The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-01-18
Little Charlie, the Child Angel.

|
age, form such delicate key for unlock
ing the most sacred cabinets of human
life, as that held by FANNY FERN. The
following touching, but bitter reproof for
mothers who do not deserve the exquisite
pleasure Of maternity, is an illustrations:
School Visitor.
am one Of that prosecuted class, de.
nominated sold maids" By going quiet
ly about the world, taking care not to jostle
my neighbors, or hit against any of their
rough angles, | manage to be cheerful,
contented, and happy. In my multitude
nous migrations, | have had some oppor-
tunity to study human nature. Lately
have become temporary inmate OF
crowded boarding-house. My little room
has already begun to look home.like. The
cheerful sun has expanded the fragrant
flowers love so well to nurture; my can
ary trills his satisfaction in a gayer song
than ever; and my pictures, books, and
guitar, drive 'dull care away and beguile
many pleasant hour. And now my heart
has found new object of interest. I've
noticed on the staircase, and in the hall
aud lobby, a lovely child, who seemed
wandering about at his own sweet will;
sometimes sitting wearily on the stairs
almost asleep; then lettering at the kitchen
door, watching the operations Of the cook;
then peeping into the half open doors OF
the different apartments. AS, by rule
OF the house, "no childron were permitted
at table" it was some time before could
ascertain who claimed this little stray
waif.
One morning, attracted by the carol Of
my canary. he ventured to put his little
curly head inside my door. He needed
little urging TO enter, for he read, with
child's quick instinct. his welcome in my
face. An animated conversation soon
ensued about birds, flowers, and pictures,
his large blue eyes growing bright. and
his cheek flushing with pleasure, as story
followed story, while he sat upon my
knee.
AT length said to him, "Charlie, won't
mamma be anxious about you, if you stay
so long?''
"Oh. no." said he. "Lizzie don't care"
"Who is Lizze?"
"Why, my mamma! She don't care,
ii I'm only out Of the way. Lizzie made
me this pretty dress,' said he, holding
up his richly embroidered frock; "but Liz
zie don't know any stories, and she says
I'm bore. What is bore?" said the
sweet child. as he looked ,rustngly in my
face.
'Never mind now" said l, tearfully;
''you may stay with me whenever you like,
and we will be very good friends"
The t'inner-bell sounding, a gaily dress
ed young thing vocferated. in voice
anything but musical, "Charlie, Charlie!"
When | apologized for keeping him, she
said, carelessly, as she re.arranged her
bracelets. 90, it don't signify. if you can
have patience with him, he's so tiresome
with his questions. I've bought him heaps
of toys, but he never wants to play, and
is forever asking me such old-fashioned
Questions. Keep him and welcome, when
you like; but take my word for it, you'll
repent your bargain!' and she tripped
gaily down to dinner.
/ Poor little Charlie! Time in plenty to
adjust all those silken ringlets; time to
embroider all those little gay dresses; time
to linger till midnight over the last new
novel; but for the soul that looked forth
from those deep blue eyes, no time to sow
the good seed-no time to watch lest the
enemy should "sow tares.''
From that time Charlie and were in.
separable. The thoughtless mother well
J content to pass her time devouring all
sorts of trashy literature, or in idle gossip
with her drawing.roem companions. The
young father. weary with business troubles
contenting himself with quiet "good-
night" and closing the day by visit TO
IL, .l,a
lie. meanwhile, put to bed for safe keeping
would lie hours. tossing res,lessly from side
to side, "wi,h nothing in his head" as he
,, innocenily said to me. What Q Joy to 81
by his side, and beguile the lonely hours
There learned to understand the mean
ing of our Saviour's words, "For of sucl
is the kingdom OF heaven"
In his clear, silvery tones, he would re-
peat after me. sour Father" asking me
the meaning Of every petition; then he
!, would say. "Why don't you tell Lizzie
Lizzie don't know any prayers!"
One night | sang him these lines:
"Sweet fields beyond the swelling food,
l Stand dressed in living green;'-
he raised himself in bed. while the tear.
trembled on his long lashes, and said, 80
sing that again-it seems as if saw
i beautiful pictured" Then. taking my gui
e tar, would sit by his bedside, and wa,cl
: the blue eyes droop and grow heavy will
slumber. as sang TO him. And she. who's,
i duty, and joy, and pride it should have
1 been to lead those little feet to him wht
biddeth "liitle children come," was indo
;, lently and contentedly bound in flower,
If letters OF her own weaving, unmindful tina
J. an angels destiny was intrusied to he
careless keeping.
n
!, Little Charlie lay tossing in his littl
d bed, with high fever 1t is needless t
Q tell Of the hold he had upon my heart an,
services. His childish mother, either un
II able or unwilling to see his danger, ha
= left me in charge Of him-drawn from hi
Is side by the attractions of great militar
ball. l changed his heated pillows, CAV
d him the cooling draught, balhed his fever
= ish temples, and finally, at his request
rocked him gently to quiet his restlessness
I. He placed his little arms "a ressinplv abor