True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-11-21

Ijested her for her laziness, with painful
Impression Of The beauty Of that coun,e-
nance which her father had blessed for
its brightness. And very bright and
lovely il was at this moment, glowing
with exercise and irrepressible merrimen;;
but shadow fell on her brow, when she
saw the sadness of her companion, and
she earnestly inquired the cause of her
weeping. ''E''. t'@ t.,~> ....
'Because-because.' said the little girl,
again bursting into tears, your father
says shall never be any thing but bur
den TO him all my life long The chill
dren looked at each other with dismay.
Did my father say that to you, Mary?
said one of llfe boys, while deep flush
crossed his handsome face.
oh no-no ; he did not know that |
was within hearing---he said it to-,o-
TOY our mother; and that | had no
strength in me, like Jessie and that |
never should be fiji for anything; and that
when had done my best it was bulli'tle
Il thai thought had done such good
days work!
And SO you have, Maryland so you
have'-'and you'll be stronger next sum-
mer-Jessie's older than you -'what
does il signify how little you do, when
we're all willing and happy to help you,
every day and all day long'-eagerly
burst from the lips of her youthful com
forters. And Mary ,caS comlorted in a
degree; but it was long before her spirits
recovered the lille elasticity they had
formerly possessed, and she shrunk from
The eye of Farmer Somers with nervous
timidity, whenever she happened 10 be
engaged al her tasks in his presence. &.
Meanwhile both girls grew up, and
both had their admirers among the young
farmers of the neighborhood; but OF
these Jessie had many more than the or
phan Mary, and cared infinitely more for
their homage. Indeed, it must be con-
fessed that the faults of Jessie's charac-
ier developed themselves as visthly' as the
beauty Of her person. She was. vain,
passionate and a coque.le =; but she was
also warm hearted, generous, and indus
lrious; and even her, faults were dearao
those with whom she liye,h 70 her faith.
.eri esRecnlly, slie was an idol--a thing
! ,'... ----.x----"too bright and good. 'C.. ,..
! ForAuman natures daily food :"
and Mary was insignificant in comparison.
The very manner of Jessie had a charm
in it which was wanting in, Mary's. The
sideIong glance Of those dark down,ast
eyes, which seemed laughing at you be-
meath their lashes when you ATTEMPTED
seriously TO talk with her; the sudden
flash of joy which shone in them at times
when they were turned full upon you,
which glowed over her whole countenance,
and parted her full lips on her even teeth;
her low laugh; her cordial welcome; her
sweet voice even the look of mischief
that lurked occasionally. in her eye and
the corners of her mouth, and which ev-
er tempted you 10 propose some innocent
frolic, had Q. charm Of which she herself
was but half aware. You listened TO
Mary without, emotion; you heard her
slow stealing step approach and scarcely
cared whether SHE paused or passed you;
you, met the gaze of her quiet blue eyes,
I III .
and thought how good and gentle she
seemed but ere the day ended, her i'm
age faded from your mind,, and left that
of Jessie 10 haunt your dreams, and dmake
you smile even over the memory Of hel
smiles in your waking hours. ), sre,,l,
! II pleased Providence, however, 10 re-
verse The situation of stbe young compan-
ions, and TO make Mary the only stay
and comfort of her protectors. Farmer
Somers' affairs became less prosperous,
his crops failed; Three Bad Seasons in
succession destroyedssll hope Of being
ableto continue things on HE same scale
as before and one evening in October,
when the whole family were collected to-
geiher, 'he abruptly broke silence with
the words--'Children, we can 10 longer
sit round the same hearth a, night, nor
meet at our morning meal, regularly as
the sun risesJ some Of you must earn
your bread away from me Z; l have no
longer the means TO support you all ;'-e-
and Ihe last words were spoken with D
forced 6rmness which said more than
teaisye No answer was made ;Iiis sons