The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1859-06-29


would but understand this and, appeal
ing to the highest nature, the nobest at
tribute of their children, call them into
exercise.
Edward wished from his heart. that his
brother would reveal to him what he had
done but, there was Il code Of honor in
that household, as there should be in
every home, and it was understood by all
its members,--Clarence had shown by his
silence that he did not wish to be ques-
toned. Yet no one for a moment doubt
ed but what lie had made Il right use Of
his money.
And now, although Clarence supposed
his secret to be safe from al but tbe eye
Of his Father in Heaven we, who have
followed him unseen, and watched him
through all, will relate it, in confidence. to
our readers.
The day on which he received the gift,
was bright, clear, and frosty. 1t was De.
cember and though the sun ahone cloud
lessly in the blue heavens it had no power
upon the icicles which lriuged the IRON
railings or fell from the trees in showers
of brllliants, splintored and shiverod by
the wind The air was heathful and ez-
hilarating to the weIl-clad but TO the
poor unprotected, child Of want, it came
too keenly. Clarence hurried Oh, with
his skates flung over MS shoulder to Join
a skating party.--It was the vacation,
now, Eddie was to Join them later. His
hands were thrust into his coat pockets
and he pressed on against the wind, when
he felt his arm seized from behind,
Quick, quick Come quick" said
little barefooted and bare-headed, SEEM
ingly half frantic with grief and terror
Il believe mother is dying. Do come
quick
Clarence obeyed, impulsively; while
the child, clinging to his coat dragged
him on.
The home, if such it could be called
was not lar distant and the scene which
presented itself, on his entrance, was awful
indeed A woman. surrounded by three
or four children, screaming in terror, was
lying on her miserable bed, in frightlul
conyulsions The foam was on her white
lips, her clenched hands seemed fixed in
an immovable clasp, and her aspect was
altogether horrible.
" will 90 for DOCTOR" said Clarence
and remembering that he had seen a ply
sician's house on his way. he ran with all
speed to summon him.
The Doctor followed him Immediately;
and while he was administering to the
poor sufferer, Clarence had time to observe
the scene around him. What misery was
there Never had he seen, or conceived
anything Of the kind before The poor
mother had toied, until over-exertion and
starvation had brought her to her present
state, The children were thin and meagre
only half-clad and there was no fire up
on the hearth. When they saw his
friendly, earnest face they gathered around
him.
Are you hungy2" he asked in a low
voice
Yes, dreadful hungry"
And cold, too" he said and with .
heart bleeding at the sight of such desti-
tuition and misery, he hurried to res
taurant near by, His gold piece was
now in requisiton. Thank God for its
possession
Hot rolls and hot coffee in abundance,
soon drew the little tamished creatures to
a corner of the hovel, where they satisfied
their hunger and hushed their crie',
For full hour the agony Of the poor
mother lasted--then she lay motioness
from utter exhaustion, and finally fell into
a profound slumber, 4 portion Of the
gold piece yet remained, ana Clarence
rendered to the doctor the usual fee. A
smile stole over the face Of the wealthy
DIR. S., Gor it so happened that one
of the first physicians Of the city had, by
chance, been summoned but there was a
tear in his eye, as he looked at him
earnestly.
"God bless you my noble little fellow,
and he laid his hand upon his head. Ne,
keep your money for other good deeds, -
But tell me, who you are 2'
Clarence looked up al him and smiled,
after moments pause, " only my fathers
son, sir"
"Well, well; you choose to do your
good deeds under veil, see any father
should be proud Of such Il son. never