Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-29

forts, but with luxuries. He has giver
| NE health, and many facilities for acqui
ring knowledge. am now young, will
wealth at my disposal, and what wisi
may do. If, like Helen, should min
gle in the gaities of the fashionable ant
pleasure seeking, | might appear like
them happy, for season,-but would
il not be only for season! Wha
would there be left upon which redec.
tion might feed but the fragments Of was
ted moments, spent in trifing amuse-
ments! When look upon Nature, and
Wow her perlections; when scent the
fragrance Of the new-blown rose, and
my eye is delighted with its beauty,
when my ear catches the music of the
birds. mingled with the noise of the wa
terlalls-I can but see in all these un-
ion Of the joyous with the beautiful
tie musical and harmonious with the
useful. am then led TO ask-.Who is
the author of all this?'-and an answer
comes slowly up from my inmost tho'ts
and tells me sit is God!' | inquire still
furlher-'Does he not desire that man
also should unite the beautiful with the
useful-the orderly with the harmoni-
ous!' And | am answered, Yes But
when look for this arrangement in
mans social intercourse. see it not
am compelled then TO believe that there
is higher and better system of social
! life, which lies hidden far off in the fu-
ture,-a system, however, which we
may all, even now, aim 10 unfold and
practice; system which seeks to relieve
the oppressed, to enlighten the ignorant
and to reclaim the vicious
Her reflections were here interrupted
by the clock, which chimed out the hour
of seven.
Now thought she half aloud, SIS the
time for this days duties to close, and
in what manner can it be better done
than in carrying out my design!'
She hastily arose, and after filling a
basket with dainties which her own
hands had prepared, and adding supply
of medicines and cordials, she threw on
her bonnet and shawl and sailed forth.
She walked fast. After the turn of one
or two corners, she found herself at the
door of very small, rather ol,l-looking
house. Knocking gently at the door, il,
was opened by pale, though sweet
looking little girl, apparently about seven
years Of age.
Ma, the kind lady has come again,
said she, as she ran towards the window,
near which sat a lady too feeble to rise
to welcome her guest. But the low
grateful tones of her voice told her thank
.funess.
Mary loved TO do deeds worthy of graf
itude, but she cared little about the ex-
preston of il, especially when directed
to herself. She blushed at the many en-.
comiums upon her good deeds, which,
though silent and still, had nevertheless
been treasured up in many a grateful
heart; for she truly had sought to do
good TO many, and these acts were to
her like bright sunheams on a path
which reflected beauty and happiness
upon oil around.
After a few moments, she emptied her
nicely filled basket, aud quietly resum-
ed her seat. The little girl, almost fran
tic with joy to think that Mary was
once more with them, drew hastily to-
gether the folds oithefaded curtain, light
ed small lamp. and then going 10 the
window took down cage wherein sat
perched snow-white dove. She whis-
pered something in an under tone to her
mother, and lfen approaching Mary,
while smile of child-lke simplicity
played around her features, begged her
! to take il.
Yes, accept it, said the mother; il
was once the favorite Of better days; but
it gives us sad pleasure now to give il
10 one who has been so kind to u.s. and
she hastily brushed a tear from her eye.
Mary thanked them tenderly for their
gift, imprinted a kiss upon the liile girls
cheek, drew closer together the folds of
her shawl, and amid expressions Of sim
ccre gratitude, bade them good night.
When returned, and seated in her
! own apartment, she felt truly that her
lime had not been mis-spe,,f.
She was awakened learly next morn
ing by servant, who came to tell her
that Mr.. Ellis had returned. With a
happy smile, as the sun darted his bright
beams through the curtained windows.
she led Helen into the breakfast room
where sat waiting her father and grand
father.
God bless you, my dear children!
said Mr.. Ellis, as he arose and extend
ed his hands to them.
When the first greetings were over,
they all sa. down and partook of their
morning repast. After the cloth was
removed, Mr.. Ellis drew forth the same
identical PEARL, and holding it up that il
nigh: catch the suns light, said
ALLOW me now TO present this gift to
the one who has spent her time the most
usefully, for only to such is given hap
piness.' And he looked inquiringly up.
on Helen; but clond had suddenly
gathered upon her brow, and she turned
impaliently to Mary.
Mr.. Ellis eyes followed hers and
caught the calm, quiet gaze of the elder
sister. Just then flutiering noise was