The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-03-30
But to the little on 90 10 u

Dut 70 the little on es, as to Others, tber
was the same cold uniformity of manner
want OF that endearing tenderness whicl
iorms 80 close tie between mother an,
child. Their health, and the cultiyatio,
OF their minds, were never neglected. bu
the education of the heart remained un
cared tor, and the spot which should hav
oloomed with good and true affection, wa
but wilderness of weeds.
The two eldest children were PROMISING
boys OF seven and nine years old. Full
OF health, and buoyant, although constant
~ rePressed spirits, they thoug ght not anc
cared not for aught save the supply 0
thelr bodily wants; but with the thirc
child, the gentle Eva, it was far otherwise
From Infancy her little frame had been $,
frail and delicate, that it seemed as if the
spirit was constantly struggling to leav,
It's earthly tenement; but her fifth yea,
was rapidly approaching, and still she
fingered blessed minister of love in thai
cheerless home.
How wistfully she gazed upon the moth.
er's face as she unweariedly performed
the many little offices necessary for her
comfort but ever with that same frigid
unchanglng manner. How earnestly she
longed for that manifestation Of tenderness
which she had never left. Even the stern
father spoke to her in gentler and more
suodued tones than was his wont, and
would sometimes stroke the silky hair
from her white forehead, and call her his
'poor child"
But it was the fondness of n mothers
love for which the little one yearned.
and with unerring instinct she fel; that
beneath that calm and cold exterior. the
waters OF the fountain were still gushing.
Once, when after day of restless pain
she had sunk into an uneasy slumber, she
was aroused by the fervent pressure of
that mothers kindness, and through her
half-opening eyelids she perceived the tears
which were flowing over her pale face.
In an instant the arms of the atfectionate
soft voice whispered =
dearest mother, do you not love your
little Eval"
But all emotion was instantly repressed
and quietly as ever came the answer
Certainly, my child, love you ALL
But lie down now, and take some rest
You have been dreaming"
"Twas such a happy dream" murmurel
the patient little sufferer, as obedient to
her mothers words she again closed her
eyes, and lay motionless upon her pillow.
Once more she slept, and sweet smiled
beamed upon her countenance, and her
lips moved as if about to speak. The
watchful mother bent over her.
kiss me again, dear mother" lsped
the slumberer. "Call me , our dear lit
tie Eva"
None could tell the workings of that
stricken heart as hour after hour the
mother watched by her sleeping child;
but the dawn Of morning found her still
the same; statue-like as marble, that once
speaking face reflected not the fires with
in.
Day after day passed on, and it was
evident that the spirit Of the innocet child
would soon rejoice in its heavenly home.
She could no longer raise her wasted
little form from the bed of pain, but still
her deep blue eyes gazed lovingly upon
those around her, and her soft voice spoke
of patience and submission.
The last hour drew near, and the little
sufferer lay in her mothers arms. The
destroyer claimed but the frail earthly
covering, and even now the immortal soul
shone forth in its heavenly brightness.
Am | not going to my Father in
Heavenl" she whispered, as she gazed
earnestly upon her mothers face.
YES, dearest, yes" was the almost in
audible reply.
"And will :hO good angels watch over
NE, and be TO me az a motheri" again
asked the child.
"Far, far better than any earthly
parent my dear one"
A radiant smile illumined the counten
ance Of the dying child. The fond word.
OF her mother were sweet music to hel
ear.
The father approached, and bent ovel
her.
my little Eva," he whispered, twill
you not speak to met"
II love you, dear father" was the earnest
answer, "and when l am in Heaven
will pray for you and for my poor mother"
and again those speaking eyes were rivet.
ted upon the mothers face, as il she would
read her inmost griefs.
The physician entered, and, in the vain
hope Of prolonging life, judged it necessary
to make some external applications to re.
lieve the difficulty Of breathing, which
was fast increasing. The pain was borne
without murmur.
DO l not try to be patient, motherl'
whispered that little voice.
ayes. darling, you are dear, patient
good little girl"
An expression Of happiness, amounting
almost TO rapture, beamed in Eya's face
at these words OF unqualified praise.
| @Oh. motherl dear, dear mother, rsh,
exclaimed, "will you not always call you
litsle Eve your clear, good, little glrli Oh
WIZ ny to be so very good IL you will
~ heart Is so glad now" and with III.
strength proddced by the sudden excite
ment she clasped her feeble arms abou
her mothePs neck