Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1857-04-16
The New Carpet.

shining gold pieces
"A hundred dollars said she to herself how
rich it makes me feel. 1t seems to be a great
deal to pay for carpet but gold is worth gold,
as the old saying is and one good purchase is
worth a doxen of poor ones. I'll buy one Of the
finest and most beautiful Brussels
Afternoon came; the rosy babe was laid asleep
in his tlecradle, and the maid received score of
charges to linger by its side every moment until
the darling woke up. Jane flushed with eager an
icipation, looked her prettiest; and, throwing
her mantila over her handsome shoulders she
was just huTying away when a loud ring at the
door bell brought a very pettsh 'Oh dearl' at the
unexpected intrusion.
'Oh dear-dear janet aud pale Young
creature sat sobbing on the sofa. we are in such
trouble-such dreadful troubled Can you help
uss Do you think we could borrow a hundred
dollars from your husband! Couldn't you get
it for usl You know you said | might always
rely upon you when trial came; and poor Charles
expects every moment to be arrested; and he is
50 iIl'
Dear, DEAR sal Jane, her good heart suddenly
contracting Edward told me this morning not to
ask him for any money for three months, and she
gathered her purse up tightly in her handkerchief
am sure, if-I-only-could oblige you.
woald; but expect Edward is really pushed
Can't you get it esewherel Have you triel9
YES answered her friend despondingIy. q
have tried everywhere. People know that Charles
is i'll and cannot pay Immediately. Mr. J.
knows our circumstances, yet he insists upon that
money. Do. it is so hard 1t is so hard
Her pitiful voice, and the big tears running like
rain down her pallid cheeks almost unnerved
James sefshness. But that carpet-that beauti
ful carpet she had promised herself SO long, aud
SO often been disappointed of its possession, that
she could not give it up. She knew her hus
bands heart-and that ho would urge her tC
self denial No she would not see him--if she
did, it was all over with the carpet. Well, said
her poor friend, in despouding voice, raising t.
so, i am sorry you can't help me; know yor
would if you could, and it is something to know
that go back with heavy heart. Good morn
ing dear Jane; l hope YOU will never know wha
; it is to want and suffer.
How handsome the new carpet looked as tn
sun streamed in on its wreathed flowers, its color
o of fawn, and blue, and crimson, its soft velve
richness and how very proud felt Jane at the Law
sb praises Of her neighbors. 1t was bargain too
she had saved Thirty dollars III its purchase, an
- bought pair Of elegant vases for the window re
cess
u 4 declare said her husband, fhis looks lik
comfort; but it spoils all my pleasure to think q
= poor Charley Somers. The poor fellow is dead
> Jane gave sharp scream, and then the Aus
u" faded from her cheek,
: Eyes, that rascalIy j! For the paltr
1t sum of one hundred dolla:s be arrested, CharIe
' who ruptured blood vessel and scarcely lived q
= hour afterwards. You know he has been wea
' i'll this long while.
IL 'And Mary Z issued from James almost blooC
- less lips
:, She has dead child, and they tell me h
~ life is despaired Of Why on earth didn't the
send for mel Icoud easily have spared the nc
= ney for that purpose. Ifit had striped me of tn
last dollar they should have had it, Poor felo'
poor Mary?
ID And might have saved it-aY! shreke
10 Jane, sinking upon her knees upon the rich carpe
j" 'Oh! Edward, will God forgive me for my hear
!" essness! Mary did call here and begged with tea
" to aid her-aud- had the whole sum in m
very hand-and coldy turned her away. Oh
my God forgive me!'
In the very agony of grief poor Jane would r
ceve no comfort, In vain ber husband strove t
soothe her; she would not hear word in exten
= alton of her selfish conduct.
n 4 shall never forget poor Mary's tears;'' 4 sha
Is never forget her sad voice: they will haunt me
&C. my dying dayl Oh! take it away-that hatef
is, carpet! have purchased it with the death {
IS, my dearest friend How could be SO cruel :
a shall never be happy again, never! never?
b. Years have passedsince then, and Mary al
Is, her husband lie together under the green sod
al the church yard. Jane has grey hairs mike
wv With the light brown of her tresses, but she liy
ID, in home of splendor, and none knows her bl
is to bless her. There is Mary gentle Mary
h. her household dear to her as her own sweet Chi
tn dren-she is the orphan child of those who ha,
les rested side by side for ten long years.
ar Edward is rich but prosperity has not hardene
Rd bis heart. His hand never tires of giving OF
bounty to the poor; and Jane is the guardian al
an gel of the needy. The new carpet long sn'
old, is scarcely preserved as memento of sOrrowf
but penitent hours, and many weary heart ow