The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1853-05-26

llOn OF the heaFt renamed nncared for
and the spot which should have bloom
ed with good and true affection, was
but wilderness of weeds.
The two eldest children were promi.
sing boys of seven and nine years old
Full of health, and buoyant, although
constantly repressed spirits, thought
not and cared not for aught save the
supply Of their bodily wants; but with
the third child, the gentle Eva, it was
far otherwise. From infancy her lit
tie frame had been so frail and delicate,
that it seemed as if the spirit was con-
stantly struggling to leave its earthly
tenement; but her fifth year was rap
idly approaching, and still she fingered
a blessed minister of love in that cheer
less home.
How wistfully she gazed upon the
mothers face as she unweariedly per-
formed the many little offices necessary
for her comfort, but ever with tnat same
frigid, unchanging manner. How earn
estly she longed for that manifestation
of tenderness which she had never
felt. Even the stern father spoke 10
her in gentler and more subdued tones
than was his won't, aud would some
times stroke the silky hair from her
white forehead, and call her his : poor
child"
But it was the fondness of a mothers
love for which the little one yeared.
and with unerring instinct she fell that
beneath that calm and cold exterior.
the waters of the fountain were still
gushing. Once, when after a day of
restless pain she had sunk into an un-
easy slumber, she was aroused by the
fervent pressure of that mothers kiss,
and through her half opening eyelids
she perceived the tears which were
flowing over her pale face. in an in-
stant the arms of the afectionate child
were clasped about her neck, and the
soft voice whispered,-
Dearest mother, do you not love
your little Eva
Bnt all emotion was Instantly re-
pressed. 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 happy dream," mur-
INJURED the patient little sufferer, as obe-
dient to her mothers words she again
closed her eyes, and lay moiionless up
on her pillow. Once more she slept,
and sweet smile beamed upon her
countenance, and her ips moved as if
about TO speak. The watchful mother
bent over her.
kiss me again, dear mother" lisped
the slumberer. "Call me your dear
little 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. tha,
once speaking face reflected not the
fires within
Day after day passed on, and it was
evident that the spirit of the innocent
child would soon rejoice in its heav-
emily 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
soul shone forth it Its heaven
ly brightness.
Am not going TO my Father in
Heaven :" she whispered, as she gazed
earnestly upon her mother face.
Eyes. dearest, yes" was the almost
inaudible reply.
"And will the good angels watch
oyer me, and be to me as mother 2"
again asked the child.
Far, far better than any earthly
parent, my dear one.n
A radiant smile illumined the coun-
tenance of the dying child. The fond
words of her mother were sweet music
10 her ear.
The father approached, and bent
over her.
My little Eva" he whispered, "will
you not speak to me l'
81 love you, dear father" was the
earnest answer, and when | am in
Heaven | will pray for you, and for my
poor mother; and again those speaking
eyes were riveted upon the mothers
face, as if she would read her inmost
griefs.
The physician entered. and, in the
vain hope of proIonging life, judged it
necessary to make some external ap-
plications to relieve the difficulty of
which was fast increasing.
The pain was borne without murmur.
/" Do not try to be patient, mother %
that little voice.
"Yes. darling, yon are dear, patient,
good little girl"
An expression of happiness, amount
ng almost to rapture, beamed in Eva's
ace, at these words Of unqualified
praise.
"Oh, mother! dear, dear mother,"
,he exclaimed, "will yon not always
sail your little Eva your dear, good, lit
lie girl2 oh, I will try to be so very
good if you will. My heart is so glad