Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-06-08
0 yes. ] can't bear to be idle.

"oS the ptht Ilcul inc fulhcT 1au tdht-
cd for years, and he could not help
confessingit TO himself. Floy was
gratiiicd at the appetite with which
he ate.
Thus matters went on. The pres.
encc Of the little girl seemed TO re-
store Martin TO a part of his former
self. He was no longer so grasping,
so miserly as before. Through little
Floy's ministry, he began TO have
more OF n relish for the comforts OF
life. and less to grudge the expense
necessary 10 obtain them.
IL was not many weeks before he
fell sick. in consequence Of imprudent
exposure to the rain. A fever set in,
and he was confined 10 his bed. At
the urgeat solicitation Of Flcy. he con-
sented 70 have n physician called,
though not without something Of re-.
luctance at the thought Of the fee.
Then il was that he began TO appre-
ciate more fully the importance OF
Floy's services. Ever ready to minis
ter TO his wants, no one could wish a
more faithful or attentive nurse. AS
she sat by his bedside in,thc long days
through which his sickness was pro-
tracted, busily engaged with her sew
ing, he would lie for hours, watching
the motions Of her busy fingers with
pleased interest. Occasionally. for he
had nothing else 10 do, his mind
would wander back TO the scenes ol
his early manhood, and he wonld sigh
over the recollection of the happiness
which might have been his. Then
his thoughts would be bourne along the
dreamy years which had intervened,
enlighted by the rays Of friendship.
and uncheered by the presence OF ai-
fection. The image Of his daughter,
whom he had cast of, and Of whose af.
tcrfate he knew nothing, came up be.
fore him, and he could not rcpel it,
A change--a beneficial and salutory
change was coming over his mind
the fruit Of those long, involuntary
hours Of sickness and self-comhiu-
ming.
On the first day succeeding his re.
covery he invited Floy to go out with
him. II was an unusual request, and
Floy hardly knew what 10 make of it.
She got her bonnet, however. for
shawl she had none, and compiled
IL was chilly March day, and the
thin dress which she had worn from
the time Of her coming TO Hendricks
was but an i'll protection against the
weather. she shivered involuntarily.
You are cold, said Martin, but you
will I need to go far.
lie led the way into dry goods
store.
Have you any warm shawls suita-
bic for n little girl? he inquired. He
selected one and paid for it. Show
me some..dress patterns, he continued.
Two different ones were chosen
Martin paid for them.
Can you direct me. he inquired, to
any good dress makers?
The clerk, who had at first been in
clined TO laugh at the old man, whose
attire, though warmer, was no better
looking than Floys. but the prompt
ness with which he had paid for his
purchases, and the glimpse which had
in this way been obtained ofa WELL
filed pocket book, inspired him with
feeling ofrespect, and he readily CON-
piled with his request.
Now, said Martin, cheerfully, TO
Floy, we will have you little better
dressed, so that you need not fear the
cold.
am sure. said Floy, gratefully,
that i am much obliged, and l don't
know how can repay you.
You have, already, said the old
man with feeling. don't know how
should have got along without you
when was sick.
Floy. said Martin, thcughtfully, as
they came out from the dressmakers,
although you have been with me
some time, l have never thought to
ask your name-I mean your other
name besides Floy.
Ny name is not Floy, said the
child. They only call me so. My
real name is Florence-Florence
Eastman.
Florence. Eastmanl sale. the old man,
starting back in uncomfortable agita-
ton. Who was your mother? Tell
me quick.
Her name, said the child, some
what surprised, was Florence Ken
drick.
Who was her,father?
Martin Kendrick.
And where is he? Did you ever
see him?
No, said Floy shaking her head
He was angry with mother for mar
rying as she did, and would never see
any Of us.
And your mother? said Martin, stri-
wing TO be calm. Is she dead?
Yes, said Floy, sorrowfully. First
my father died, and we were left very
poor. Then mother was obliged to
work very hard sewing. and finally
she took fever and died, leaving me
alone in the world. For week l
wandered about without q home, but
at last you took me in. don't know
what would have become Of me if you
had not, said she gratefully.
Floy, said Martin, looking at her
steadfastly, do you know my name?
No. said Floy, l have often wondered
what it was, but never liked to ask
you.
Then. said he, in an agitatcd tone,
you shall know now. I am Martin
Rendrick, your grandfather!
Floy was filed with amazement,
but after moment threw herself into
his arms. Will you forgive mother
she asked.
l will have! But alas! she has
much more TO forgive me! Would
that she were still alive!
Every day Martin Kendrick became
more alive to the claims of affection.
His miserly habits gave way, and he
became more considerate in his deal