The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-09-03

IClOuueu. AiBnuy sHc Went ous SS"iScAy
brushing the dew from the bending grass,
and occasionally stopping 10 caress her
pet lap.dog which was the companion Of
all her, rambles. 10 ,o sBsos .plGeu.1 &
"Why, Bessie, you are more frolick-
some than ever, this morning" she said,
as she stopped and paited the shaggy head
Of her favorite; but Bessie bounded from
her, rushed wildly over the smooth grass
of the extensive lawn, and the next mo.
ment, with her snow-white hair all damp
with the dew, she returned and sprung,
painting and leaping about her young mis-
tress, as if beside herself with Joy, and be.
seeching her to Join in her trolck.
t.Bessie, Bessie!' exclaimed Bertha, as
she caught at her dress and her hand, in
her hilarity, '.tiis is boisterous mirth, in
deed;" and as she attempted 10 take her
in her arms, she sprung again from her
and bounded away into grove OF beech
es at some distance. By this time she
had arrived at her destin alton, and as she
knocked at the door Of the cottage which
was the home of poor Mary Lee, shade
o: sadness fell upon her sun-bright coun-
tenance. The sick girl was lying, feeble
and languid. upon her little. bed; she had
evidently been long awake, and awaiting
with anxiety the coming of the gentle girl,
whose sympathy had helped to sustain her
in her. protracted sufferings. .r sss.
81 am sorry. Mary, to learn that you
are worse" she said, as she advanced to-
ward her; '.and am afraid that this is too
great an effort for you. You have had
sleepless night | see."" ,rsg
The sufferer turned with grateful smile
to greet her visitor. Yes, she had suffer.
ed much in body; but there was weight
upon her mind, of which she wished to re-
ieve herself. and she was thankful to her,
that she had come at her request. Bertha
seated herself beside the low bed of the in
valid, and took her thin hand in hers.
.".Your hand is wounded Miss" said
Mary. as she observed a stain upon it.
You have scratched it perhaps, in gather.
ing those beautiful roses; for beautiful as
they are, they will have their thorns." "A
No, Bertha replied,she had brought them
for her, from home; but Bessie was this
morning in one OF her occasional trolcks,
and was rather more hilarious than usual
She remembered that her sharp tooth had
touched her hand, but had not thought of
it aiterward. She wiped off the blood,
said it was but a slight scratch. and then
encouraged the sick girl to speak of her
troubles. II was the last favor, poor Mary
said, that she should have to ask of her,
for her hours were waning fast; and then,
as faint blush oyerspread her wan cheek,
she confessed that she had one strong tie
10 life, which she had prayed for strength
to sever. She had a friend who was very
dear to her. and whose lot she was TO have
shared, had it pleased Heaven to spare her
longer. He had been unfortunate, and
was without employment now, would she
but use her influence with her father 10 |
obtain for him a situation on his estatel
That would make her happy, and she
could lie down to her last rest in peace,
for all other cares had ceased. She had /
learned the lesson Of submission during
the long and weary hours Of her illness; |
which were hard 10 bear at first. till she
had been taught where to look for strength.
Now her spirit was at peace. William,
she was sure, would, for her sake, watch |
over the last years of her father and moth.
er. and would be as son to them; and if
Miss Bertha could aid her in the iulfllment
OF her last wishes, she should carry down
to the grave her memory, with a gratitude
which words could not express. Her re-
quest was received as she had expected,
and Bertha promised her best endeavors in
her behalf. .gs,4u,st.s2 't''" ~
Weak and exhausted as she was, the
poor girl drew toward her the soft white
hand which had so often been laid sooth-
ingly upon her brow in her hours Of suf.
fering, and pressed it fervenily to her lips.
"May God reward YOU" she said "for
you have been as one OF His good angels
10 me, coming from your home TO watch
over me in my illness, and always bringing
sunshine into my little room. 10 the last
hour Of my life, ! viii pray God to bless
you" y. g,' . ''>. = '..~
Bertha remained for some time at her
bed side, and read 10 her from the sacred
pages, which were her ever.increasing
solace, until her mother returned from her
morning occupations, when she took her
leave and FASTENED home, wondering all
the while where Bessie could lave gone il
her irolicksome mood, and looking Tor her
as she went. But Bessie did not return
that day, or the next; and search was eve
ry where made for her in vain. Some
mischieyous person., il was feared, had
destroyed the shaggy favorite, who was
deeply lamented by its mistress. |
The days and even the weeks passed
on, and no tidings came Of, Bessie; mean
time, Bertha, obtained for poor Mary Lee.
the boon which she SO earnestly coveted,
and received in return her fearful thanks
for this new proof Of. her Kindness toward
her humble, friend. ''s','3 - ''.
The guests al the hall were full Of mirth
and hilarty, and the days passed away in
r., Az .,.l.. nad ,lr;,,ae