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

symptoms of a sudden and violent cold. and be-
fore night was 50 exceedingly feverish that her
father judged it best to call a physician.
"Can you account for the attack" he asked,
as he felt the pulse of his little patient and lis
tened to her short and labored respiration.
"They returned from school in the rain !,
answered Mr.. Williams, 'and must have taken
cold"
"Her feet got very wet" added Mary, who
was standing by the bed, looking sorrowful at
her sister. "Her shoes are very thin, indeed,
not like my nice thick ones which keep out all
the water.''.
Mr.. Williams looked inquiringly at his wife,
but her face was turned from his observation.
"Nothing worse than damp feet, at this sea-
son, particularly" remarked the physician, as
he wrote prescription, and promised to call
at an early hour in the morning.
The mother passed an anxious night at the
bedside Of the restless child. She felt fearful
that regular course of fever must follow, and
the opinion of the physician at his next visit
confirmed her apprehensions. Several days
elapsed before the little invalid showed any
signs of recovery, and then her feeble frame
had received such shock that it was evident
that unceasing care would be necessary through
the winter
''How soon can 60 to school again, papa1"
she asked, as her father stood by her bedside,
on his return home, one evening.
'Not for good while, fear, my child, :"
was the reply. "We must try and make you
happy at home, for it will be long before you
can bear exposure. By the way, Lucy" he
continued, addressing his wife, show did it
happen that you did not buy thick shoes for
both the children! understood you that the
money gave you was.sufficient for all need
ful purchases"
Mrs. Williams blushed, but frankly re-
piled
"And so it was, Henry, had | appropriated
it as we intended. meant to have told you
all about it long ago, but this sickness has pre-
vented. Let Mary sit by Ellen, and amuse
her for few minutes, and will explain it to
you."
Mr.. Williams listened with attention to his
wife's experience.
at will, I hope, be useful lesson to me, I"
she added in conclusion. 81 am now fully
convinced that Mrs. Evans is right, and that
in order to be truly charitable we must first re-
gard the interests Of those whom Providence
has placed peculiarly under our care"
''That is undoubtedly true,'' replied the
husband. ssAnother time you will be better
able to withstand the persuasions Of the char
liable ladies who in perfect ignorance of the
circumstances of those to whom they apply, of
ten enforce their claims in manner exceed
ingly annoying. But the little debt to Alice
has it yet been dischargedl'
81 am grieved to say that it has not. FL
lens illness has put everything else out of my
mind. hope the poor girl has not suffered
from the want of such trifing sum-
''It may not be trifing to her, Lucy. Give
me the number, and l will go at once and set
tie it,
A short walk brought Mr.. Williams to the
door of the comfortless dwelling, one room of
which was occupied by Alice and her mother.
His knock was answered by tidy-looking
woman, who directed him to their apartment,
saying, as she did so,-
"The poor woman is very low, sir. fear
she has not many days to live"
The inner door was opened by Alice, her
self, who Immediately recognized MIR. Will
Jams, whom she had seen several times when
at work at his house.
"Walk in, SIR" she said, in faltering
voice; "my mother is very i'll, and | cannot
leave her moment"
The appearance of the apartment bespoke
extreme poverty, although there was an air of
neatness which rendered it attractive. The
sick woman lay on bed in one corner, but
her eyes were closed, and she did not seem to
notice that any one had entered.
"Has your mother been long lll!' asked Mr.
Williams, in low voice
"For many months, sir, but for the last ten
days she has failed rapidly"
"And are you not in need, my good girl |
called to pay the dollar which has been too long
due, but in your present situation, other relief
is necessary, for you have no longer leisure to
attend to your usual employment"
Alice burst into tears. ''Indeed, sir, T" she
sobbed out, ssthe dollar will do much for our
comfort. The last bit of fuel which have in
the world is on the fire, and know not where
to procure the means to purchase more. But
we have never vet beer reduced to asking char
ity."
''Nevertheless, you must allow others to
make you comfortable, now that you are una
Bile to provide for yourselves" was the reply
"My own means are limited, but will do what
| can, and there are others who will do more.
Sickness in our own family must excuse Mrs.
Williams for her neglect in not sending you
the money as she promised. Make yourself
quite easy as'to fuel. 1t shall be sent you i'm
mediately, and if you like | will request my
own physician to attend your mother"
ssBless you for your Kindness" replied the
sobbing girl. "It is hard to be friendless and
alone, . and with grateful heart she saw Mr..
Williams depart on his benevolent errand.
Ere the usual hour for retiring to rest, she
was in possession of more comforts than she
had known for long time, and all fears, lest
her diving mother should suffer from causes