The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-12-07
BIDDEFoRD, MAINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1855.
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"It was because she appeared so poo
and miserable, that was weak enough 4
place tho vest in her hands," replied Mr.
Lawson in les severe tone Of voice.
"Bu, !, was an imposition for her TO asl
for work she did not know how 10 make. ;
"Mr. lawson" said the old gentleman
who was known as pious and good man
we should not blame with loo much sever
ity the person who, In extreme want, un
deriakes 10 perform piece Of work fo
which she lacks The skill. The fact that 9
young girl, like the one who was just here
is willing, in her extreme poverty, to labor
instead Of sinking into vice and idleness
shows her to possess true virtue and inieg'
rity Of character and that, We should be
willing 10 encourage, even At some sacrifice,
Work Is slack now, as you arc aware, and
there Is but little donbt that she had been
to many places seeking emplOymen, before
she came to you. It may be that she and
others are dependent upon the receipt ol
the money tina: was expected to be paid for
making the vest you hold in your hand
The expression as she turned away, her
lingering steps, her dropping form, and her
whole demeanor, had in them a language
which told mo all this, and even more"
A change came over tho tailor's coun,e-
nance. al didn't think Of that" fell in a
low tone from his lips.
~ do not think you did. brother Law.
son." said his monitor "we are all apt 10
think of ourselves than others. The girl
promised the YES, this evening; and so far
as that was concerned, she performed her
contract. Is The vest made very badly"
Mr.. Lawson took up the garment and ex-
nmined it more closely. "Well, can't
say that il is badly done. But !, is dread.
fully soiled and rumplcd I; and il Is not as
nea, q job as il should be, not at all such as
I wished IT,"
"All this is very annoying, OF course t,
but still we should be willing 10 make some
excuse for the shortcomings Of others
The poor girl may have sick mother or
sister to attend to, which constantly inter.
rupled her, and under such circumstances, T,
you could hardly wonder if the garment
should come somewhat, soiled from under
her hands. All this may be the case and
ifso, you could no, find il in your heart 10
speak unkindly TO The poor creature, much
less turn her away angrily, and without The
money she has ,oiled for so earnestly"
"I didn't think Of that" was murmured
in low, suppressed tone OF voice.
Ellen, on returning homo, entered the
room. and wi,houtut,ering word, threw
herself upon The bed BY The side ofher sick
sister, and burying her face in n pillow, en-.
deayored 10 smother the sobs that came. up
c,nvulsively from her bosom. ~
Mary asked no questions. She under
stood the cause OF Ellon's ugilatioa.i 1T told
her tha, she had b,en disappointed In her
expectation oireceiving the money for the
work. ~
Just at that moment there was knock ai
the door, but no voice bade the applicant
for admission, enter. 1t was repealed, but
It met with no response. Then the latch
was lifted, the door swung open, and The
tailor stepped into the room.
The sound Of fee, aroused the distressed
sisters. and Ellen raised herself up and look.
ed q, Mr.. Lawson, with countenance sui-
fused with tears.
al feel that I did wrong in speaking tc
you in the way tha, did" said Mr.. Law
son, advancing towards the bed, and hold
ing out 10 Ellen the money she had earned
"Hero is the price Of The vest. 1t was be-;
Tor made than first thought Il was. To
morrow | will send you more work. Try II
cheer up"
Mr.. Lawson, finding that his presenc'
was embarrassing, Withdrew, leaving th'
two sisters SO deeply affected that the,
could bu, look at him with ankfulness.- =
Shortly afer they received basket, II
which was a supply Of nourishing food, ant
a sum Of money 10 procure such articles a
might bo necessary for the sick sisior.-
though no ones name was sent with il
they were moi in any doubt as 10 the indi
vidual who sent il. Mr.. Lawson was no
an unfeeling man, but, like loo many other
in the world, lie DID NOT ALWAYS THINK.