The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-03-02

vailed, but oh when at one time a silver
medal was awarded me, though it was in
differently presented, my heart bounded
with JOY as witnessed the joyful tears of
my mother, and / forgot the cruel remark
ofone Of the scholars that l had much
better sell it and buy decent dress, and
for the future remain at home to do slop-
work for my mother"
The remark OF the time had been in
dignantly reproved by Helen Il,
the daughter Of a celebrated lawyer in the
city. She had invariably hecn kind to
me, and had ever seemed to rejoice at my
progress. Often had she chosen me for
her companion, although she was some
what my senior, and grateful did feel for
her sympathy. was happy that there
was one who could appreciate my feelings,
and thought not the worse of me from be-
ing poor.
Once week We wrote compositions, and
were obliged to read our productions alond
before the school. 1t was hard task for
those Of us who were timid, but there was
no appeal, and much easier conld COM
pose, than read aloud what had compos-
ed. Indeed loved to write, and many
An hour did spend in writing illusions,
which none but my mother ever saw.
One evening l had prepared long
composition for the next day, and was rea-
ding it to my mother, when my father en-
tered. My mother had two hours before
given him the last money she had earned,
to purchase some necessary articles, and
had each moment been expecting him back
with them. Fora Ripe he had been
quite steady, bu nor fcShe now entered.
his flushed face As 9ibppld Wy gate told too
truly that he had sgani Returned to his old
habits. lie seemed unusually irritable,
and staggering toward me he snatched the
paper from my hand exclaiming:-
Come, enough Of this mummcry, why
don't you go 10 work, girl l have sup
ported you long enough in idlcncss. Go
to work l say !" and as lie said this, he
threw my composition into our scanty fire.
Involuntarily sprang forward &c save
1t, bu: with an oath (and here Mrs. N's
voice quivcred with cno,ion,) he struck
me blow on the forehead, which fclled
me to the floor. Mary, Inevcr can forget
tho cry, the piercing scream with which
my mother sprang forward towards me,
and when l recovered, for was somewhat
stunned, found her weeping bitterly over
me. 1t was the first time my father ever
struck rH6, and il almost broke my heart
but not tear could shed-my grief was
too great for tears at that time, and for
my poor mothers sako tried to appear
composed, but oh, the agony endured
that long sleepless night
arose in the morning with an aching
head, and my forehead swollen and discol-
orsd. l had used the last sheet Of paper
in the house to write my composition up
on, and not cent had to buy more
Ny teacher was much displeased when We
omitted writing, and very unwillingly had
he once accepted an excuse from me, when
| had from necessity not been prepared
What excuse could now offer but as
| dreaded TO attend school without nv
composition, could not endure to remain
at home and meet the sad, fearful gaze of
my poor mother. wished her not to
know the throbbing pain Of my temples,
or the bursting agony Of my heart.
When At school, it came my turn to
read composition. With scarcely auda-
ble voice asked to be excused, pleading
that did not feel well. Mr.. c. ex-
cused Inc ffom reading, but babe me car
~ my composition to his desk.
told him had none, and hoped he
would excuse me for that time.
Why did you delay writing until to-
day !"
Ny confusion was apparent. for hard
iy knew what to cay, but finally an
swered--
wrote one sir, but it was DESTROYED,
and do not feel able to write t again to-
day"
saw that Mr.. C was displeascd,
for he WAS very strict in the rules of his
school. lie replied
have already excused you twice, re-
Gently, and until you can present better
reason for your omission, you are suspend.
ed from your studies"
He resumed his duties, whilst I, Mary.
sat for know not how long, like one
stunned. felt that / was, for the first
time, disgraced in school. saw the ma
licious smiles Of my schoolmates. I grew
dizzy with the pain in my head, burning,
gnawing at my very heart-stiings was the
thought, my teacher doubts my truth
he thinks have tried to deceive him -
and that TO me was disgrace indeed. Un-
consciously ! took bit Of paper, and a.
swiftly rs the thoughts rushed through
my aching brain, I traced these words.-
1t was but childish effusion, Mary, but
remember it now -
Oh ask me not the reason why,
cannot, must not, speak the truth,
Nor would dare to tell lie,
But yet INERT not reprooE
Seest not the wound within my heart
Know not the shrine upon my brow,
Thy singers but another dart,
To pierce the wound that's blccding
now. h.s y oe
les not enough that I must bear.
From all around contempt and scorn.