.
, With an instructive feeling, that from no
where but above could she look for aid and
comfort, did Ellen lift her heart and pray that
she might not be forsaken in her extremity.
! And then she thought of her sister Jane,
from whom she had not heard for a long
time, and her heart turned towards her with
an eager and yearning desire to see her face
once more.
And now let US look in upon Jane and her
family. Her husband, by saving wherc
Thorpe spent in foolish trfles, and working
when Thorne was idle, gradually laid bv
enough to purchase a little farm, upon which
he had removed, and there, industry and fru-
gality brought its sure rewards. They had
three children; little Ellen had grown to
lively, rosy checked, merry faced girl of
eleven years; and George who had follow
ed Ellen was in his seventh year, and after
HIM came the baby, now Just completing the
twelfth month OF isinnocent happy life. Il,
was the season when the farmers toll is re-
warded, and William Moreland was among
those whose labor had met an ample return.
How different was the scene in his well
established cottage, fnll to the brim of plen-
ty and comfort, to that which was passing at
the same hour of the day, few weeks be-
fore, in the sad abode of Ellen, herself the
sadIcst inmate.
The table was spread for the evening meal,
always eaten before The sun hid his bright
face, and George and Ellen, although the
supper was not yet brought IN had taken their
places; and Moreland, too had drawn up
with the baby on his knee, which he was
amusing with an apple from a well filled bas-
ket tie product OF his own orchard.
A hesilatng rap drew the attention of the
tidy maiden who assisted Mrs. Moreland in
her duties.
'It Is the poor old blind man. she said, in
tone OF compassion, as she opened the door.
Here is shilling for him, Sally said
Morcland handing her piece of money!
'The Lord has blessed us with plenty and
something to spare for his needy children
'Ain't glad that I've got eyes and pen-
ty TO cat said George, glancng at the blind
man, and then looking up into his mothers
face, with boyish delight; as she brought in
"a savory dish for their supper.
20, but that looks good = calculated Ellen.
peeping mo the disl-as her mother paus-
ed, to smile upon her y.-and enjoying
the coming feast in imagination.
The liberal meal upon the table, the moth
er sat down with the rest, and, as she looked
around on each happy face, her heart blcs-
scd the hour that she had given her hand to
William Moreand. Just as the meal was
finished, neighbor stopped at the door and
said
Theresa letter for Mrs. Morcland; saw
It in the post Office, and brought it over for
her, as was coming this way
Come in, come in said Moreland with a
hearty welcome in his voice.
H..