Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-04-18

terest, and would not heed the prayer of one sol
poor and wretched as myself and | suffered them
to 90 on without making any attempt to arrest
their attention
CAT last, when hope was almost dead within
me- saw lady, richly attired, and holding by
the hand little child, who was decorated with
all the ornaments which wealth and fashion could
furnish, approaching me. | remembered the
time when my own children were dressed with
equal care and never was the bitterness of my lot
more keenly felt than at that cruel moment. But
it was no time for the indulgence of such feel
ings, and as gazed on the delicate face of the
sweet child, and saw the look of affection which
the lady fixed upon it, hope again revived in my
bosom. Here is a mOther,' thought |, 'and sure
y here the tale of my suffering little ones must
meet with sympathy and relief As the lady
reached me | held out my hands towards her,
but the hot tears were pouring down my face,
and my voice so choked that | could scarcely
find utterance for my petition, But at last
succeeded in telling her my distress, and of my
children, when, after listening moment, she put
her hand into her reticule, and drawing forth one
penny, presented it to me.
"'Here, sad she, take this Why don't
you 60 to the poor housed have no patience
with beggars. Let me pass, will you! You
will frighten my child
coma, am not afraid of her, lisped the little
girl, and she may have my sxpencep
Gas she held up the little coin for my accep-
lance, my first thought was to refuse it, but the
second told me had no right to do SO, and |
suffered her to drop it into my hand. The hot
blood mounted to the cheeks of the mother at this
sight; but You had better go to work instead of
begging was her only comment, and she swept
on without another look leaving me standing
alone in all my wretchedness May God bless
you, sweet child said |, gazing after them for
one grateful moment, and may you never know
the misery which has fallen upon my own help
less children
81 turned away, and looked at the triiing pit
lance in my hand, what is this, thought |, 'to
provide food and fuel for my lffering family, and
to whom could apply for morer twas begin
ming to grow dark, and sick and despairng
was turning to go home, when | met gentle
man who seemed different from any other | had
SEEM and resolved to make one more effort
There was something kind and benignant in his
countenance, which encouraged me, but yet it
WIS with feeling of desperation that approach
ed him, and begged him for the love of God to
assist ne | was not deceived in his looks; as
you saw, he accompanied me home, and gave me
this fuel, and dollar to purchase provisions with
len To all ~ Cd ,,i 20
ward him, cannot"
Here the poor woman ended her recital, and
wpng away the tears with which her face was
covered, arose to deposite the child which she
had been rocking to sleep, in a bed which stood
Tia one corner Of the room. While she was thus
occupied, observed the two elder children cast
ing longing eye toward the basket had bro't
with me, and drying my eyes, which had been
wet more than once during the last half hour,
uncovered it., and taking out handful of crack
ers, handed them to the little ones, who COM
menced eating them with an appetite which SEEM
ed not yet haf.satisfed
1t was now quite late, and thinking it best to
defer any inquiries into the history Of the unlor-
tunate mother, until some other time empted
the contents of my basket upon the table, and,
promising to call again the next day, arose to 60
She accompanied US to the door, and amid tears
and thanks which touched our hearts, we depart
ed The weather was colder than when we left
home, but the thought of having helped to adj
minister comfort to one sad heart, kept US warm
and we reached our abode, glowing with cheerful
ness and satisfaction.