Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1854-01-20
LITTLE CHARLIE, THE
CHILD ANGEL.
BY FANNY FERN.

going quietly about the world, taking
care not TO IostIe my neghbors, or hit
against any Of their rough angles,
manage TO be cheerful, contented, and
happy. In my mutludinous migra-
tons, have had some opportunity to
study human nature Lately have be-
come temporary inmate of crowded
clearinghouse My lutle room has
already begun to look home.ike The
cheerful sun has expanded the fragrant
flowers love So well to nurture my
canary trills his satisfaction IN gayer
song than ever and my pictures,
books, and guitar, drive dull care
away" and beguile many a pleasant
hour. And now my heart has found
new obJedt 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 YEARLY on the stairs, almost
asleep then lettering at the kitchen
door, watching the operations Of the
cook then peeping into the haIt-open
doors of the different apartments As,
by a rule Of the house, no children
were permitted at table" 1t was some
time before could ascertain who
claimed this little stray wait
One morning, attracted by the carol
of my canary, he venlured to put his
little curly head inside my door He
needed little urging to enter, for he
read, with a child's quick instinct, his
welcome in my face. An animated
conversation soon ensued about birds,
flowers, and piciures-his large blue
eyes growing bright, aud his cheek
flushing with pleasure, as story followed
story, while he sat upon my knee.
Al length said to him, Charlie,
won't mamma be anxious about YOU, IL
you stay SO long 7"
"Oh, no." said he, Lizzie dom,
care"
Who is Lizzie 2"
" Why, my mamma She don't care
/ If am only out of the way. Lizzie
made me this pretty dress, said he
holding up his hly-embroldered irock
but Lizzie don't know any stories
and she says I'm a bore. What is a
bore ?" said the sweet child. as he look.
ed trustingly in my face
Never mind now" said l. ,earfuly;
you may stay with me whenever you
like, and we will he very good friends. #
The dluner-bell sounding, gaiy
dressed young thing vociieraled, in q
voice anything but musical, Charlie
! Charlie !" When | apologized ior
keeping HIM, she said, carelessly as she
re-arranged her bracelets, 80. II don't
signify, If you can have patience with
HIM, he's 50 iiresome with his questions
I've bought him heaps of toys, bat he
never wants to play, aud is forever ask
ing me such old-fashloned questions
Keep him and welcome, when you like
but take my word for ii, you'll repent
your bargain !" aud she iripped gally
down to dinner.
Poor little Charlie Time in plenty
to adjust all those silken ringlels; time
to embrolder all those lnle gay dresses
time 10 liuger I'LL 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 tina, time Charlie and were
iuseparable. The lhoughlless mother
well content to pass her lime deyoufing
all sorts Of trashy literature, or in idle
gossip with her dFawIng-rooW compan.
ions The young father, weary witt
business troubles, con,enllng himsel
with quiet good night" aud closing
the day by visit 10 the theatre or con.
cerl-room. Poor Charlie, meanwhile
put To bed for safe keeping. would lie
hours, tossing Testlessy from side &c
side, with nothing IN has head, as he
lnnocenlly said To ne, What a Joy IL
SIT by his side, aud begulle the lonely
hours There | learned to understand
the meaning Of our Saviour's words
"For of such is the kingdom oil
heaven"
Ia his clear, sllvery tones. he would
repeat after me the meaning of every Pc
liton then lie would say, Why
don't you tell Lizzie r. Lizzie don't
know any prayers! !"
Oae night sang him these lines
s~ee folds beyond the swelling flood,
stand dressed 10 lining s'esa -
he "a lsed himself in bed, while the tears
lrembed on his long lashes, and said
go, sing that agaln-ii seems as if |
saw a beautiful picture r Then, TAX
ing my guitar, would sit by his bed
side, and watch the blue eyes droop and
grow heavy with slumber. as sang to
him. Aud she, whose duty. aud JOY,
aud pride il should have been TO lead
those little feet to Him who biddeth
"lilile children come" was indolen,ly
sud conteutedly bound in howery letters