Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-04-04
From Arthur's Home Gazette.
CHI RITY.
ny A LADY OF BALTIMORE.

night, was succeeded in the morning by
slow drizzling rain, accompanied by q
norlh-casterly wind. Oyercoats and
gums were indispensable, but as for um.
, brellas, they might as well have been
left at home. In snug comfortable
parlor sat three ladies, Mrs. Danvers and
4. her two daughters. A bright fire glowcd
in the CRATE, and the general warmth
which it impaired rendered the apart
ment so pleasant that its occupants
scarcely needed the storm without.
Little or no conversation passed be-
tween them, for all were intently reading.
The mother and the elder daughter each
were absorbed in a new and popula
novel, while The younger perused the
morning paper. Ere the sun had reach
ed its meridian, domestic entered and
Mrs. Danvers said: al Ga
WHO is it, Betsy! Some begger,
reckon, for no one else, I'm sure, would
venture out on day like this unless
compelled to- ,.ta.ss4 -E.a.
Il think, ma'am, il is the young wo.
man what's going TO maae the Shirts
Send her up then, Betsy. What
come this morning!
In few minutes the young girl, whose
name was Sarah Parks. entered. She
/, appeared about eighteen years of age
bu, her countenance plainly indicated
= that she had experienced no small "a
mount of trouble. Her dress was ex.
tremely clean and neat, but far better
adapted for the sunshine and breezes ol
May than for the wintry blast of No.
y vember. The water dripped, from of
the cotton shawl on the rich carpet. as
she stood just within the door, Mrs
Dunvers not appearing TO think that a
person in her situation would feel the
need of rest or warmth, even ON morn.
ing like this.
well Sarah. l suppose you have
come about those Shirts remarked the
lady. .
Yes ma'am.' 's .-.
Jane Mrs. Danvers spoke 10 her
youngest daughler.) June my dear, GO
into my room and bring me that bundle
lying on the dressing table ~ a
.Oh, dear ma! why did'n you let Betsy
bring it. lis so cold hate to stir from
the fire. ..- r.- ----
Betsy is busy about dinner and don
wish to hinder her. ''..| s. g.
The young lady reluctantly obeyed
however, struggling her shoulders, and
shivering as she passed from the COM
Portable parlor into the cold passage
She soon returned with the muslin, and
as she re-eiitered the room cast a look
\upon the young girl, which seemed IL
say. Nv hat business have you TO come
and disturb me in this way!'
She tossed the bundle into her mothers
lap and then returned 10 her lounge on
the sOfa.~
Here, Sarah, is one for pattern,
said Mrs. Danvers, i wish them made
just like that. Now what will you
charge me for them!' .'.'a
The young woman approached Mrs.
Danvers; and after examining the shirt a
minute or two replied, "a dollar and a
quarter ma am a
"A dollar and quarter, Sarah! Why
] never paid more than seventy-fve cents
before: you must work cheaper than tha,
il you wish me to patronize you
There is a great deal Of work upon
them, ma'am. could not make a bo-
som like that in day.
well, il makes no difference. / can
get them made for that; only sent for
you because you were recommended to
me by friend, who said it would be
charity to give you my work.
4 cannotindeed, ma am
Mrs. Danvers commenced putting up
the work, and Sarah turned towards the
door. A't
Stop moment, Sarah,' cried the 9TH
er, j don't wish to be TOO hard on you,
III give you five dollars for the half
Dozen Sta ta a'
Il can't do il, ma'am indeed; its too
low. I'll do them for six dollars.
Say five fifty; that is actually the
most / will give. Remember i have 4
great deal of work to do. That is a
dollar more than ever paid before.
The young girl stood few seconds as
if refecting; then said in sorowful tone
Of voice.
- IN do it, ma'am; it's too low, but I
can't see my poor mother suffer for
want Of proper nourishment. I'll take
the Shirts -.+ s.~
After the young woman had departed
Mrs. Danvers felt somewhat i'll at ease.
Need we wonder at il! Mr.. Danrers
was wealthy merchant, whose wife and
daughters scarcely had an ungratifed de.
sire. Sarah Parks supported herself
and an invalid mother solely by her
needle. Day after day did she toll in
cessently and often did the midnight
hour find her still bent over work; and
yet when all the profits were told, il
scarcely amounted TO enough to keep
soul and body together. All this was
known TO Mrs. Danvers. Is il strange
then she should feel uneasy! We think
not. While she sat reflecting, she heard
the door bell ring, and in minute or
two afterwards the Rev. Mr.. c. and
deacon J-, Of the church which she
attended. entered the parlor. + 4
n : ! y n = ~ Z. ~