The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1853-05-05
Select q al4.
From the Boston Olive Branch.
01TV 17V'707II OIET0
A PAGE FROM A WOMAN'S HEART |;
Or Female HerOiSm.

From the Boston Olive Branch,
A PAGE FROM A WOMAN'S HEART
Or Female HerOism.
How did you come in possession o
this? said young man, directing the
pawn-broker's attention to a small ruby
pin in the show case
THAT? oh that was brought here last
night by prettyish young woman, who
seemed to be in a great Austcr about the
money, and so l bought it of her.
How did she look? Had she blue
eyes? Was she tall and slender?
Lord bless your SOUL said the pawn
broker, | has hundreds of 'em in here
every day; | never looks at 'em, She
was a broken-down lady, ] reckon
Somebody said she lived up that court
yonder Like to redeem the brooch SIR?
Yes, certainly said Ernest; and pay
ing the extortioner five times whathe had
given for it, he deposited it in his vest
pocket.
Good God that Agnes karin should
come to this was his tirstexclaimation on
reaching the street. THAT brooch which
I've seen sparkle on her snowy neck
thousand of times, when could have
willingly kissed the very ground her little
feet trod upon; Agnesiu a pawn-brokers
shop?' and he reeled and learned for sup
port against a jutting wall of the old bull
ding. Just then little girl tripped past,
and striking her foot against the kerbstone
fell heavily against him. Earnest raised
her in a moment, and kissing her little in
nocent face, was about releasing her, when
the thought struck him that she might as
sist him in his search for Agnes.
Where do you live, pretty one " said
he, looking in her bright blue eyes.
Il can't tell,' said the child, blushing
my mamma bid me not talk to strangers.
Won't you please to put me down sir"
yes, coartainly,' said Earnest, as he
saw her little lip begin to quiycr, only
tell me your name first
Il can't tell, said she again, with wo-
manly decision that would have amused
him at any other time, So, putting her
gently down upon the pavement he pre-
pared to follow her at distance, There
was something in the expression of her
face that interested him that reminded
him of one he had loved, oh how deeply!
And then he counted the weary years that
had interviewed since her marriage. Yes
it must be her child.
On she went, little Minnie, turning COR
ner after corner, with the speed of an an
telope, then disappeared up the small
dngy court, into the doorway of small,
black house, never once turning her grace
full little head,
Ernest followed; she opened small
door, and forgetting in her haste to close
it after her, he heard her say, (almost
breathless from speed and agitation, Il
didn't tell, mamma; didn'ttell; the gen
tleman asked me my name, and where |
lived, but kiss me, mamma, } certainly
didn't tell him.
Dear child said her mother, as she
gave her kiss.
That voice there was but one in the
wide world that could SO thrill him.
'Oh, mamma here heis, said Minnie,
as she tried to close the door. . GER
tainly didn't tell him, and she began to
sob most piteously.
Agnes + 'ErnestP They were SIM
pie words to convey so much meaning
Your husband, Agnes, is he dead?-
Why do find you here"
She shook her head and turned pale.
What then?' said Ernest, drawing
himself up, as if he was already called
upon to protect her.
Dead, to me = said Agnes, in low
voice.
Ernest took from his pocket a small
brooch. You must have suffered much
ere you would have parted with this, Ag-
mes. 1t has told me silent tale of mise
ry that | will not pain your heart to echo
/ ask you not of him. 1t lis enough for
me that he is living, while you arc suffer-
ing here. will not curse him in your
presence but, Agnes, you must give me
the right of an old friend to care for you;
you must leave this wretched place; : and
he looked first at her, then at the misera-
bic surroundings.
Your father, Agnes, docs not know of
this ? Is money still his god p
Agnes replied only by her tears.
TELL me! how have you lived 2 said
Ernest.
She pointed to a small escretoirc in the
corner of the room.
sSIow Starvation = said he, contcmp-
tuously. ''rhis is folly, Agnes just
look at your position deserted from ay,-
aricious motives by those who would raj
lay around you in your hour OF trlah
wasting your youth and health in hqmb-
ling yourself for employment to those
who can neither understand your position
nor appreciate yourself. Agnes, give
me, iii | may claim SO dear title a