The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1857-01-03

No word Of thanks fell from the poor girl S
quivcring lips, for the generous aid SO deli
cstely given but her glistening eyes and
silent pressure Of the hand that bestowed it
told her gratitude.
Many visits after this, did the child Of
luxury and wealth, make to the dwelling of
the sick girl, whom neither her loving care
| nor physicians skill could save. Gradually
she paled away, very gradually her strength
failed, but her heart grew stronger all the
while-strong to endure the sundering Of
sweet ties that bound her to earth-strong 10
meet the terrors of death SO near. Her father
was recovering, so the meek daughter was re-
signed. since the little ones would have him
to provide for them.
| Alice was returning home from visiting the
Lester family one day and had just emerged
from the cross street into Broadway, when o
gayly decorated sleigh passed. filled with la
dies and gentlemen of her acquaintance e.
She did not observe them, but Clara Morgan
caught sight of her, and said to Joung man
by her side:
"Wcll, if there isn't Alice Durand coming
out of Ann street, and on foot, too! What
in the world can she be doing there! :"
Not visiting any Of her friends, ina
ginc, said Mr. Benton.
There's no knowing !; Sho takes very Gu
rious freaks sometimes. Only think of her
purchasing a set of cheap furs, when, to my
certain knowledge, her mother wanted her to
have some like mine"
"Shc certainly could afford the most fash.
lonable and expensive"
| 1t seemed somewhat strange to George Ben.
ton, too, for he had heard the circumstances
Of the purchase from his sister, who was with
Alice at the time; but still he believed that
she must have good motive for the act
Miss Duland did not act unreasonably. So,
thought he, "shc has been to see SOME one in
Ann street, where only poor families live.
That Is fact number two," and he began to
make deductions, yet reserved the final in.
ference to be drawn from further premises
Fact number three was furnished not long
after 1t was in this way. lie was at large
party. and searching through the crowded
rooms for Alice, whom he presumed to be
there, his attention was arrested by the con-
versa ton of two young ladies'.
| eyes, Bell, II is, as You say, beautiful
dress, but not half so pretty as intended to
have it. You know that elegant embroidered
robe of Alice Durand'si Well determined
10 have ono like it, but the only person l
know Of who does that kind of work had to
|
How provoking! That's always the way
with those ncedle-women; they think nothing
Of disappointing US. never would employ
her again if were you.'
Nor shall [ JaEc Lester has done her
last work for me-" said the speaker-no other
than Clara Morgan.
"Ies, Miss Lester has done hor last work
Of that kind. You are quite right, Miss
Clara"
They both started-it was DR.. Weston who
| spoke he had heard their heartless remarks,
and there was an unusual seriousness in his
tone.
why what do you know Of herr" asked
| one of them,
THAT she is very ill, and will not recover.
indeed. think she would have been in her
grave before now but for the kindcst of care. !"
IL am glad that she is SO Fortunate" said
Miss Morgan, with sense of relief at is
not every one in her situation that can afford
good nurse"
''Nor could she, but for the goodness Of
one IN similar circumstances to yours
''lndccd! but you do not mean that any
one of our circle is exercising such uncalled
for condcsccnson 7"
i do mean that there is one young lady Of
my acquaintance Of our circle, that can both
devise aud perform generous deeds, however
lowly the object"
"Of whom are you speaking. doctor"
now inquired MIR. Benton, who had been an
obseryant listener.
81 must mention no names,' replied Dr.
Weston, with smile. "She would not
thank me for making public her private char.
tics"
"Yet. you have actually done it," said
one of the young ladies.
| 81 have commended the actions without
giving to the actor a nototicty she would
shun; and let me add, my dear girls, her
conduct is worthy elimination"
"Its plain to be seen some one is to be
canonized as saint or sister Of mercy to
say the least, said Clara, as soon as the doc
ter passed on.
at must be Alice" unused George Benton.
II know of none other to whom DR.. Wes-
tons words can apply, and half suspect it
is some charitable mission keeps her from
here tonight"
| 1t was q spring morning in April. Jane
Testers couch had been drawn to thel VIM
dow, that she might share in the sweet inhu.
ences of that glorious morning. She lay there,
calmly thinking of the present and the future,
when Alice Durand entered the room.
To her kind inquiries how she had passed
the night and how she felt, this morning.
Jane replied:
"Oh comfortably-qute comfortably; much
pain, but patience to bear it; little sleep, but
many pleasant thoughts"
| 81 have brought you the first spring aow-
ers from our garden. Are they not bcauti-
full 2" -s..-
"Thcy are, indeed. thank you for them,
and oh, much more the flowers of peace
and hope with which your kindness has
chcered my pathway"
"Think not of that dear GIRL" said Alice,
with much feeling;"l have been far happier
for the little have done than it could posi-
bly, render you"
81 will tax your kindness with but one
moro request; it is that your father will
permit us to remain in this house until am
gone You know that next week we should
move. as farther must take smaller dwelling
now"
THAT is all arranged, he will not move at
all, but stay, hear free of rent: and will
come sometimes to see the children. They
shall not WANT
"God bless you-he will bless you. But
they will not long be dependent on your char
ity; as soon as father is able"
'"Call it not charity: it is only help which
the stronger should give the weaker in time of