Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-06-21

Yes, Haddie Fanny is learning a
lesson of self-denial, of patience; and
though it may seem an unenviable right
to you to be able to bless them that curse
you,' we must think of the 'great re-
ward which Fanney will obtain in
heaven
We had now arrived at the gate of a
small frame house. 1t was perfect
picture of cleanliness and order. A
bright wood fire was cracking and spark
ling on the hearth, and the FURNISHED
tins that lined the walls were glowing in
the blaze. The little tea-table was set;
my mouth watered at the sight of the
bread, light as snowflake, the golden
butter, and the dish Of strawberries
smothered in cream. In the doorway
stood young man, whose dress betoken-
ed him laborer, who was tossing a
laughing baby to the very ceiling. His
wife, rosy, good-humored lassie, was
removing The newly washed clothes from
the line where they had been summing
themselves all day, and was placing them
in large basket at her side. They
smiled their simple greeting, while my
aunt said few kind words to the young
mother. and praised the laughing urchin.
'Rural felicity, is it not, aunt!' asked,
as soon as we were out of hearing.
Yes, indeed, Haddie. And what will
you say when | tell you this was all
brought about through the agency of
darned stocking! l once heard very
learned lady say, with a sneer on her
proud lip, 10 stay at home and darn
your husbands stockings--pshaw.--the
aim of woman's existencep
oh, tell me all about it, aunty; am
in prime humor for story
1T will be but short, my dear. When
Henry and Ellen Stuart were married,
every one spoke o. the excellent match
such fine young man. The village
seemed delighted with itself; but its con-
gratulations did not last long. Soon it
began TO be whispered that Henry fire.
quented the tavern; he was several times
seen realing home; and at last it became
evident TO every one that he was con-
firmed drunkard. | exposlulated, your
grandfather lectured him severely, but
with no effect. Their furniture, piece
by piece, was sold to crafty the cravings
of his appetite. His wife's clothes and
his own went one after another, and at
last little remained but the bare walls.--
In spite of all this, Ellen managed TO
keep up appearances; she was always
neatly and cleanly dressed, and tried to
speak cheerfully of the future.
'One morning, after greater debauch
than usual. Henry Stuart lay on the heap
OF straw which served them as couch,
their bed having been sold long before
His heart was heavy; his conscience was
busy, yet he lay there quietly. His
wife, after arranging the room, sat down
on broken chair, and quietly began to
darn very old and worn stocking
His bride was aroused. This was not
wont to be so. He watched her as she
patiently drew the glittering needle
through the fearful chasms time had
made. He looked at her dress-compo-
sed Of the coarsest material-her face,
its rosy freshness gone, and the sunny
smile succeeded by a look of anxiety
that made her seem almost old; the room
bare of all its former comforts; and all
this change he had wrought. He rose
from the bed, signed the pledge, resumed
his work with energy, and now behold
him! By hard work and prudence, he
has regained his former standing; and
he still keeps the darned stocking, consid-
ering il as the dearest legacy he can leave
to his daughter: and whenever he is temp
ted, he looks at it for a few minutes, and
self is conquered. Which would you
rather be, the proud, wealthy woman,
sneering at household duties, and enGea-
voring wildly to revolutionize the world;
or Ellen Stuart, humble and hard-work-
ing though she be, rejoicing in the thought
that her patient forbearance and the bles-
sed old stocking have wrought this
change!'
mot the tirago, for the wealth Of
worlds.
As we passed through the village, the
lights began to twinkle from the win
dows, and at the door Of one small cot
tage, could not resist the temptation to
peep in. A young girl was seated by a
small table, bending over some sewing.
Her fingers flew, and well they might.
for they were helping TO bar the door
against poverty. An old man sat in the
chimney corner smoking pipe; while
his wife, with spectacles ON her nose, was
busted with her knitting. Sweet Lizzie
White, thine is indeed life of TOLL
Day in, day out rain or sunshine, heat
or cold, you must sew, sew on from
morn till night. By Lizzie's labor the
whole family live. She supports her a.
ged parents and blind orphan nephew.
She never knows holiday-never shows
her pretty face except at meeting; and
yet few are happier. She sings like a
bird; and it would be strange, indeed, to
pass their humble dwelling and not hear
her sweet voice carroling her simple
song.
A blessed right it is to labor for those
we love. Itgives strength to the hands
and warmth to the heart. To feel that
you are useful, that the lives of others
are cheered by your labor, is enough to
make the most sluggish blood ,Ourse