The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1852-02-26
From the Boston Olive Branch. |
A STORY or REAL LIFE.

"a CIUDl VI bGhU UcHs
slt's almost time, said little Elsie, fixing
her troubled eyes upon tho old Church
clock, opposite tho window where she sat
and then turned her sharp but sckly
glance on her pale-iaced mother.
Yes, Elsie, but don't be alarmed if he
should not be HIMSELF replied the worn
boxing woman, with a heavy sigh; 'the
frgh, you took lately has injured you more
Than thousand colds. No one can harm
YOU dear; will defend you TO my den.h,
she added with determination, aud as if
speaking to herself.
4 don't care for myself m,,hcr, bit.
but when he tries to strike you, oh! how
shycr. nnd how almost hato him.
can't help i, mother, indeed can't she
quickly continued, as her mother looked
up reprovingly; Just think Of that sweet,
patient little sufferer, cripple perhaps for
le how pale and helpless he lies there,
my dear darling brother
The mother turned her head slowly, un-
I'll her two dim blue eyes rested full upon
an emaciat d child, sleeping uncasily in q
broken cradle.
Your father wss good aud kind once,
she murmurej, while a lrown gathered on
her brow at the sight, 'and now when hf
mikes ono Of his resolves, which, alas! is
in, or sho,, duration. his old nature cames
Oh, ike sunshine Poor little Henry, tina,
wa. u cruel blow given by his father.
hand; bui who is responsible she excaim
ID, suddenly starting from her seat, while
her temples and checks were crimsoned
III! had The power, not rnmshop should
sand in the city by nigh,fall.'
'Niher don't look SO angry said little
E.i' with qnivering lip.
'il frlisc me- replied the woman
Stopping and kissing the blueish forehead
ot her child, .but when think Of what he
hs been, of wha, he might have been
The door was pushed violently open and
girl cf some fifteen summers burst into
the room Her face was lighted up and
her eyes shone like two brillianis, as she
exclaimed with vehemence 'oh! mother
mother, can YOU imagine what news | have
for yous 1t is SO good, SD glorious; the
new liquor law has passed, and they say
that in one week not a glass OF intoxica
ting drinks can be had Tor love or money
felt so delighted when heard it, she
continued, as the tears struggled with her
smiles, q left the shop on the instant, and
hurried home to tell you. Now must be
back again; il is worth thousand dollars
to see that smile on your face,' and she
hupriaJ ~ IL tho
The drunkard's wife sat down dreamily
She could hardly bring her mind to realize
the truth Of what she had heard ;presently
that consumptive child at her side pressed
,heirombling hand Of her mother, and in
sweet but faltcring tones uttered the sim
pie sentence, God is good MOTHER
Instantly rising, the poor woman laid
aside her work, and hurrying to her little
narrow room adjoining, she fell upon her
knees, completely overpowercd by her
emo'ion An hour passed before she re-
lnined her sick children. That hour had
been spent in prayers and tears, prayers
Of thanksgiving and tears Of joy.
With more cheerful hear, than she had
known tor many years, she hurried abou,
her work. !. was impossible to make the
room neater, for tho most battered furni.
lure shone with cleanliness, but che wen,
ou' herself and purchased some luxuries,
such as none but Elsio had enjoyed fol
many day, and drawing the table to tho
middle OF the floor, she set il out with all
Inc ware that her closet contained. Elsie
looked on pleased and happy, only asking
her ,nothor if sho thought that her father
would be home to supper.
u know he will,' was the firm answer.
When tho two little boys came from
school, toward evening, they crept around
ue table, peeping at the pie and asking al
o''s OF questions whether that was really
'ea that stood Oh the stove, and If they
night have butter on their bread? ant
"hen they were assured that they might
.ney moved around the room on tip.toc, fol
.ear of disturbing their sick brother, talk
ing 70 each other with the delighted CLAN
ces OF their intelligent faces.
AT dark the eldest daughter returned
ana with beautiful smile she said, Moth
er' saw father at the corner Of the stree,
una what do you think? he had lobster
~ MS hand for supper, and he was as SO
pef as he could be. He didn't notice me
pu' heard him say with laugh, that i
ne couldn't get liquor in Portland, be wa.
sure ne shouldn't 60 out Of tho way for it
ana the man he was talking with, mother
was Mr., L., who is so opposed to the run
,'"ops. y! II does seem as it we should bt
MI'ppy once more. And how nice every
"'ns looks-not nicer than usual sht