True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-01-07
y From tie Christian Chronicle.
MINNIE THE DAY DREAMER.

Minnie Ellsworth was one OF the as
-sociates Of my school days, bright, intel
ligent and attractive. She was al once
the pride Of the school, yet she was a
day dreamer; for hours would she. sit
building bright airy visions for The future
In vain friends aud tutors expostulated.
Minnie's habit was confirmed one. Left
at an early age, without q mother. she
was left almost entirely 10 the chance
training Of servants. Her father loved
and idolized the fair being, who was the
very shadowof his partner who had gone
TO the bright world beyond I: but he knew
no, how 10 curb the wild turbulent spirit
of Minnie. Her will was law; all the
household yielded to it; and thus in her
infancy, began the soul destroying habit.
A few years rolled by, and Mr. Els
worth began to think Of sending Minnie
to school, AT first she spurned the idea,
but the thought Of the change it would
afford scon dlspelled the feeling Of dislike.
Numerous seminaries were visited. Al
length the quiet litle school al Grcenyille
was chosen, and here was where our
friendship first commenced.
While others were intent on study,
Minnie was far away in drpamland, but
having strong memory. her lessons
scarce needed perusal 10 be known, and
thus from year to year, Minnie's habit
gained ground, until her school life
closed.
A short time elapsed. and was has
tening 10 see the friend Of my early days
and clasp her to my heart, while | twined
the orange wreath around her brow but
how was | saddened to find her the same
dreamer of former years. She bid us all
farewell to Journey in faseign land.-
Her eyes beamed brightly, and | knew
that she was building all her bright
dreams upon an earthly foundation The
.Eaged pastor wiped a tear from his eyes,
as he breathed tile benediction. and as he
turned towards me, | thought the same
feeling rested with him.. R
Long years rolled by, and heard no
more Of Minnie. Often in the twilight
hour would my thoughts wander towards
her. IL the meantime found home in
the glowing west. Six long years of tri.
a and sorrow had passed sway. 1t was
evening the great wood fire had blazed
aud burned on the old hearth the wind
whistled in mournful tones around our
abode. The broad river shone like a
belt of. silver, aud the snow came driving
along covering all insiis purest robe ol
white; the old iimepiece stood on the
mantle, and breathed ont IN ringing tones
the hour Of midnight ;2lhe old dog moved
and shook his shaggy sides and uttered a
low growl, when cry fell on my ear,
and "A feeble knock at the door bid me has
ten. Iopened j, and d woman with a
little babe closely pressed to her bosom
rushed to my arms. The face Of the
woman was wan and thin, the Features
sharp and pinched but there was some.
thing strangely familiar about the coun'
tenance. She was the first 10 break the
silence, by saying -" Then indeed, am
forgotten; even you have failed 10 remem.
Der Minnie Ellsworth. But l wondel
not; | so different from when we were
last together" and saying this she fell
senseless at my feet. Two days Of wild
delirium passed the third found herre
stored to her senses, aud it was duriue
this period that cleaned the remainder
of her history. Supported by pillows
and resting herhead upon my bosom, she
said---f' You little dream what have suf
ierred; oh, that had listened to the ad,
vice Of older iriends But no, day dreams
were not realities |; they foated away like
mist before the SUM-. He whom had on
y studied by appearance, proved TO have
no heart. The arm that should have
supported me crushed mo TO the earth
and leit.me poor, penniless, and alone
and. yet Hook not higher than earth.-
| IT'S true | dreamed Of heaven, but onl,
as "a bright snd beautiful world, where
spirits weary and worn found rest. But
II knew not Of striving to get there, II
fact, Lknew not God till in his mercy h,
called me 10 my fathers Bedside, and as
wiped the death dews from his brow,
found that we must either strive to gair
| The goel or lose il. With my parents
! death came the sadlconviction Of my guilt
and afterwards the desire to see the frient
Of my youth, and pour into your ears N,
sorrowss Night and day l journeFed
Ihoping 70 lay the little one in your arms
| God save her from my fate.
Il was again eve. The moons sof
Esilvery rays shone on the lifeless form o
| Minnie andhef child. !. | trust she ha,
AZ length found The road that leads to liea
ven. Far out in the great West We lait
] their forms; an humble tombstone mark
the spot, and a weeping willow Is all ,ha
meets the ey6. Are there not mauy NOR,
Minnies. dear reader, who build all lhei
I Ropes nnihe dreams Of heaven, yet nevct
strive for eplerance there
I. DAIsR3 DEAN
!, THE GERMAN PREss II is stated l,ha
there are leu times ~ many newspaper
printed in tho German language ii sh'
y United States as there are in Getsha0Y