The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1858-03-12
Hfiite7, expressly tu The Day Book.
The Orphans Auction Sale.
hrs. j.. N. HUTCHINSON.

hrs H. N. HUTCHINSON.
Several years since there cmigrated to
fhis country, froa the northern part OF
Scotland, gentleman and his lady, who
with their small family, took up their
residence in the City Of Baltimore. Hav-
ing heard that fortune could be easily
acquired in the way Of speculation, he
ventured into some wild schemes -whieh
promised great returns Of wealth. and
which had, by some of his friends, been
highly recommended to his interest; and
like other men equally sanguine and
needless, he lost his all This mis-
fortune coming suddenly upon him, he
lost with it all energy Of character and
soon falling into a consumption, he PIN
ed away and died Tie family. now,
were left in charge OF the mother, who by
constant application to her needle, with
the assistance Of her daughter, maintain
ed them respectfully, for time. Bat
She herself, also, became i'll to such de-
gree, that they became severe sufferers
The daughter, who was now about sev--
dhteen years of age, assumed the charge
lately devolvng upon her mother, and
performed the duties assigned to her IN
the most assidious manner.
But the mother was not to remain
long in her trying condition death
came to her relief, and she, like her hus-
band, passed away TO the better land
Eoira and her two brothers, ons ct
eight and the other Of only two years OF
age, now saw distressing days, and Sc
we're anguish; for often they had little
food and less fuel in the house; and the
rent was all that she could pay to her
exactng landlord, by means of the little
sewing which she had time to do. In q
short time, indeed, she became in arrears
for the rent and the landlord was in
consequence still more urgent for his
pay. -.
On q cold December morning, whilst
The ground was covered with snow, and
the long icicles hung down from the caves
of the house, an auctioneers flag was seen
to fly frcm the door in the cold, chilly
breeze.
Flora sat by the dying onnbers Of the
still scarcely remaining fire; folding IN
her arms her little brother--the elder
one seated by her side-all gazing aifcc-
tionately, and yet 'nournfully at each
other; presenting to the eye group
worthy of the pencil Of tho artist.
1T is three months, now, Eloira,' said
Edwin, since our dear mother died, and
one year since our dear father was laid
in the grave, and the dried grass alone
marks their lonely rcs.ing-pla@es. But
dear sister you have often told me that
cur parents are in Heaven now, and hap
Ply there2'
yes, Edwin she replied, they are
happy now, and will suffer no more
Nor will they be compelled, any more,
to take the scanty food from their OWE
lips to place it upon ours
But said Edwin, 4 cannot think that
it was light for them to have been taken
from us so soon and especially, when
Freddy was so small 2
Edwin our loss is great, but God
knows what is best; so yon see it was
right for Him to take father ana mother
away, when he saw IT.
1T doesn't seem so, Eloira-at least, to
me; aad / do not think Freddy thinks
30 either, for how much does he miss his
dear Mammal
Whilst Eloira aud Edward were thus
talking, Freddy looked mp at them, and
fixed his large blue eyes upon them;
wondering, why Eloira should weep as
she SO talked with Edwin; and laying Ais
little tender face upon hers, seemed to say
20! that could relieve you, my dear
sister, and wipe away all of your tearsr
But now the gathering of the people
around the door of the house showed that
the Auction, as indicated by the flag, was
soon to commence, and the last sad mem
ories Of their mothers property to b
sold, to pay the cruel landlord.
The landlord was very sorry to COM
pei the poor orphans to sacrifice then
little all--but all his tenants had orphans
and If he took pity upon some he must
upon all"
The cry Of the Aactioneer was now
heard; in the house all was soon sold;
the uDfeeling landlord aiding IN the sale,
SO an to secure his reut.
Eloira was in tears, but Edwin remain
cd selI-possessed. till his mothers like
ness was offered for sale. This, to him,