The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1859-02-03
From Godey's Lady Book.
NegI ected Flowers.
BY ANNIE FROST.

BY ANNIE FROST.
"You are certain that you will re-
turn tonight and pay me %
"Oh, yes, sir, indeed we will % said
sweet voice; and the speaker raised
a pair of dark eyes with look of
wounded surprise at the implied doubt.
"Now, wonder," said Jake Hop
kins folding his hands, and looking af-
ter the two girls, as they walked away
=" wonder Jake, if you amt an old
fool to trust them gals? You was
born with soft place in your heart y
"And your head, too," said a good
natured voice behind him. What's
the matter that l find you here talking
to yourself like an old lunatic %
"Why, you see, MIR. Larkins, the
poor lady l told you about that was sick,
next door to us, died last week, and
left them two gals, you mind / spoke
of, to look arter themselves. They're
rale beauties. The bigger one is about
fifteen and she's been well edicated by
her mother, and the little ones Just
turnin' seven.. Well, they took on aw-
ful about their ma; and / jest took
them in ere for spell till they'd look
around, and find somethin' to do.
To-day, the older one, Hester,
said, if l was willin', she make some
boqucts of some flowers, and try to
sell 'em; so / let her do it. We will
share the profits. She's to pay me to-
night" 7ao'~ss
"Poor children! About seven you
said one was. Just the age! just the
ager' he said sadly. ''But come ~
he added, more briskly, 81 called to
see about the camellias. Are they in
blossom yet"
"Opened this morning, sir. Will
you walk in ?" And the florist led the
way to his greenhouse.
We will follow the orphans, who
sadly and slowly wended their way to
an old church in the central part o!
New York. Here they found seat,
and offered their beautiful flowers to
the passers-by. Lola, the youngest,
was soon absorbed in watching the
busy scene; but Hester's face never
lost its sad, wistful expression. Neither
was aware of the admiration her beau.
ty excited, until an elderly gentleman,
suddenly stopped in front of Lola
scanning her face eagerly while his
fine eyes were moist with tears.
What is your name, little girl ?' he
asked. 1sfi
"Lola Crawford, SIR"
He turned to Hester, saying, in a
voice that trembled with emotion
"Your sister is wonderfully like lit.
tie girl l lost some four months ago
Would you object to walking home
with me, so that my wife can see her
| think it would comfort her. l will
buy all your flowers ea7T
Certainly we can Co." said Hester
rising.
They soon reached the house. The
gentleman left them in the parlor
whilst he went to call his wife. In q
few moments, tall, handsome lady, in
deep mourning, came in. As soon as
she saw Lola, she sprang towards her
lclasped her in her arms, and burst in
to tears. y -eT si35ers
Hester's eyes filled, as the the lady
sobbed out: ".Oh, my child! my
tchiId J"
When she grew more composed, she
questioned Hester; and the girl told
her simple history. ~ u.-.r.4r
i Her father had been. clerk in g
wholesale house in Philadelphia, and
dying two years before, left them pen
lniless. Her mother was the daughter
of a wealthy merchant, whose family
cast her off when she married. After
her fathers death, her mother came to
New York, and took in sewing. Con
sumption claimed her3for his victim
and she died week ago, leaving them
lorphans.
"Where are you living now ?''
AT Mr.. Hopkins, the florists, who
allowed us to offer these flowers fol
sale" ..-...s-- ,.s .s..;.f., -.
"The very children he. was telling
me about this morning." said Mr.. Lar
kins. i9 ee sax7i ,ifi's
Mrs. Larkins still held Lola claspcd
close in her arms, as if she would never
let her 60. af =; .f.s k.~o.
"Will you let your little sister sta,
I with me to-day p she asked, turning
to Hester. "You can call for her to
night, after you have sold all your flow
fers." e4 alssii f'H - hs's
i "These are mine," said Mr.. Lar
kins, emptying the basket, and placing
a gold piece. in Hester's hand, 'sYou
will have to go to Mr.. Hopkins fol-
more. -