Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1854-03-07
"Betler than diamonds "

"'NN' w bV 'Vy' ~ FNdS COIu
winters day. There had been rain,
and although the sun had boon shining
brightly, yet the long iciclcs hung down
from the caves Of the houses, and the
wheels rumbled loudly as they passed
over tho ground. There was clear
bright look, and cold north weston
wind IhA quickcncd every step. Jus.
then little child came running along,
n poor, illclad chId--her clothes were
scant and lhrcadbarc; she had no cloak
nor shawl, and the lido bnrc feet look :.
ed rel and suffering. She could not
have been more Than eight years old.
She carried bundle in her hand. poor
little shivering child. ], evan I, who
could do nothing else. pilicd her. AS
she passed her feet slipped upon The ice,
and she fell with o cry Of pain, she held
her bundle tightly in her hand, and
Jumped up, and although she imped
sadly, attempted TO run on MS before.
stop, little girl, siop,' said q sweet
voice, and lady in huge shawl. with
lnrs all around her, came out of Jew.
elry store close by. Poor little chlldr
she said, 'afe you hurry "Sit down on
this step and tell me- How loved her,
how beautiful she looked! 'Oh can.
not said the child, 4 cannot wait-l
am in such hurry. have been TO the
shoemhker's, and mother must finish
this work TO night, or she will never
get any more shoes to bind TO night, ;
said the beautiful woman, 'to.night!'-
'Yes, said the child, for the strangers S
kind manner made her bold 'ycs for the
grea: ball tonight, and these satin slip.
pers must be spangIeI and
The Beautiful woman took the bun.
die from the child's hand and unrolled
It. You do not know why her face
flushed, and then turned pale. I,ycs |,
looked in the bundle, and on the inside
OF a slipper saw name---a lady's name
but shall not tell il.
and where does your mother live,
little girl
The child toll! where, an | then she told
her that her father was dead, and that
her mother bound shoes that they might
have bread, but that sometimes they
were very cold. and that her mother
sometimes criel because she had no
money to buy milk for her little sick
brother. And then | saw that the lady's
eyes we've full Of tears, and rolled up
the bundle quickly, and gave it 10 the
little girl, but she gave her nothing
eise-no, not even sixpcncc, and tur.
ming away went into the store from
which she had come out. And as she
went away, saw the glitter OF a dla.
mond pin. Prescntli she came back
nnl stepped into handsome carriage,
and rolled of. The little girl looked
after her moment, and then with her
little bare feet colder than before, ran
quickly away. | went with the little
girl, and saw her go to narrow damp
street, an into small dark room, and
l saw her moher-her sad faded mother,
but with face so sweet, so patient,
hushing sick baby. And the baby
slept, the bundle was unrolled; dim
candle helped her with her work, for,
though il was not night, tie room was
very dark.
Then, after while she kissed her lit.
tie girl, and bid her warm her frozen
feet over tho scanty fire in the CRATE;
and gave her little piece of bread. for
she had no more; and then she heard
her say ler evening payer; and fold.
ing her to her bosom, blessed her, and
told her that the angels would take care
of her. And the little child slept and
'reamed-oh! such pleasant dreams-ofI
warm stockings, and new shoes-but
the mother sewcd on alone. And, as
the bright spangles slttcred on the satin
slipper, came there no repinings in her
heart! When she thought of her child's
cold bare feet, and Of the scant morsel
of dry bread, which had not satisfied
her hunger. came there no visions Of
bright room and gorgeous clothing, and
ola table loaded with all that is goo
and nice, and little portion Of which
spared TO her, would send warmth and
comfort to her humble dwelling!
llsuch came, and others---of pleas.
ant cottage home--of one who had dear.
|y loved her, and whose strong arm had
kept want and trouble from her and her
babes, but who would never come back
again--if these thoughts did come re.
piningly. there came also another; and
he widows hands were clasped, and
read bowed low in deep contrition, as
heard her say, "Father forgive me for
hou doest all things we'll, and / will
rust in thee" Just then the door open.
ID softly, and some one entered. Was
t an angel? Her dress was 6fsspo.less
white, and she moved with noiseless
tep. She went to the bed where the
leeping child lay, and covered it with
oft warm blankets. Then presently
ire sparkled and blazed there, such as
he little old CRATE had never known be.
ore. Then a huge loaf was upon the
able, and fresh milk for the sick babe.
then she passed gently before the moth.
r, and drawing the unfinished slipper
rom her hand, and placing there a
urse Of gold, said in voice. like mu.
ic, "Bless thy God, who is the God of
he latherless and the widow,'--she was
one; but as she went out heard her
ay, "better than diamonds! What
ould she mean? | looked at the moth.
r. With clasped hands and streaming
yes she blessed God who had sent nm