The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-09-28
Helen Lees "Happy New Year,
BY FANNY FERN.


On. There's nothing in this endless fashionable
routine of dressing, dancing, and visiting that can
satisfy me. Hearts enough are laid at my feet,
but owe them all TO the accidents of wealth and
position. The world seems all emptiness to me.
There must be something beyond this, else why
this ceaseess reaching of the soul for some unseen
goodl Why do the silent voices of nature SO thrill
me! Why do the holy stars with their burning
Eyes utter such silent reproaches! Have moth
ing to do but amuse myself with toys like child
Shall live only for myself? Daes not the sun that
rises upon my luxury, shine also upon the tear
stained face of sorrow! Are there not slender feet
stumbling YEARLY in rugged lonely paths :? Why
is mine flower -bestrewn How am RI
Whose sorrowful heart have lightened! What
word of comfort has fallen from my lips the ear
of the grief stricken? What AMI here for? Whai
| is my mission -=
And you have only this wretched place to nurse
that sick child in!' said Helen; .and five lesser ones
TO care fort Will you trust that sick child with
| me?'
She is not long for this world, my lady; and i
love her as well as though bad but one some
times I've thoughtthe care for her, the clo-
my heart c!ings to her. she is very patient and
sweet zs -.s--e. =-
Yes, L know" said Helen; 'but have it in my
power TO make her SO much more comfortable -
1t may preserve, or at least strengthen her lfe.'
When little Mary opened her eyes the next
morning, she half believed herself in fairy land -
Soft feecy curtains were looped above her head
hsr little emaciated hand rested upon siken COW
erlid gilded table stood by her bed side, the little
c Ip from wi ich her lips te vas
bright silver, and sweet face bending over
b r, shaded by cloud of golden hair, that fell like
a glory about her head.
Where am IT, said the child passing her little
hand across her bewidered brain.
Helen smiled. You are my little bird now, dear.
How do you like your cage?
1T is very, rery pretty, said Mary, with child
sh delight; 'but won't you get tired Of waiting up
on poor sick girl? Mamma was used TO it. You
don't look as if you could work.
Don't 1 ? said Helen, with slight blush; for
all that you'll see how nicely can take care Of
you, little I'll sing TO you; Ill tell you pret-
| ty stories; and when you weary ofyour couch,
I'll fold you in my arms, and rock you gently to
sleep. And when you get better AMI stronger
you shall have so many nice toys to play with. and
I'll crown your bright head with pretty flowers
and make you nice dresses; aud now I'm going to
read to you; Betty has been out, and bought you a
little fairy story about wonderful puss and here's
Little Timothy 1fr; which will you bavel'
Mamma used to read to me out of the Bible,
said little Mary as her long ashes swept her cheek
Helen started bright crimson flush passed
over her face, and bending low, she kissed the
child's forehead reVerentally.
About the crucifxion please said Mary, as Hell
en- seated herself by her side.
That Holy Book Helen felt as though hen
hands were 'unclran.' She began to read; perhaps
the print might hvae been clear; butshe stopped
often and drew her small hand across her eyes
| Her voice grew tremuious. Years of worldues
had come between her and that sud touching story
1t came upon her now with startling Erce an,
freshness. Earth, with all its peurils cares an,
pleasures dwindled TO a point Oh, what cross
had her shoulders borne! What crown of thorns
had pierced her brows7 How had her careless
feet turned aside from the footsteps of Calvary
meek Sulferer?s
Thank YOU said little Mary, r"us"g Heief
from her reyerie; .namma used 10 pray to God to
make me patient and take me 70 heaVen'
Tears started to her eyes. How could she tel
that sinless little one she @n''c not hotc 4" pray
All! she was the pupil, Mary the teacher! Lay
ing her cheek to hers she said in soft whisper
PRAY for us both, dear Mary
j With sweet, touching simple elcquenoe that lit
tie s;lvery voice floated on the all! The little
ciated hand upon which Heen's face pressed
was wet with d --h"lIy tea $! Oh. this wa
what that restless soul had crnved Here ut th,
Cross, that wo II fettered spirit should plum i,se
Tor an angels ceaseiess flight. Aye and u flil
child ied her here.
Adolph Grey wandered stIessly through this
. brilliant ball room. There were sweet voichs an