The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-10-24

"io"" u ihIhs WAS returning once
through busy thoroughfare to her home.
ner intention was not to purchase any
thing, and she happened to have in her
purse but one cent. Passing by little
stand, she saw some very large looking
oranges, for sale att penny apiece. She
spoke for one, took the cent fiom her
pocket, when suddenlya thought arrested
her; she could not help il, but involunta-
riIy sta. ed her hand; il was this 81 have
just left luxurious table, have had all
Wanteaj how foolish in me, to spend
even this centa@henI may come across
some poor beggar child to whom. it may
be treasure" She replaced the ceut,
and went on her way. ... .a..s
A long distance was before her but as
she came to the head of narrow aller.
she paused for moment; something
seemed 10 draw her irresistibly towards :
the place; she knew poor widow who
lived there, a lady.like woman who SUBJ
ported her children by her own industry,
and Sue might just look in upon her for a
moment, to ascertain If she was comfor.a-
bic. ,...........
The widow was sitting hy small fire,
her five children ranged around the
hearth; the former made her welcome, but
in subdued tones; and my friend saw she
had been weeping. With great delicacy
she inquired the cause. -... ...'
"To tell you the truth, Mrs. NJ" said
the widow while her check crimsoned, ~
have to-day spent my last farthing for
bread for these children, and though
have work, yet my money was advanced,
and cannot get more till it is finished 10.
morrow. My oldest boy came running
home a few moments ago from the upper
part at the city, saying that letter was
IN the penny 'p"stmaiI's box, with NY
name upon it, and the post-mark of ms
native town. 1t may be of the greatest
Importance; but am stranger in this
neighborhood, | do not like 10 expose my
poverty by borrowing, aud yet haven't
one cent" r., ~ ...
"Anl am sorry to tell you that one
penny is ALL have at present." said my
friend; but that will enable you to get
what you wish, aud l hope you will find
good news in it."
The letter was sent for; it was written
10y her fathers sister, II good and pious
woman and II dependant. She begged
her 20 come to her early home, from
which! her father had long ago expelled
her, for marrying apoor man; the old gen
.emnn was dangerously i'll, might die any
moment; he had spoken of her, he seemed
to feel kindly towards her, and il she
could hasten there, his forgiveness might
be obtained, and she and her FIVE children
made comfortable. ~. .u. a... ..
There was no time TO be lost; on foot
and alone the widow set out travelling.
secure in her poverty, six weary miles.
BY midnight, her feet, for the first time
in twelve years, pressed upon the TIRES
hold Of her fathers prineely mansion; the
good aunt met her with tears Tired and
travel worn as she was she yearned to be-
hold her old father before he died, she
hurried to his chamber, glided to his bed
side, and without speaking fell upon her
knees, beseeching only his forg giveness,
his blessing. How could the demon OF
vindictiveness longer rule in that dying
mans hcartl, He looked upon the hoI.
low, griet-worn cheek Of his surviving
child, and forgot the past; lie held forth
his feeble arms, and she fell upon his
bosom.
Death came with the dawn, but not
before the old man had fixed codicil TO
his will, making his child and her child
rem hei's To most Of his large estate: and
to-day the poor shirt.sewer who was
stitching herself into the grave, lives be-
loved aud respected by rich and poor
Her children, well educated promise to
become blessings and houours to her.
Upon her mantel in the best room is a
gilden and transparent vase, containing
one cent; and she often reminds herfrieuds,
that through tl.e instruIuentality Of SO
tri6ing sum, she became enabled to do
all the good for which hundreds Of hearts
bless her daily.
SO you see, reader, mind that penny
is sometimes Of great value.
What MOI.