Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
Little Charlie.

less mothers from Fanny Fern. 1t is one
of the most touching leaves that has drop
ped from her pen =
| am one Of that prosecuted class, de.
nominated "old maids" BY going quietly
about the world taking care not to jostle
my neighbors, or hit against any Of their
rough angles, managed to be cheerful,
contented and happy. In my multitude
nous mlgrations, have had some opportu-
nifty to study human nature. Lately, have
become temporary inmate OF crowded
boarding house. My little room has already
begun to look quite home-like. The cheer
full sun has expanded the fragrant flowers
I love so we'll to nurture; my canary thrills
his satisfaction in gayer. song than ever
and my pictures, books and guitar, drive
"dull care away" and beguile many apleas-
ant hour. And now, my heart has found
few objects Of interest. I've noticed on
the stair case, and in the hall and lobby,
lovely child, who seemed wandering about
at his own sweet will; sometimes sitting
YEARLY on the stairs, almost asleep then
lettering at the kitchen door watching the
operations of the cook then peepng into
the half open door of the different apart
ments. As by rule of the house, "no
children were permitted at the table," it
was some time before could ascertain who
claimed this little stray waif. One morn
ing, attracted by the carol of my canary,
he ventured to put his little curly head in
side my door. He needed little urging
to enter, for he read, with a child's instinct,
his welcome in my face. An animated
conversation soon ensued about birds, flow
ers and pictures-his large blue eyes grow
ing brig and his cheek flushed with
pleasure, as story followed story, while he
sat on my knee. AT length | said 10 HIM,
"Charlie" won't mamma be anxious about
you, if you stay so long'"
oh no" SAID he, "Lizzie don't care"
"Who is Lizzie" ?"
"Why, my mamma She don't care, If
I'm only out of the way. Lizzie made me
this pretty dress" said he, holding up his
pretty embroidered frock "but Lizzie don't
know any stories, and she says I'm bore.
What is a bore ?" said the sweet child as
he looked trustingly in my face.
"Never mind, now" said | tearfully
"you may stay with me whenever you like,
and we will be very good friends"
The dinner bell sounding, gaily dress
ed young thing vociferated in voice any,
thing but musical, "Charlle Charlie !"--
When apoIoglzed for keeping him she
said, careles>ly, as she re-arranged her
bracelets, 80, 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 ques-
tions. Keep him and welcome when you
like, but take my word for it, you'll repent
your bargain ~ and she trpped gaily down
to dinner. Poor little Charlie Time is
plenty to adjust all those slken r!nglets !;
time to embroider all those little gay dress
es 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 good seed--no time to watch lest the
enemy should "sow tares."
From that time, Charlie and were insep-
arabic. The thoughtless mother, well con-
tent to pass her time devouring all sorts Of
trashy literature, or in idle gossip with her
drawing room companions. The young fa-
ther, weary with business troubles, content
ing himself with quiet "good night" and
closing the day by visit to the theatre or
concert room. Poor Charlie, meanwhile,
put to bed for safe-keeping, would lie hours,
j., tossing restless, from side to side, "with
nothing but his head" as she innocently
said 10 me. What Joy to sit by his side
and bsgtile the lonely hours There |
learned to understand the meaning Of our
Saviour's words, For of such is the king
dom of Heayeu.' In his clear, silvery
tones, he would repeat after me, "Our IA
ther," asking NE the meaning of every Pc
tition: then he would say, "Why don't
YOU tell Lizzie2 Lizzie don't know any
prayers!"
One night l sang him these lines:
"Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood,
Stand dressed in living green" :"
he raised himself in bed, while The tears
trembled on his long lashes, and said, 80,
sing that again-it seems as if saw beau
tiful picture! Then taking my guitar, i
| would sit by his bedside, and watch the
blue eyes droop and grow heavy with slum-
Der, as sang to him. And she whose du-
ty, 10Y, and pride it should have been to
lead those little feet to Him who biddeth
elittle children come" was indolently and
contentedly bound in fowery letters of her
own weaving, unmindful that an angels
desfiiTy was entrusted to her careless keep
ing.
Little Charlie lay tossing in his littls bod
with high f-ye: e.. =. Is needless to tell of
'Hcc re hold he had upon my heart and servI-
ces. His childish mother, either unable or
unwilling to see his danger, had left me in
charge of him--drawn from his side by the
attractions of great military ball. chang
ed his heated pillows, gave hun the cool
ing draught, bathed his feverish temples,
and finally, at his request, rocked him gen.
tly to quiet his restlessness. He placed
his little arms carelessly about my neck.
and SAID, feebly, "sing to me of heaven"
When finished, he looked languidly up,
saving, where's Lizzie ?" and as the
words died upon his lips, his eyes dropped,
his heart futtered like prisoned blrd and
little Charlie was counted one of the heav-
enIy fold. As closed his eyes, and cross
ed the dimpled hands peacefully upon his
little breast, his last words rang fearfully in
nv ears-"Wheres Lizzie :"
A ANovELTY.-Among the new ideas Just
brought out at Paris is a self expanding
pettcoat. 1t is filled with air, and is be-
coming immensely fashionable. Accord
ing to the inventor, one of these petticoats
u,ill stand out and OCCUPY the room df half