The Ottawa free trader., 1855-06-09
for snch one to bend to the stern belicst of

too, when her mother slept. At the end Of
every week, all her little earnings were gone
but she contrived to set delcacies on her
mothers table Of which she would cat spa
ring by herself
A large importer who frequently came in
to the work room, noticed this fragile crca-
ture, and often asked questions concerning
her. lie saw how timid she was, how small
and white the hands that twincd in amid the
soft locks Of hair, how quickly the scarlet
fitted over her check whenever she was
spoken TO, and her refinement Of manner
pleased and Interested him.
1t seemed to him that she was working
beyond her strength, and once he saw her
press her hand to her side, and when she
threw fcrvent glance upward, he saw her
eye lashcs glitter with tears. H.alL
When he had heard her story, he was Gil.
led with admiration. The humble little shop
girl, who for triiling consideration had
been induced to spend few hours day In
household labor for Helcn's mother, told him
all. lie resolved that this .ssfr. gentle crea.
turc should not sacrifice her life, even for the
interest of one so dear as a mother must be.
lie knew not the whole yet, however.
~ have called to see you, madam, with
reference to your daughter Helen"
The lady started, exclaiming, "Nothing
can have happened to my child"
"Nothing, my dear madam" he said
glancing at the embroidery frame, the rich
carpet, the beautiful etcGtcras Of the apart
mcnt, "only fear that the young lady al.
lows herself too little rest"
"Indced, often tell her, sir, that she stu.
dies too hard. The rules Of the academy are
so very strict, fear she will not be able TO
continue. Since her fathers death, poor
child, she has walked all the way to F.
street; she always rode before; and as she
has the management of what little money
was left, know she seldom affords even a
cheap ride"
"lIer studes-thc acadcmyi' exclaimed
slowly. as ITO make sure he had heard the
words Alright.
"Ycs. sir; her father dicl at the beginning
Of the last term, and she is unwilling to lose
the benefit, as he paid years advance.
Dear child, suppose she will have to be-
come teacher, or some other drudge
she sighed heavily.
"Madam-I--cxcusc mc-it cannot lie the
Helen Harding had heard--and yet-the
circumstances Madam. does not your
daughter work in habcrdasher's shop!"
Poor Mrs. Harding screamed outright
"My dear sir, do you think my child
would desccnd"-and there she stopped
! Her face grew deadly palc--some thrilling
thought forced itself upon Ter mind.
Il remember now she said slowly, and
with an Helen never told me she
should continue at school-and l--oh how
, helpless. have been how unthinking! II
| it should bc-dcar sir, describe this Helen. '
/ at is she !" she exclaimed, springing tS
/ her feet and bursting into tears. "Noble
generous child self sacrificing daughter
/ Oh could | not comprehend! her pal,
/ chceks-hcr eyes so hcavy--her slow step
Noble, generous child and she has done al
this for mc-to spare her mother the pang
OF wounded pride--she is wearing herself tC
the grave for me-
BITTERLY she went for some moments, an,
1 her visitor, venturins 70 speak in . choke'
nusky 'viu., only ,"dcu by shappihp ni
eyes and ilourishing his handkerchief some
where in their vicinity.
This shall be no longer" tlast she said
rising with dignity. "Truc, have nevc
labored true, am proud shall hence
forth be too proud to live thus in idleness
dependant upon the labor Of my delicat
child. will go forth into the world. ca
do something widows God will aid IN
and on lie will bless me, for her sell
sacrificing efforts have put new life with
this weak frame"
'Do not apologize, sir; you cannot tel
what an ncstimable blessing your call hn
proved to Inc and, sir, she continued, look
ing at hun with eyes filled anew, shave nc
reason to be proud Of my child:'
What had hitherto seemed dress now pro
we'd to be fine gold All sclfshncss, all ii
dolcnce were gone, and Mrs. Harding ha
become transformed into an energetic VI
man, willing and eager to take her place
the travcl-staned paths Of toll. But thcr
, was now no need The wealthy strange
S pleased with her manners, loved and wo
, her for his wife. Helen, who had taste
, both the sweets and the aloes Of life, move
again in the brilliant circles TO which she ha
| been accustomed. But more than for oil h,
varied accomplishments was she loved an
admired for the noble, scIfsacriiicc Of fee
ing, taste, and even health, she had mad
that her mother might be spared the pain
, even imagining she was poor.
Fiial love is always rewarded by III
Great Giver, who hath commanded US
: "Honor father and mother"