Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-11-25
yntntstiap Storg,
the STOLEN RlMGl
CHAPTER 1.

CHAPTER 1.
The cold January winds whistled and
roared dolefully in at the creyices of the
Widow Eyeretts humble dwelling and
the snow, which had been falling since
early morning, filled the wintry air with
6ne ~cloud-like particles, and beat relent-
lessly against the miserable abode.
Within this humble dwelling it was al
most as gloomy as without. A small
quantity of Goals gave out a dim, sickly
light, barely serving to reveal the occu
pants OF the cherries apartment. In one
corner OF the room, was a wretched apol.
ogy of bed, over which there was but
slight covering. There were no chairs
Ia few three legged stools serving in
stead. Poverty and want were there in
ghastliness and hunger, with her wasted
form, presided owe the cold hearthstone.
A pale, "attenuated woman was hover
ing over the s%mouldering fire, holding
her alu ost transparent hands to the feint
heat. Opposite to her sat a younger per
son-her daughter-for the same marks
OF patient suffering were drawn around
her small mouth, and upon her white, blue
veined temples. A garment of the most
exquisite embroidery lay across her lap,
upon which she had been employed until
the early darkness had made work impos-
sible.
"Letty,' said the old woman raising
herself from the STOPPING posture, which
she had assumed. oh that | could have
lived to see my daughter-she whose in
fancy was SO tenderly watched, so careful.
ly cherished-oh that should live to
see her starving Oh, Heavenly Father
hast thou indeed forgotten us 2"
Hush, mother, hush" said the Young
girl softly,tsHe can aever forget IT.:
true that there are shadows around us
but He can make all bright" and Lefty
raised her blue eyes devoutly upward.
You are young and hopeful, my
child" said her mother, " you look only
on the sunshine and forget the shade
Heaven forbid that | shonld wish you to
do otherwise i; but oh, LEFTY, whea | saw
that gay, young girl yesterday, so full o.
happiness-so anxious to h We that gorg
eous robe wrought fair and tasteful, ]
thought of my own buoyant youth anc
happy womanhood-of my welded life
when was the cherished of one and gooC
and noble-of the time when your infan-
eyes Enclosed on llfe-of your guarded
childhood, your happy youth-bat darae
I look farther? Oh, Lefty /! the darl
hours came, and your father was tori
from US by death and added to all oul
grief and despair, we were penniless l.
Gloom only broods owe usl Will tht
clouds never break? Will the sun 0
happiness never shine through 2 Lefty
to live thus-o
Dear mother said Lefty, windin.
her arms about her parents neck, !" i
grives me to hear you SO speak so.
will work for you, mother-I ain read
and willing. My hands are young anC
strong, and my heart is hopeful. Whel
Miss Josephine's dress is finished | shall
have twelve shillings then we will hav,
more fuel, and something nice for you t,
eat, mother |! Miss Josephine | know
will pay me Immediately ; she must b,
good-she is so beautiful! Mother, i
not every one good who is beautiful 81
Alas my child, would that it wer,
so + rep led her mother. Josephin,
Howard is very happy but reports cal
her heartless. Nevertheless, | dare sal
she is honorable towards all those whom
she employs. But you canaot work to
night. Lefty. There is no candle, anc
these poor Goals give but a feeble light.
Lefty laid aside the rich velvet which
was to drape the queenly form Of Jose
phlne Howard on her coming birthuight
and opening the door, she looked out int
the night. She shuddered as the colo
wind penetrated her thin garments, ant
closing the door, she returned to be-
mothers side.
1T is a fearful night, mother" sale
Lefty how thankful we should be fol
even this poor shelter there are Others
more destitute than we.'
Fainter and fainter burned the fire, th,
storm demon howled more loudly, anc
the deep darkness grew deeper. Mrs
Everett and Lefty, crept shivering int
their scanty bed and sleep, which comes
to both rich and poor, spread its sos,
wings over them.
Morning dawned, cold and gray. TIL
storm had ceased, but the sky was still
oyerspread by cold, heavy vapors. Lefty
Everett was early at her work, for it wa.
to be finished on Thursday, and it wa
now Tuesday, YEARLY the time passed
but the busy fingers stitched hopefully
on. the thought Of the coming
ton making the arduous task compari
lively easy. Thursday evening arrived
and the last stitch being taken, Lefty
with a lighter heart than she had borns
for many day, put on her coarse shaw
and faded bonnet, to take the fabric tt
its beautiful owner. With a buoyant steI
she threaded the busy streets, and halted
before a palace like building. Timidl,
she mounted the steps and rung the bell