Litchfield enquirer., 1856-01-24
NisceIIapy.
HELEN LEES HAPPY NEw-YEAR

"rn miserable; there's no denying it;" said Helen. ' 'There's nothing in this endless fashionable routine of dress. ing, dancing and visiting that can satisfy me- Hearts enough are laid at my feet, but owe them all to the accidents of wealth and position. The world seems all emptiness to me There must be some thing beyond this, else why this ceaseless reaching of the soul after some unseen good Why do the silent voices of na- ture so thrill me Why do the holy stars with their burning eyes utter such silent reproarhes ! Have l nothing to do but ainuse myself with toys like a child Shall l live only for mysey' Does moi the sun that rises upon my luxury, shine also upon the tear-stained face of sorrow Are there not slender feet stumbling weari- ly in rugged. lonely paths Why is mine fower-bestrewn How am l better Whose sorrowful heart have frightened! What word of comfort has fallen from my lips on the ears of the griet-s,ricken What am here for What is my mis- sion "
 "And you have only this wretched place to nurse this sick child in !" said Helen ; and five lesser ones to take care for l- Will you trust that sick child 10 me 7"
 ''She is not long for this world, my lady. ! love her as though had but one; sometimes I've thought the more care l had for hei, the closer my heart c!ings to her; she is very patient and sweet"
 "Yes, know" said Helen; but l have it in my power to make her so much more comfortable. l. my preserve, or at least lrng.hen her life"
 When little Mary opened her eyes next morning, she halt believed herself in fairy land. Soft feecy curtains were looped above her head, her little .emacia,ed hand rested upon a silken coverld, gilded la. ble stood by her hedside, the litle cup from which her lips We're moistsned was oi bright silver, and a sweet face was bend- ing over her. shaded by cloud of golden hair. tha, fell like glory upon her head.
 Where an !" said the child, press- ing her little hand across her bewiIdered brain
 Helen smiled. ." You are my little bird now. dear. How do you like your cage !" "lt is very, very pretty" said Mary. with childish delight :" but won't yeu gr, tired of waiting upon a poor little sick
 
 look as if you could work"
 "Doh't 2" said Helen, with a slight blush fof all that, you will see how nicely ran take care of you, little one. I'll tell you pretty stories; and when you are weary of your couch I'll fold you in my arms, and rock you so gently to sleep. and when you grow better and stronger you shall have so many nice toys to play with, and I'll crown your little bright head with pretty flowers, and make you nice little dresses, and now am going to read to you a little fairy story ahou, a won derful puss; and here's liule Timothy Pip; which will you have i''
 !" Mamma used to read to me out of the Bible," said liule Mary, as her long iashes swept her cheek.
 Helen started--a bright crimson flush passed over her lace, and bending low. sh. kissed the child's forehead rever&ntially.
 !" "About the crucifxion place," said lit tie Mary, as Helen seated herself hy he side.
 That Holy book Helen fel, as if he hands were .nnclean" She began tt read-perhaps the print might not have beenclear--bat she stopped often, and drew her small hand across her eyes. Her yoic. grew ,remulous. Years of word Illness had come between her and that sad, touching story. IL came upon her now with start ling force and freshness. Earth, with it, puerile cares and pleasures dwindled to , point. Oh, what cross' had her should ers borne! What .crown of ,horns' has pierced her brow How had her careless feet turned aside from the foolseps of Gal vasy's meek saflerers
 : Thank you." said little Mary, rousinl Helen from her reverie-. Mamma used | pray to God to make me patient, and talk me 10 Heaven"
 Tears staried 10 Hslen's eyes. Hos could she tell that sinlsss little one sh knsw not how fo prsyi Ah she was th pupil, Mary the teacher! Laying he cheek tc hers. she said in . sott whisper a aPray. for us both, dear Mary"
 With sweet touching esimpls ieloquenc that silssTy vosce doaaed on the mir. Tn lit,le emaciAted hand upon which Helen facs pressed, was wsl wish tears. Happ tsaEes Oh. this was what shat ressies spirit cFsved. Here at tho croes, sls wosid sfsttsssd spirit soon plumed itself fc n angsrs esassless flight. Aye. and I1fI~ ~4 4.l1 k~I l~g k.~ T~-. "