Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-05-18


in time, for the lecture commences at seVe
and it will certainly be crowded." calle,
out one Of my companions, rs We came +
the corner where our paths diyerged.
/ bowed my assent and adieu, and wa
hurrying on, when my coat was suddenly
grasped, and an eager but timid voice said
+ Please, sir. is your name Marshsllf"
Iturned and looked at the speaker
was little girl, apparently about ten year
Of sge; her long curls fell in bright, tang
led mass about her bright. sorrowful look
ling face, while her large blue eyes werl
fastened With a kind Of painting eagernes
upon nv own. -
ayes, that is ny name. And what d.
you wan. with me. my little girl!" Ique
ried, greatly surprised at this singular en-
counter.
20. sir, dc you remember a littIe boy
whom you met one evening last winter, whC
told you he had sister Nelly. and"
The mystery was at once cleared up
ayes. yes. remember il ALL" interrupted
"And you are Nelly. / supposed" and ]
surveyed the child with enhanced interest
Her ragged garments. her pale, mournful
face, bore very legible bistory-a history
of sharp poverty and bitter suffering.
20, | am so glAd--so very glad sir !" and
the light iha: broke into the little careworr
face was beautiful to behold. 81 was al.
most sure it must be you when the gentle.
man called your name, and you looked just
as Willy said you did. o, sir, l have look.
ed, and watched, and waited for you so ma,
ny days, that l had almos. given up bop
ing"
"Poor child / have been out of town
or would have come to you as promis.
ed. But where is Willy now? and what
do you want with meT
was well nigh ashamed after the latter
question was asked, her poverty answered
it so plainly.
10, sir. Willy is sick, very sick; and his
face looks so white and strange lately, l
fear he is going home to mother some
times. You see ] got better after you sent
me the cakes and oranges. and Willy bought
me some medicine with she money you
gave US, and we paid the rent three months,
go the woman let US stay there. But one
day, about a month ago, Willy was out all
day in the cold rain selling papers. and he's
been growing worse and worse, and he's SO
altered Row you'd hardly know him. But
he's wanted to see you SO badly, and be
talks about it all the time in his sleep, and
for the last two or three days he's grown
almost wild about it, and so I've been out
keeping watch for you all day; and l
couldn't bear TO so home at night, for Will
y would spring up in bed and cry out SO
loud, "Nelly, have you ssen him ?" and
when ! shook my head he would lie down
with such look. that would go off in one
corner and cry all alone. il made my heart
ache SO TO see it. But now Willy will be so
gladI 0. please, sir, woHt you go and see
him ?" ~
Il see Hattie. that Jour eyes are growing
moist with tears; and If you could have
heard the simple. touching patbOs with
which that fair child told her sad story, you
would have answered as / did,"
"Yes Nelly, viii go now."
willy. Willy, I've brought him. 1 have
brought him."
The little hand which guided me so care
fully up the dilspidsied stairs, was with
drawn as the little girl broke into that old
attic chamber her eager and joyful tones
making the bare walls ring again-"I have
brought himl I've brought himP'
"The dying daylight looked with a sweet,
solemn smile into the room, whose entire
destitution one glance revealed to me. l
had not time for another, for child's head
was lifted from miserable matrass in ole
corner. / came forward. pair of aitenu-
ated arms was stretched out. and those large
burning eyes were fastened moment on
my face, as though life or death rested on
their testimony"
ayes. yes, l knew you would come at
last" aud The little cold arms were wrap
ped about uy neck. 10, 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 to me looking SO beautifu.
with The flowers woven all round her head,
and white robe flowing down to her feet,
and she smiled SO sweetly and said, "My
little Willy, he will come tomorrow. and
his coming will be signal, for then ], too,
will come for you"
"My tears were falling fast on the boys
brown curls; but sharp paug reached my
heart as be spoke these Words" 4
"No,no. Willy you were onl5 dreaming"
l said as l lifted up my head and looked at
him anxiously. One glance into the rigid
face told me enough-the mother had in
deed come for her child. @
"Bend down quick. murmured the boys
white lips. "Nelly will be alone when
leave her; for there's nobody to take care
of her, you see. and l want to give her to
yov You are SO kind aud good, ] know
you will take care Of her, and never let her
suffer; and mamma will look down from
our home in heaven and bless you for it all
and may be We shall come some time 10
take you TO US. You will promise me this
won't you?-quick. for / can't see you;"
and bis glazing eyes wandered over my
face. .l.f...r .s.,g--. -Fgras..
Eyes. Willy, Ipronise il to God, to your
mother in heaven, and TO YOU" / answer
ed solemnly. "
"Nelly, you have heard what be said
be will take care of you. Kiss me once
more. little sister. There, there, mother
has come for me! Good byer'
"The little cold fingers sought for our
hands. and drew them topether-a smile |