Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1850-02-22
The 925O New Years Eresent.
BY MRS. CAROLINE A. soULE.


BY MRS. CAROLINE A. SoULE.
(Concluded)
She seemed a different being the next morr
; ing, when she entered the breakfast room, S
quiet and subdued was she in manner. Whe
her father remarked, as he rose from the tabl'
, tina; he should be at her disposal that evenn
for voyage Of discovery among the jewplr
stores of The town, instead Of half devouriny hir
with kisses, and then dancing rolky with IN
wildness of a northern maid, she answered onI
with gentle smile and thank you, father
The change was not unobserved by hln
though he made no comment.
Some three or four hours later; as Elel
stood at the parlor window, she noticed young
girl pass by several times, pause half mo
nent, and 90 on. She was evidently a child o
poverty. and it seemed even of extreme distilu
ton Her patched calico dress and thin cottor
shawl, were but feeble protection against iht
keen air. while The snow had completely soak
ed her far worn slippers Her hands were pur
pie and stiff, and as the wind swept by her, hel
fragile form covered and trembIed before it.
cold breath. AT length she placed foot upon
the marble slep. glanced at a card she held
and, seemingly irresolute, at LAST turned away.
Ellen caught a glimpse of her countenance as
she stood there, and was deeply moved BY it, SO
thin, and pale,and sad 1t was, bearing traces,
too, of recent tears.
! hope she will stop here murmured El.
len she seems 10 wish to, and yet is afraid.
I've half q mind tn open tine door and speak with
her; but as she turned from the window for
that purpose, thS young girl, apparently with "a
great etfurt, assembled the steps and pulled the
bell. 1t was a very gentle ring, and Ellen
waited lhe time Of no domestic, but answered
it herself at once.
Is Mrs. Lee at home y asked the stranger,
in low, tInid voice.
She is; would you like to see her 2? an.
swered Ellen, in her sweet, pleasant way.
] should very much indeed, if it would not
disturb her,
j don't think she is engaged. Come with
me up stairs. and will see.' And conducting
her to the sitting room, she ushered her in, say
| ing very gently, A stranger 10 see you, moth
err
Good morning. said Mrs. Lee, in tone so
cordial as to make the poor trembling thing
quite al ease 'Draw chair to the fire. it is
very cold
Mr.. Lee directed me here, ma am. He met
me at moment when was in great distress,
and was kind enough 10 say might call upon
his wife, and perhaps she might furnish me with
work. And oh, if you can, ma am, her tears
starting, shall be very GRATEFUL
She does not beg, said Ellen to herself; no,
but with tears asks only for something 10 do
Poor thing, so young, not yet as old as !, and
amidst strangers seeking for work. Reauti-
full charities began to germinate in her moved
heart.
What kind of work would you like p
Any plain sewing ma am. | am used TO all
kinds, and perhaps could make vest ifit were
not too nice. ! had almost learned when moth.
er was taken sick.'
Then you have mother p
Yes, ma am; but she has been very sick,
and am afraid'-her voice was choakcd.
What has been the matter?' inquired the
dy very gently after the pause of some mo-.
ments.
Over exertion, ma'am. Since father lost his
sight we have had TO struggle very hard to live,
for am the oldest of six. 1t has been all we
could 60, work hard as we would, to pay our
rent and keep half warm and half fed and
when little Willie was taken down with the
measles, we had to spend so much time with
him that we got behindhand with our rent, and
mother worked night and day for fortnight
and il was too much for her ; she almost died.
and am afraid will never get well again
But you think her better?'
Yes, better, Mia am but she will never get
well, till she has comforts which we cannot
provide her. Oh, if you will only give inc work !
Lille is sad now; but should mother die'-and
she wrnng her thin, cold hands, and wept
Mrs. Lee and daughter were unable longer
to restrain their deeply touched feelings. There
was something in the expression of her coun-
tenance, and in the tones of her voice, that made
them lee her tale was true, and her grief but
The outpouring OF stricken heart. The en-
trance OF domestic, bearing tray with lun-
oh sod al -
feelings, she poured Il cup OF tea, and filling a
plate With celd pastry, placed them before the
weeping girl. inviting her as cordially as though
she were an old friend, to parlake with them.
She glanced at the delicaces, blpshed as tho ;
she wished, yet did not dare, TO speak then
faltered out
IL you would not think me very rude,
would ask if may take them to my mother /;
she needs them more than
On no, no., answered Mrs. Lee smilingly !;
/ should lose forever my reputation as a skill
ful nurse, were TO allow a sick woman 10 eat
such things as these. But have some very
nice soup which ! prepared this morning for
an invalid friend, shall be nappy to send her
some of that; it is very innocent and strength
ening.'
Thank you; quickly responded the girl ~
shall be yely grateful
VIII get It Tor you then msanWhile, eat
your lunch it will perhaps refresh you-you
seem very tired. Ellen, l want you moment :
when, with delicate TACT she left the imd girl
to Partake of the dainties. without the embar-
rassment OF eating before strangers.
oh, mother, mother Ellen sobbed out, when
they were alone, do give her something. How
wish had not spent all last quarters allow
ance. lfyou will only lend me some money,
mother
mo, Ellen; you know that 10 something
never do. II my children wish 10 give, it must
come from their own private purse
But you won't send her away without any
thing, mother y
Certainly not. What she asked for shall
give her, and such other things as ! can present
without paining her. She did not beg, and
were ! only ogive her some money and let her
60, her self-respect would be humbled,'
Eyer kind and considerate. When shall ]
be like youp
After giving their young visitor time to get
Thoroughly warmed and TO eat comfortable
meal, they returned to the room, Mrs. Lee bear
ing bundle and basket, and Ellen a pair Of