Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-07-07

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solved that the intruder should at least see
that she was intending to go out.
But the present guest was of too distin
gulshed character to be passed lightly by
No member Of the circle in which Mrs. Will
llams moved, was more thought of than Mrs
Ackerman. For piety, benevolence, and a
host of Christian virtues, she was esteemed
unequalled, and with cordial welcome, Mrs
Williams led the way to the parlor. "But
fear | interrupted you. Were you not going
out.'' asked the visitor, as she accepted the
rocking-chair which her friend drew forward
for her convenience.
"Only to the shoemaker's. l can GO by
and by. am delighted to see you. Will
you not take off your hat and pass the day.''
"No, l thank you. came on business this
morning, and as l have several calls to make.
we can walk along together. But first let me
beg you to put your name to this subscription
for foreign missions. You recollect that the
ladies of our church have just formed a new
society to raise finds for the instruction of the
poor heather. regard it as a peculiarly
Christian work to which all should devote
themselves, even if it involve self-denial and a
REIMBURSEMENT of some of the luxuries OF
| life.''
"Certainly; | agree with you fully" was
the reply. "But just now, it is quite out OF
my power to contribute anything. The small
sum which have by me is already appropri-
ated to necessary purchases
81 do not wish to constitute myself Judge
of your affairs" answered Mrs Ackerman;
''but before you give decided refusal, must
entreat you, as a true friend, to reconsider the
purchases which you are about to make, and
if there is any one article of creature comforts
which can be dispensed with, to appropriate a
part Of your funds to this great cause.-The
salvation Of human souls"
''It is indeed great cause" returned Mrs.
Williams, thoughtfully, ''but really" and
here she paused, and once more counted the
cost Of shoes, flannel and sempstress' BILL
There was no surplus remaining, but perhaps
the last item might be delayed. 1t was not
absolutely necessary to pay the young girl
Immediately. Possibly she would not call for
the money for another week. 1t was really
impossible to refuse such a woman as Mrs
Ackerman, who was so charitably devoting
herself u d glorious work
So after little hesitation, another dollar
was drawn from the five, and the name of Lu-
cy Williams swelled the list which was tri-
umphantly placed before her.
This done, the two ladies', arm in arm, pro-
ceeded through the busy streets.
''My next call must be on Mrs. Evans" re-
marked Mrs. Ackerman. ''It is right on our
way. Do step in with me. 1t will detain
you but few moments"
With slight feeling Of curiosity as to how
Mrs. Evans would meet this second claim up
on her charity, Mrs. Williams assented.
A neatly-dressed, bright-eyed little girl
showed them into a pleasant room, where they
were not long kept in waiting. With a
friendly greeting, Mrs. Evans advanced to
meet them, her countenance beaming with
such genuine kindness and good feeling, that
no one could suspect her of want of benevo-
lence.
A few general observations passed, and
Mrs. Ackerman proceeded to state the object
of her visit A gentle but decided refusal
was the reply. Persuasive arguments or hints
at lack of charity were useless; but perceiv-
ing the unfavorable impression which she had
made upon her guests, and respecting the
motives by which they were actuated, Mrs
Evans was about to add a few explanatory
words, when another visitor was announced.
A pleasant looking young lady entered, and
uttered an exclamation of pleasure at finding
Mrs. Ackerman and Mrs. Williams seated
with Mrs. Evans.
''It will save me such long walk" she
said; "for you must know that | am on a
charitable mission this morning, and intend to
call upon you all for aid"
"Many beside yourself appear to be en-
gagged in the good cause of charity this morn
ing," replied Mrs. Evans, smiling. ''This is
the third call which have received
"Indeedl But my business must be Of .
different nature, for / am the only agent al
present have little paper here, edited by
poor blind man, as a means of gaining a
support for himself and his family. The sub
4 scription is only one dollar for the year, pay
able in advance, and you will not only have
the satisfaction of aiding most worthy fami-
ly, but you will possess work full of useful
reading, and valuable, as being conducted and
indeed mostly written by one who is entirely
deprived of sight"
Mrs. Alderman took the paper which was
offered for examination, and also the list O.
persons who had already subscribed
"You have been very successful she re
marked, as she glanced over the names. 81
have no objection to bestowing dollar upor
SO worthy an object, and if Mrs Evans will
kindly furnish me with pen and ink, / will
add my name at once"
"And the other ladies will follow your ex.
ample and do the same, hope" was the re-
ply; and again poor Mrs Williams fingered
the purse in which her little store was now
deposited, with peculiarly uneasy sensation.
The baby must have his flannel. That was
certain, and Mary's shoes were too bad; but
Ellen's might do little longer. True, they
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