Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1847-05-13
Selected Gales.
G. II A RI II Y ::
A TALE.
CHAPTER I.
Charity, for the love Of Heaven =
Il have nothing. my good woman


Il have nothing. my good woman
4 "A sixpence. penny, to keep us from
starving'-but the hurrying pusser by heard
or needed not.
The short lived sun of a winter day had
set, and the dim twilight served bu, 20 show
the shiverng figures as they rapidly tfav.
ersed the frozen pavement, each to his home
or favorite haunt. Upon the marble steps
OF a stately mansion sat the crouching form
of her who had begged in vain. The worn
cloak which enveloped her had once been OF
rich material, and the small foot and hand
that peeped above and below it, might have
attracted attention, had there been sufficient
day light left to scrutinize. The loveliness'
too, Of that pale young face, must, if seen,
have awakened interest for the human
heart, however cold, is never utterly insensi.
BILE to beauty. After her last refusal, the
poor creature rose from the steps, and hold
ing by the iron railing with one hand, Dire W
her cloak more closely round her, as she pre-.
pared again to face the biting wind. AT tha,
moment young girl, who had run across the
street, and was about to ascend the steps,
jostled her, and she sunk back upon the
cold marble.
i q beg your pardon said the child, 'it is so
icy that my foot slipped, and then, struck by
the hopeless wretcheGness of the face turned
to her, she asked in a tone Of silvery sweet
ness, ARE you SO very poor p
Utterly penness,' replied the woman,
with slight Scottish accent.
Every emotion of pity was aroused in that
young heart. and emptyng the contents of
her bag into The woman's lap, she said,
This 10 all have--l wish it were twice as
much
H The blessings Of broken heart be upon
you, sweet young LADY, and The woman stole
softly away.
Now it she goes, may never see her a
gain soliloquizcd the child, 'and perhaps she
may die Of want
Leaning on the railing, she peeped cautious
y through the blind, and seeing no one in
the spacious parlor, but servant who hud just
been lighting the lamps, she tapped gently a,
the window, which was instantly raised.
'Mogar, if ma inquiries for me, say will be
back directly and the child darted down the
street.
Miss Fanny y shouted the man, 'it is too
late for you to be out alone'-but Fanny was
gone.
She would have missed the object of her
pursuit. in the increasing darkness, had not
the gas lights begun to shed abroad their
piercing rays, and she discovered the poor
woman as he was passing under one Of
them nearly a square ahead. Redoubng
her speed, she overlook her. and too much
out of breath to speak, caught hold of her
cloak.
My child, why do you follow me- asked
the woman, turning hastily around.
Il want to 60 home with you.
Home with me and wherefore Miss p
Wilson. Fanny Wilson is my name
well, then, Miss Wilson, why do you
wish to visit my wre,ched home ?-child as
you are, have you no fear !?
i am not a child am turned OF fifteen,
though am small said the little lady ,ganc.
ing at the pantalettes that encircled her an.
cles.
There was almost a smile on the poor crea
lures features, as she replied,
My dear young lady. then you had better
90 back. | can show you nothing in my
wre,cbed garret. but a straw pallet, sick
husband, and starving child.
Only let me go with you,' persisted the
earnest little being at her side. Il get plen'
,y of spending money, which will bring you
every day-besldes,' continued she, pressing
closer the hand she held, your sad sweet
face looks so like the picture Of my own an.
gel mother
poor child, you are then an orphan ,
Mo- have a father, and a new mother,
but my own mammals picture hangs beside
my bed, and It is before that say my prayers
as used to do at her knee
The only reply was a low sob and the
woman turned from the lighted street into a
narrow court, which contained but a solitary
house. II had been well built, but was fall
ing to decsy,and like it's inmates. stood alone
and unsupported. The pair ascended The
first flight of steps, and entered large un.
carpeted room. A few haDdslul OF brush
burnt in the chimney place, which cas-,
flickering and uncertain light upon the bare
walls and shaking windows, bot seemed to
diffuso but very little warmth through the
apartment Drawn directly IN front OF the
fre was a child's cot, and kneelng beside It.
tho smos, boyish form ofi's father.
lie hands were elaspedupon hn bIow,.nd