Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-07-20
But where is the wOman's husband9'

|
That I do not know. He has been
gone these seven years. l knew him
when he was worth several thousand
dollars; but Yillainous partner of his
defrauded him of every cent. Poor
Robinson was almost broken hearted; he
fingered about the neighborhood for a
while, earning living as he could, but
finally resolved to 60 to sea. His wife
gave her full consent, as she was able,
with economy, to provide for herself
and children, by her needle. She did
well for while, but sickness came upon
her, and she is now very poor. Her
husband at different times sent her
money, and always wrote as though he
was doing well. But the vessel in
which he was to have returned, three
years ago, has not been heard of.
And was he drowned?' asked two
or three at once.
Il do not know continued the doc
tor, 'he may be living yet, but fear he
has perished. But, my children, Mrs.
Robinson is now poor. While you are
so cheerful and happy here in this COM
! Portable house, and this bleak, cold
night, are gathered around this warm
FIRE, think of Charley Robinson and his
mother. Charley has had no Christ
mas; there is no New Years for him;
for his father may be at the bottom of
the sea. His mother is poor, and his
little sister | fear must die. John!
Mrs. Robinson has no money to pay the
doctor Shall stay at home to-nightP
No, father exclaimed John, eager
ly, go and see her, and you may take
my half dollar
'And mine said Mary. -,r
And my cake said Ellen.
'And buy Charley rocking horse
said Willie. r-
Come children said Mrs. Warton,
James shall load the hand sled with
wood, and carry blanket and quilt
l will fill basket with something for
supper, and perhaps we can make them
comfortable
But, Johnny, why do you stand SO
still, while the others are SO busy in get
ting something for the poor family
! 4 was thinking, father replied Mas
ter Johnny, 'of what we said Just now
that our Savior aCent about doing good;
and that it would be more like Him, if
we could go as well as send. Mayn't 1
go, father?'
Certainly, my son.
And father, may l go?' asked
Mary, placing her hands in her fathers,
and giving him most beseeching look.
Its a bleak, cold night said the
doctor, most too cold for my Mary, 1
fear, ask your mother
Mrs. Warton hesitated, but it was
but for moment. She knew that
Mary could be made comfortable for a
short ride, and she was unwilling to lose
so good an opportunity for teaching her
practical charity.
And now while Mrs. Warton and the
children are filing the large basket,
and James, the hired man, is loading
the sled, and Mary and John are 4nuf-
fling themselves for the ride, we will go
to the other freside.
Far out in the suburbs, in an open
field, where the wind has full sweep
this stormy night, stands an old brown
house, which families, who cannot af-
ford to pay rent have one after another
deserted which would be tenentless now,
but Mrs. Robinson can find no other
: shelter. Within that house, little boy
, is laying the last stick upon the fire.
place, and tear is trickling down his
cheek, which he quickly wipes away; in
the corner of the room is low bed
stead, the covering of which once was
good, but though clean, is ragged and
worn now. There lay the sick girl; her
: mother, kneeling at the bedside, was
: holding in one hand those of her daugh-
, ter, and with the other was pressing her
J forehead. The wind roared without,
r and as it swept by, the drifting snow
beat against the rafting windows, and
| the Pickering fame from the hearth was
the only light in that dwelling.
She's dying, my darling is dying,
, sobbed the mother, And the boy ran
: to the bedside. He had tried to restrain
, his tears before, for fear of grievlng his
} mother; but he wept very bitterly now.
Sarah, my child, my darling she
almost shrieked, must you die now,
: and here in this cold, cold spot, and
your father never see you again? o,
Heavenly Father, let this cup pass from
me; but not my will, but thine be done.
A cold sweat was on the brow of the
little sufferer, but still her eyes were
bright, and fixed upon her parent, her
lips moved, and she said, 'mother!'
The sound of sleigh bells was heard
at the door.
Isit papa?' asked the dying girl.
No, mol don't say it, my child said
4 the mother, you are dying and we viii
4 meet papa in heaven
The door opened, and Dr. Warton
D entered with Mary and John, and the
0 good pastor, Mr.. Wilford, all loaded
with clothes and provisions.
!. Bless you'll God bless youl' ex-
S claimed Mrs. Robinson. bless you for
~ coming at this hour, my sweet girl is
!, dying
S The doctor walked up to the bedside