The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-04-06

mJselfto spend all the lie that God shoui'
grant mo.
| II had forgotten the name Of the boy'
residence, but know that made severa
attsmpts 10 discover il aiier my return 10 IN,
city, all ofwhich proved Intellectual.
II was The sunset Of bright day in th'
early May.,ime, and even the great CITY
looked iairer for tho sunshine that plated III,
house.iops with gold, and swept in COLDER
fakes and dimples along The pavements W
which was passing with some iellow.stu
dents 10 supper.
"Now, Marshall, remember TO call 70
US in time, for the lecture commences a
seven and il will certainly be crowded.
called ou, one Of my companions. as w
reached the corner where our paths diverg
ed.
"I bowed my assent and adIeu, and wa
hurying forward when my coat was sud
denly grasped and an eager but iimid voice
said, please ,sir,is yonr name Marshall q
al turned aud looked at the speaker. Il
WIS little girl, apparently about ten years
Of ago her long curls falling in bright
tangled mass about her small, sorrowful
looking face, while her large blue eyes were
fastened with kind Of painting eagerness
upon my own.
:" Yes, that is my name. And what dc
you want with me, my little girl W I que.
ried, greatly surprised at this singular en-.
counter.
80, sir, do yon remember little boy
whom you met one evening last winter,
who told you he had sister Nelly, and
The mystery was at once cleared up.
"Yes, yes, remember il all,"I inter.
rup,ed. "And you are Nelly suppose ~
and surveyed The child with enchanted
interest. Her ragged garments, her pale,
mourniul face, bore very legible history
"a history Of sharp poverty and bitter sui.
fermg. :.
o, am so glad-so very glad, sir y
and The light that broke into the little care
worn face was beautiful 10 behold. "Iw was
almost sure il must be when the gentleman
called your name, and you looked just as
Willie said you did. o. sir, have looked,
and watched, and waited for you SO many
days. that had almost given up hoping"
Poor child have been out OF town,
or would have come 10 .you as promised
Bul where il Willie nowl and what do you
wan, with me 7" was well nigh ashamed
after The latter question was asked, her pov-
eI,y answered il so plainly.
80, sir, Willy is sick,very sick and his
face looks so while and strange lately fear
he is going home 10 mother sometimes
You see got better after you sent me the
cakes and oranges, and Willy bough, me
some medicine with the money you gave
us, and we paid the rent three monhsso The
woman let us stay there. But one day, ,abou,
month ago, Willy was out all day in the
cold rain selling papers, ard he's 80 altered
now you'd hardly know him. Bat het
wanted TO see you so badly, and he talks
about i, all the lime in his sleep, and for
the last two or three days he', grown al.
mos, wild about it, and so I've been out
keeping watch for you all day F.; and |
couldn't bear TO go homo a, night, Tor Will
" would spIing up in the bed, and cry oul
so loud, Nelly, have you seen him = and
when shock my head. he would lie down
with such look, that would 90 off in one
corner, and cry all alone, il made my heart
ache SO 10 see it. Blu, now Willy will be so
gladm O,plsa,e,si won't you go and see
rim 7"
~ see, Hattie, that your eyes are grow
ing mois, with tears and you could have
heard the simple, touching pa'hos with
which that child told her sad story, you
woull have answered as did, Yes, Nelly
will go now . .
utW;llv. Willy. Pye brought him I've
brought him p Tho little hand which had
guided me so carefully up the dilapidated
stairs. was withdrawn as tho little girl
broke into that old attic chamber. her ca.
ger, joyful tones making the bare walls ring
again. I've brought him! I've brought
him y
The diving daylight looked with sweet,
solemn smile into the room, whose entire
Jestitution one glance revealed to me. !
had not time for another, for childs head
wa, lifted from miserable mattress in one
corner. came forward, pair OF attenu-
ated arms were stretched out, and those
large, burning eyes were fastened a moment
on r my face as though life or death rested on
their testimony. =,
".Yes, yes. knew You would como at
last and the little cold arms were wrapped
around nv neck. 20, have watched, and
prayed, and hoped so long, and it seemed as
if YOU would never come but knew you
would to-day, for last night mamma came
70 me, looking so beautiful, with the flowers
woven all around her head, and white robe
flowing down to her feet, and she smiled so
swoetly, and said, MY little Willy, he VIII
come to you to morrow and his coming
will bo signal, for then /, too shall come
for you." =,
NV tears were falling fast on tho boys
brown curls; but a sharp pang reached my
heart as he spoke these words. No, no.
willy, YOU were only dreaming said, as
7 lifted IN my head and looked at him anx.
iously. One glance into the rigid lace. told
me enough-the mother had come Tor her
child.
HtBcnd down quick murmurei the boys
white lips. Nelly will be alone when !
leave her for there's nobody to take care OF
her, YOU Sec and want to give her to you;
You are so kind and good, know you VIII
take care of her and never let her suffer
and mamma and will l,ok down from on,
home IN heaven and bless you Tor 1t all anu
NAV be we .hnll come some time 10 taE'
YOU 70 us. You promise me this won Z
YOU ,-auick. for cannot see you,' ana ms
cl zinc eyes wandered over my lace.
"'Yes, Willy, promise it to Goh' you,
mother in heaven, and to you,' l answereu
solcmnly.
!" NSrlly, you have heard what he said
ho Nil, tnks care OF you. Kiss me once
moro little sister. There, thcrs, mother has
come for me. Good.byc!' The little cold
finger, sought our hands and drew them to-
ge,ber-a smile wandered over the stark,
ricid face. and tho las. light Of that May
d,y locked into that barc attic. where the
beautiful clay was lying on tho cold mat
tress. -, .., H., IL.