The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-11-01
St. JOhnsbury, Vt November 1, 1916,


dUced 10 poverty and in sickness, she determined to
suffer every thing death ITSELF rather than ask
my aid; and she would have died without writing to
me, without Pardonng mo, which would doubtless
have been very head -srong. not very wiss and not
at all in christian spirit--but she was not alone in
the world, she had child lovely little girl, who lay
upon the miserable bed with her dying mother, daily
wasting away and enduring the pains of hunger with
tho resignation OF an angel. My sister-in-law,
said VIVA head-strong which did not prevent her low
ing her child with mothers doating fondness she
soon saw that II she would save her life, she inust
mike an effort TO soften the heart ofthe cruel brother
in-law' She made the avowal to her physician,
good and charitable mnn, who already perceived the
real disease OF his patient poverty hut who had
been unable ~ spare but small and insufficient aid,
for he himself was nearly poor his patient
The Physicians Of the poor possess every talent but
the ali important oneof getting paid for their services
II was that excellent man who took npon himself tho
task OF writing TO me, and my arrival at Aarseilles
he was the first person met--as had not sent any
money in reply 10 his letter. he supposed ia the sim
PIicity Of his heart that would come Of course and
from day 10 day he had waited FOR me in the diligence.
yard. Generous souls are always thus; they Judge
from themselves and believe in goodness TIE Doc
tor fastened to me saying, 'you have lost lime
my dear sir, you loresaw that delay would be
tence OF death God will reward you Cor this good act"
This unmerited praise was bitter, but had not the
courage 10 say il undeservcd-and what man ev-
er refused commentator, what refused to
pass for a lion My first visit, which had deter
mined should DO to the theatre, To my sister-in-
law. found her in miserable howell where a ray Of
sunshine never entered. Near the bedside was a lit
tie girl; she had large and uslrous black eyes, oye
brows already finely arched, her hair proluse and
in countless ringels, beautiful in childhood,
surrounded regular features full OF intelligence and
stamped with that serious resignation which early SUI
Gering gives 20 the countenance. Oh how sweet was
tina. child even :hen, and how eIoquenty her pale
face pleaded for her; gazed upon her in silence,
began 20 feel tina, there is in childhood an irresistible
attraction, fascination which is felt and acknowledge
ed even by hearts which have boel closed to every
benevolent tender feeling. longed to clasp tho
dear child III my arms, but sordid avarice whispered
"be frm-if you suffer your heart to be touched you
arc lost" l should thereby incur obligations that
during my whole life had made it study to uvoid,
should be obliged to relieve efTectuaIiy the misery
which surrounded me. Like one who secs a prec-
pce at his feet recoiIed at the thought. The good
''SSt''
testable seishnessan believed my strange demean-
the effect OF pity. The cold hesitation Of e mser
at the sight of suffering he would avoid would fly
from, he supposed the emotion OF a sorened heart
A melancholy smile played upon his features, and APP
preaching, he warmly pressed my hand in his-'the
sigh, OF misery heart-rendng,' said he Il see ar
fleets you, our profession makes but too familiar
with such scenes FIVE would do our duty, but you
are the only physician needed here; let go nearer
We went to the bedside. in a cold sweat for
shame ra7-9t work at my heart, and my mean sor-
didness tortured me- When my sister-in-law saw
me so near, she with great effort in sitting pos
ture-there was both pride and resignation ia her
looks, she could have demanded but dared not, and
it painful struggle TO ask aid from in whose
gen crosby she had lath she did therefore de
scend to solicitation but trembling with emotion point
ed with her attenuaed finger to her child, saying in
heart-breaking tones,-'my peor child will be
molherIess.' This short but powerful appeal to my
feelings did mol conquer l carefully avoided
looking her child for fear of relenting and said
coldly as could 'Why do you indulge such mean-
choiy forebodng you are young and have good
physician, we ought never to despair Any other
human being would have said; 'your brother is be-
side you and will dry up your tears and make you
forget his former nworthiness, rely npon him for he
will be father TO your child But I said such
thing, had but one visible Ry. oh worship of the
Golden Calf how lnty hearted how infamous it
dcrs us. While thus undecided how to effect the
shameful retreat meditated, the sweet child had
steadily fixed her eyes upon me, appearing
prised than afraid, when coming close to me she took
my hand in hcrs, pointed to the foot of her mothers
bed, in most touching accents said sit down there;
you tall can't kiss Won If You don't take me
in your lap ! sat down and she upon my
knees he mother seeing this raised her eyes TO lleav
il in prayer. AS for myself felt that the deci-
sive moment had arrived, and cased my heart in
triple steel-wha is this and this child to me,
thought 7, al am under no obligations TO support
them my riches so long and SO painfully toled for,
arc mine, lnne aone--the future ia uncertain and be-
sot with dangers--to sacrifice part even would be
imprudent, would be foy"-in short thought of all
the excellent reasons that the love Of self can bring
to the field. ..r. ... /
My Arm resolution once taken, | resolved TO be !
firm and calling 10 my aid savage lrown | looked