The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-03-22

years older, entered while | was there
with an armful of sticks, which he had
picked up under the snow on the common;
and this, save a few brands that were
smoking OIL the hearth, was all their fuel.
The sick girl, am afraid, cannot live.
and the mother has no means to make her
comfortable. doubt whether any OF the
family have tasted morsel of supper to.
night"
"But where is the woman's husband?"
asked Mary.
THAT do not know. He has been
gone these seven years. knew him when
he was worth several thousand dollars; but
a vl!ainous partner o! his defrauded him
Of every cent. Poor Robinson was almost
broken hearted; he fingered about in the
neishborhood for awhile, earning living
as he could. but finally resolved to 90 to
sea. His wife gave her full consent; as
she was abls, with economy. to provide
for herself and the children. by her needle
She, did well for while, but sickness
came upon her, and she is now poor, very.
Her husband at different times sent her
money, and always wrote as though he
was doing we'll. But the vessel in which
he was 10 have returned, three years ago,
has not been heard ef''
"And he was .drowned!" asked two or
three a: once.
81 do not know" continued the doctor;
she may be living yet, but fear that he
has persisted. But, my children, Mrs
Robinson is poor. While you are so
cheerful and happy here in this comforta-
BILE house, and you. on this bleak, cold
think of Charley Robinson and his moth
er. Charley has had no Christmas; there
is no New Year 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
tonight"
"No, father" exclaimed John. eagerly;
.sgo and see her, and you may take my
half dollar along"
"And naine," said Mary.
= Sand my cake" said Ellen.
Sand buy Charley rocking horse,"
said Wiley. Il.
"Come, children" said Mrs. Warton.
flames shall load the hand sled with
wood, and carry blanket and quilt. /
will fill a basket with something comforta-
BILE for supper, and perhaps we can make
them comfortable.
"But, Johnny" asked the doctor, "why
do you stand so still, while others are
busy in getting something for the poor fam
ily?''
Il was thinking. father" replied Master
Johnny, .of what we said just now-that
our Savior went about doing good; and
that il would be more like Him. il we
would go as well as send. Maynt / 60,
father"
"Certainly my son."
"And, father, may l go?' asked Mary.
placing her hands in her fathers, and Civ
ing him most beseeching look.
sit is bleak, cold night said the doc
tor; "most too cold for my Mary, | fear;
but ask your mother.'
Mrs. Warton hesitated, but only for
moment.
She knew that Mary could be made
comfortable for the short ride, and was un.
willing to lose SO good an opportunity for
teaching her practical charity.
u D.
children. are filing the large basket. and
James, the hired man, is loading the sled,
and Mary and John are muff1ing them.
selves for the ride, we will 60 to the other
fire-side. g
81 Far out in the suburbs. on an open field
where the wind has full sweep, this dismal,
>:.xb< dc al 4
which families, who cannot pay rent, have
one after another deserted, and it would
be tenantess now. but Mrs. Robinson can
ind no other shelter. Within the house
a little boy is laying the last stick on the
fire place, and tear is trickling down his
cheek, which he quickly wipes away; in
the corner of the room is low bedstead,
the covering of which once was good, but
though clean, is ragged and worn now.
There lay the sick girl; and her mother,
kneeling at the bedside,was holding in one
hand those OF her daughter, and with the
other was pressing her forehead. The
wind roared without, and as it swept by.
the drifting snow beat against the rafting
windows, and the Pickering flame from the
hearth was the only light in that dwelling.
"She is dying. my darling!" sobbed the
mother. And the boy ran to the bedside.
He had tried to restrain his tears before,
for fear of grieving his mother, but he
wept bitterly now. 8.s
ssSarah, my child, my darling!" she al
most shrieked, 'tmust you die now, and
here in this cold, cold spot, and your faith
,er never see you againa Oh! Heavenly
Father, let this cup pass from me; never
theless 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 ssmother."f
The sound Of sleigh bells was heard a.
the door. :, 4s
'somebody is coming" said Charley,
as he ran to the window. q .ee
"Ts it papa?" asked the dying girl.
"No, no! don't say it, my child" said
the mother, "you are dying and will meet
papa in heaven ff
The door opened, and Dr. 9Warton en-
tered with Mary and John, and the good
pastor, all loaded with clothes and provis-
ions. 85 5s q;