Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-05-28
CARROLLTON, OHIO--FRIDAY, NAY as laz

heart will always show itself through the lowest
poverty.
The situation Of this family was Just now one
Of keen desltution. William had been laid up
with the rheumatism all winter, and for some
weeks past had been suffering under rheuma.
matte fever. The attention he required called
upon Mary's time so that she had almost altogeIh-
er to throw aside her needle. Yet al such times
as her father slept, which was but seldom, she,
as she was now doing, stole few moments 70
work at her embroidery. During her fathers III
ness she had not made four dollars. and oil the
expenses Of the family, both Of the table, his
medicines, and the quarters rent, had to come
out of her lule store laid by. She had been for
three weeks past reduced to her last shilling, and
what money had been used since had been rais'
ed by the disposal, at ruinous sacrifices, oil artl-
cles Of furniture. Hence the present desolate
aspect of things in the room. Edith Redheld,
the wife, had enough 10 do with her household
cares, though she did all she could for her hus.
band. But there were meals to be got ready, Ia
very little there was to eat, indeed. but that little
had to be cooked, } water TO be brought, wood TO
be gathered and fire to be kept up, medicines to
prepare, and other duties that were incumbent
upon her. Thus all the care Of the suffering
husband fell upon Mary.
She was now busy employed to finish piece
of work which she had had on hand five weeks.
She was to get three dollars for it when compile
ted, and she was exerling herself to the utmost,
stealing every moment from the bedside to ply
her needle. Three dollars was q great deal of
money to herl and as she thought over in her
mind how many things it would buy for them,
! firewood, oranges, cooling medicines, score ot
| little comforts that the sick only can appreciate,
she thought every blessing was wrapped up in
three dolarsI So she piled fast and cheerfully
her bright needle, her young full heart beating,
beating, to every stch, her throbblngfngers SEEM
ingly working the hearts TOLL
"Mary," said the poor man, turning restlessly
over, "what o'clock is III"
sit must be near eight father"
81 had thought it was full past ten" he said in
tone of disappointment How slow the hours
go! how long, how long the nights are!"
81 will read to you, father said Mary, laying
down her work.
81 have got the herb tea ready for you, Will
liam," said his wife. "Will you drink it nOwl"
"ls there any tea or coffee in the housel' he
asked, putting back the bowl.
"No, William"
"Then you must keep this sage tea for yourself
and Mary. You will need something warm TO-
night, for the fire is going OUT"
ave need nothing, dear father. Tomorrow
| shall have completed this fre-screen, and shall
have three dollars"
} "You are so kind and good to your poor faith
e erl cant think of my own sutterings when
e see how you and Edith deny yourselves for me
9 Edith, tell me truly, have you any bread TO eat!
e "No, William, but don't worry, dear, we sha
a do WE'LL" answered his wife, gently.
The sick mans fevered cheekgrew more flush
! ed; and an expression Of suffering, TOO acute an
full of expression to be physical, passed acros
. his face.
81 will read 10 you, father"
f "Do, dear child-do, dear angel ! can fol-
$ get both pain and poverty while listen to you
voice, though my mind takes no heed Of tn
, words. Alas! for my brother-my poor unteel
: ing brother"
e "Do you not think, dear father, if he knew ho'
:. badly off you were, he would aid you!"
! "No, Mary-no, Edith! you do not know m
+ brother so we'll as dol He would not give m
s dollar if should ask him for it! He has see
me in the streets-he has met me in my ragge
h laboring clothes, and cast an eye of disdain, c
o hatred upon me, as if he thought degraded hin
l. No. no!-I have thought it all over laying herr
and know that he will do nothing Read, chill
read. and let me comfort my mind with the swee
G strong words of the ScrPture!"
l. In about ten minutes, William Redfeld fell il
s to deep and quiet sleep, his hands folded upc
e his breast. His wife, weary with watching al
anxiety, soon slumbered in her chair. MAJ
N softly laid down the Bible, and with prayer
rs her heart that He who beholds the poor and ne
re- dy, and hath pity on them, would regard the
70 with loving kindness and tender mercy, resume
,s her needle. She had cnly two leaves and part
D. a stem 10 finish, when it would be complete.
I'd "If dear father sleeps" she said to herself,
III can get this done before nine O'Clock, and ther
n will put on my hood and cloak and run with 1t
,ir the store. 1t always keeps open till hat-pf
ly nine. If can get the money tonight, how ha
h. py | shall be! shall come home laden WI
rs good thngs!"
IS And as fast as her thoughts flew, flew her ne
die. Her father slept on. At length the ri
es color suddenly mounting to her cheeks the brigl
a ening eye, and happy, thankful smile, show
ht that the work was done-the three dollars earne
IL She rolled up the magnificent piece of embr'
lrt derry, and then stepping TO closet, took down
as neat hood and shawl-a warm. coarse shawl
se and put them on. She pinned the embroide
ed up in piece Of newspaper, and then noisele'
ly approaching her father, saw that he slept
mt She then advanced to her mothers chair, a
he whispered
mt "Dear mother!"
a Edith awoke instantly and quietly, as if s
ry had long been accustomed to be walked soon
ste ter dropping to sleep. She was about to exPr
her surprise at seeing Mary with her hood a
ay shawl on.
MS "Hush, dear mother! Father sleeps sound
uf. | have completed the screen!"
st. "God be blessed, Mary! William can have