American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-08-20

the matter, for it was early spring, and
the weather was very pleasant; anG
she resolved to 60 and see at once.
| When Nellie reached the hut, she
found the old man sitting in his chair
with his face upon his hands. He
seemed to be very weak, but new
light CLEANED upon his face, as he saw
the sweet look of his fair visitor.
why, uncle Aaron what is the mat
teri she asked, sinking upon her knees
before him and taking both his hands
in her own. She looked so earnes,
and so tender, and so loving that the
old mans lips trembled for some mo,
ments before he could answer.
4 have been quite SICK he said fl
nally.
Sick! And who has taken care OF
your
Nobody
what! sick all alone?' cried Nellie
with emotion. 'Oh-why did mt 1 think
before? l ought to have known some
thing was the matter. But you shant
be sick so any more, for will come
every morning and evening and take
care of you.
But L cannot pay you, my dear
child, said he gazing into her face with
a sort of bewildered look.
you are naughty to talk so SIR she
returned. Mercy on me, what should
| be good for if couldn't help people
that needed it?'
But then you ought to have some
pay child And as Aaron spoke he
looked very sharpley out of his little
gray eyes upon the lovely presence.
'And don't have pay, sir? Int a
word OF gratitude from n true heart
worth more than money? If you had
money l would hire somebody to come
and take care of YOU; but as you have
none, Ill do it myself. So cheer up,
and let me be your nurse
Nellie would hear no more argumen,
but went at work as soon as possible
to make the old man comfortable. She
made him some tea, and fixed up mat.
ters as best she could, and finally took
her leave. In the evening she came
again.
In few weeks the old man of the
wood could walk out, but it was only
by leaning upon Nellie's arm. She
had become necessary to his very life
and tho only regret that he ever ex-
pressed was that he could never repay
her.
Very we'll sir, she would say, bring
on your money, and I'll take it and
get nurse for you, and turn my atten,
tion elsewhere for there are plenty
who need nursing, and have no money
| One evening, away in the summer.
time, old Aaron called Nellie to his
side and bade her sit down. Then he
took silver snuff-box from his pocket
and patted it with his finger. 1t was
old and much worn, and quite large,
and seemed to have been once elabo.
rately engraved, though but little Of
the graver's work could be seen now.
Listeh to me child, he said, sand be
very attentive, for l am going to tell
you something about this old silver box.
Nellie knew by the old mans look
that he was going to tell her something
of Importance. She she drew her stool
up before him, and gave him her whole
attention.
Ithink great deal ofthis old thing,
said he patting the box familiarly.
My father gave it to me on his dying
bed. 1t was given to him by soldier
whom he nursed in the woods after a
battle. So you see it sort of me-
mento of good--a kind of pledge Of
gratitude. Well, when my father di.
ed | was left all alone. My mother
had died before and | never had any
brothers or sisters, nor did my father
have any; but my mother had sister
a young sister who has since married.
However young, aunt did not have q
home of her own and ] was thrown out
upon the world. I went to sea, and
visited foreign countries. ! had very
good fortune and then / had very bad
fortune. | had grew old and had no
friends. thought of my aunt the on.
ly relative / had and went to her. She
was in a comfortable home and had a
wealthy husband; but she did not wish
to know her poor relation. She said
she could not be bothered with me; and
! left her. Finally / found this old
hut, and here / determined to spend
the rest Of my days. | vowed that ]
weuld give this old box to the best
friend [ had; but for long time
feared ] should have to bury it in the
ground. However / shau't have to bu.
ry it now. / can't live long, and when
/ am dead this shall be yours"