The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1859-08-26
THE PORTRAIT.
BY MRS. MARY A. DENSISoN.

"Mother, was that our house once!"
"Yes, DEAR" replied the pale woman
casting long look at the splendid build
ing, " you were born in that front cham
Der. But hurry on dear it is ours no long
er. Hold your shawl closely about youl
chest-the wind is very cold"
They were meauly clad, both mother
and daughter The former was past for.
ty few years, the daughter not yet sev
enteen Annie Low was not beautiful
nevertheless her face was rare blending
of amiability and intellect. They passee
quickly along over the we'll trodden snow
and wended their way toward one of the
lower quarters of the city. There they
traversed the long. Unlocking narrow stree
till they stopped beforea narrow shop doc
and entered.
"Any work yet, Mr.. Mosely?" askec
the widow in quiet tone.
40 yes, madam" said the man behnt
the counter, 1--WE have plenty of shirts now
Shall give you bundle!" And he cas-
glance, half impertinence, half admira
ton, towards the young girl.
What are your prices.' ssked Mrs
Bartlett.
"Well, you know we generally give a
shilling a shirt 20 common customers, but
as it's you, why | think we'll pay two
shllings. Shan't | take it home for you?
It's heavy bundle, too much for you to
carry"
The widow hesitated. She had done
sewing for this man before, but she did
not like the way in which he looked at
her daughter A mothers heart alarms
at hint question or glance. Annie
was the one, the on y fair child of widow
ed heart-but the bundle was too weighty
for either mother or daughter, SO she con-
cluded to let it be brought.
"You can send it by and by" she said
40, can't get anybody to take it
must 90 myself No inconvenience, | as.
sure you-right on my way to supper
Miss, | wish that | could offer you one Of
my arms" he said, coarseIy, "but they
happen to be both full"
They walked on till they came to very
ordinary looking house, whose steps were
covered with children. The man smiled to
himself as they ascended.
81 will take the bundle now," said the
widow with dignity.
40 no, ma'am; couldn't consent to let
you carry it," said the man" I'll take il
up to your room"
"Put the bundle down, sir!" said the
widow with flashing eyes.
The man started, and nearly let it drop
However, he threw it with an impatien
jerk on the lower stair, and muttering :
curse, left the hall.
"What made you speak 50 Grossly
motherl" asked Anne.
Never mind child. Help me up stairs
with it." said the widow, recovering he
equnimity. She had seen the tailor wiDl
at vulgar-looking man across the entry
who came out of a room near by, anc
whose reputation was none of the best.
at seems strange, doesn't it," museC
Annie looking round.
"What seems strange, dear?"
"That you should have lived and beer
born in that beautiful great house, and af
ter all be reduced to the garret of such
place as this" replied Annie Who
lives there now mother!"
You have heard me saw before, child, ,
replied her mother" uncle Harry
and your cousin Eugenie Your uncl,
Harry, your fathers brother, married my
sister-poor Annie, (you are named fo
her,) she died before your father did, o.
we should not now be suffering in penury
or be forced to take insults from our infe
riors"
Well, it is home" said the Young girl
gazing around, and not so bad a on,
either. Now, if we get those shirts don'
why we can buy beautiful warm shaw
to wear between US Shall make tea to
night"
Yes, if you please" said the mother
sitting YEARLY down. "l'Il undo the bun
die aud sort the work.
Robert Southey, you are always stand
ing before that picture"
SO cried a beautiful high bred girl, a.
she entered the splendid reception room
where stood the young man, gazing upor
sylph-like figure enclosed within mas
siYe frame
Young Sou,hey turned round hastily
a rarely intellectual face was his-au.
greeted the beautiful girl with a smile.
" cannot help admiring that picture,
he said; at has fascination for me which
] cannot explain TO myself. Is there al
original, or is it one of those gentle dream
faces that artists sometimes fashion whe,
under the inspiration Of Heayen."
20, it's no dream face said Eugcnie