The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-02-19

"UO nome, CnaileS, sne at leHStn
said, "and tell your mother that will
come and see her tonight. Something
must be don, to prevent this man Fl ON
distressing her."
The boy turned and walked quickly
away. His step was much lighter than 1t
was when he came 10 school, for now there
was hope again in his young heart.
The night that succe 'ded to this day
was very cold. The wind swept round 10
the north east towards evening and brought
a heavy snow storm, that thlnned the
streets of passengers. After an early tea'
the youny 2 teacher, with two dollars IN her
pocket. one received from the principal of
tbe school, anil the other her own con-
tribution, set forth on the errand Of mercy
sh had p opposed to herself, which was to
obtain from such persons as she knew, and
felt free to call upon, sum sufficient to
nav tn, widows rent Une or two upon
whom shc called, declined giving anything,
saying that if the woman were not able to
pay her rent, she had better go, with her
children, to the aims house, where she and
thy would b, w.ll taken care Of. They
disapproved, from principle, Of private
charity-it did more harm than good.
Others gave her small sums, such as quar-
ter and half dollarS-and one poor widow
put in dollar from her little store
Thos. who were most able gave the least.
1t was past nine O'Clock bef.rc the sum
need d was made up.
With light heart the noble-mind d
young gil started for the humbls abode
of the distressed widow. On her way
thi'her, bending IN the fierce gusts Of wind
and snow, she passed the splendid dwell
ing of Benedict Percival, Esq, the b2nev.
olent merchant Tie sat in his luxurinu,
parlor, with his fanily a ound him, musin
upon the act that had for SOM days en-
gross ID most Of his thoughts, more thai
half inclined TO think that the public di,
not fully appreciate what he had done
and in an incipicnt state of repentance 10,
having thrown such large sum OF none,
away, when a thousand dollars would hav,
done just as well while the young cir
hurried by in the storm, her heart al cad
receiving the rich reward that true bener
olance is sure to bring-a reward incom
parably great than thai comes as tn
result of deeds Of charity, no matter no,
munifc mt, d ne for the praise of men,
Usually, Cha les retired early; hu
this evening he sat up hopefully awailin
the coming Of his teacher Since sever
o'clock, he had eager listened TO tb
sound OF every approaching footstcp, an
often and often had his Young heart grow
almost sick with disappointment.
Hadn't you batter 20 to BID Charles ,
said the mother, loug before nine o'olock
s. 1t is too stormy ftr your teacher to COM
out. am sure she will pot be here"
"Oh, yes she will know she vii
come" replied the boy. And thus il
answered, every time his mother go
him TO 90 BED
Time had stolen on until it was near
ten o'clock. The wind roored without
an thr snow rushed against the windows
The widow looked up from hel wo k, and
was about repeating her request tha
Charles would 90 to bed, when she OBJ
served that he had fallen asleep in hi>
chair. Her heat was touched as she
look ID at the unconsciou ! o., and though
of the share in her troubles that he had
voluntarily assumed. While her eye.
still rested upon him, there came low
rap at the door. On opening it, youn.
and slender gil stepped in a few PAGES
AMI saying as she did So
"I promised your little boy that
would call and see you to night. I though
to have been earlier, but couldn't g.
around sooner II 'aven has sent yo,
TIN ough me mon'y enough to pay you
rent to morrow. Here it is" She hand
ed the wi low small package Of money
" 1t comes from thos, who have heart
to feel for others"
Then partly turning away, a7d befor
tn woman hal time to say anything, sh
adj d.
"It it late, and I must hurry home
NJ ther will be un 'asy at my staying s
long away. Good night. Charles, see
has fall.n asl,ap, but h. will know l hav
been here. Good night !"