The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-07-27
Prom the Home and School Journal.
THE NEW SUIT OF CLOTHES.


Ella Grey's first lesson in sorrow was
not the last. A painful knowledge had
come TO her unsought-yet none the less
bitter--a worm lay folded in the flowret,
coiling around the germ. Her fathers
course was fearfully downward--harsher
and harsher grew The tones-the comforts
more scanty-her mother growing thin
ner--weary-and more weary, taxing
her own strength to procure necessaries
that Richards purse did not supply. Oh,
there is change since the bridal hours
Then all was bright with joy and happi-
ness, now Ella is the only sunbeam. Is
il not mournful to see that sunbeam so
early clouded. At times the old manli-
ness in Richards character would shine
forth, then light would como back TO the
eye, elasticity to the step. Temptations
came-they were not rcsisted--mother
and child were in the clouds again. One
day a bright thought struck Richard" if
he had new suit of clothes, il he could
dress as well as Henry Wilmot he would
reform--he never would drink again, no,
neverl But with clothes old and latter
ed no one had any confidence in him, he
was only Dick Grey'-dress him respect
ably and he could be as smart as the best
Of them, that he could"--a little glim-
mering Of the old pride shooting from its
hidden recess. Lucy had few dollars
she had saved by sewing, an order on one
of the clothing merchants, and Ella had
a money box that had never been opened,
for Lucy had felt for a long time that ey-
cry penny must be saved--in a little
while Elias wants would be more--she
hoped to be able to give her few adyan-
tages, scaniy though they might be-
Richards credit was gone. Employment
was seldom obtained, indeed, he had but
little relish for it. There were so many
little things wanted for herself and Ella,
what was her path of duty? Richard
had made so many promises and broken
them, would he keep this one? Her
, money alone would not complete the pur-
chase-it was very hard 10 ask her child
to give up her little all, so carefully treas
ured. The clouds were dark and heavy
again. If he should reiorml What a
world of joy in the thought. She must
not hesitate. The sacrifice was made,
she handed Richard the order, her little
saving, and Ella broke the cover of her
money box and poured tho contents into
her fathers hand. Richard was humbled
at that hour the angels that fitted
! around his boyhood hovered around him
once more the good and pure--the past
= came up before him-thc years of his LOST
, manhood spent in selfish pleasure-ruiu
, was imprinted on every page of memory
His purchases made; rs The last dollar
was handed to tho merchant, n vision
came before him of sorrowing face whose
toiling fingers had earned the price; n
child looking wistfully at broken box
with fearful eyes, then there were resolves
of better, higher life, feebly formed.
The angels were still lowering near. So
: berly Richard returned home, and when
{ he appeared dressed in his new clothes and
5 shining black Ella felt very happy HeI
!, father was a very handsome man, who
G could doubt it--and her lip curled little
scornfully-and good, too, only some
times a shadow drove away the sunshine
yet the fire burnt brighter, the lamp
gave clearer light. There was light in
the heart, hope in the future. Day sue
ceeds day, Richard regularly returned to
j his home. Has the sacrifice fulfilled its
mission9 Is the promise keptG No,
C temptations thicken--tho glass is filed
he hesi'ates--he is invited in persuasive
y tones--he yields--the angels fit heaven
= ward--he is alone.
: When he returned to his home il was
with the same old look, the same reeling
gait that sent such thrill of anguish tc
7 the fearful watchers. The new clothes SC
), dearly bought had been traded away
there were purple tinted dishes for Lucy
: beaded chain for Ella, faded brown
> coat, few shillings in money, and few
glasses of liquor was the exchange. Rich
: ard was very cheerful, yet twas sickly
k cheerfulncss painful to witness. Langh
n iugly he threw tho chain around Ella;
e neck, feeling to her so leadenly arranged
i the dishes so that Lucy could see wei
a their beauty. No words were spoken
yet there were watchful vigils and blister
ing tears, and earnest prayers for strength
J TO endure and light to guide. for hope'
withered that never revived again.
: MYRo MORTIMER.