The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1859-07-12
BY JERE CROWLEY.

seemed 10 tell OF love and JOY and hope
of bridal splendor, and of all the luxurie.
Of wea!th-was affected when compared
with her own appearance and evident pov
erty.
"Ah, mother, DEAR" said she as the eld
) er widow entered, 81 thought you long il
coming; but l hope you have sold tn,
flowers and brought me all want"
Her mother silently shook her head a.
she sat down her basket, and with tearfu
eyes gazed upon her daughters disappoint
ed face.
"No;hine, Have You sold nothing''
inquired the latter in amazemeat and dis
pair. How could that be? | though
that both Miss Frizell and Mrs. Dashwooo
had ordered some from you?"
Miss Frizell detained me nearly two
hours" replied the mother, "tossed over
all my things, and then bought two shil
ling sprig; and as was an hour after the
appointed time at Mrs. Dashweod's, she
VS. angry and would not be pleased with
ANYTHING. Indeed it is quite true, the
flowers " ere so much tumbled by Miss
Frizen and her friends, that until they are
done up they are hardly worth looking at. "
"And Miss Singleton's wedding wreath" "
sai,l the daughter. How can finish that
~. 'ess have the materials required. On
Iv two ,Iiit,:ngs for four hours walking and
wa;,;na, An mother, how little they knew
the value Of time % US. Will you buy the
white and green silk VIII tat money
4 spent it, my child, Ii. buyi"e food
| knew we had nothing in the muse, a"d
your boy will be wanting his dinner ,."es-
entl V. Is he asleep!'
"Ycs, see how soundly he sleeps" an
swered the young woman; and removing
Slight covering, she exhibited on the bed
beside her fair boy. apparently about
twelvemonth old, who was peacefully slum
berine in the happy Indifference of infancy.
Both gazed at the child till the tears
dimmed their eyes but after a few minutes
the Young mother turned away and said
what can we do? This wreath must be
finished. or in another week we shall be
house!ess." She paused a moment and
crimson. which told of some internal
struggle, appeared upon her cheeks, whilst
her lips grew paler than before; then
drawing from her finger her welding ring
she held it oup to her mother. 1T is but
for a short time $ murmured, aid
what matters j., Why should | feel s.
utterly at parting with the symbol when
the reality has been torn from me! For
our child-his child's sake-t must be
done. And what does it signify what is
thought Of me !'-In silence the mother
took the ring, for what could she say! 1t
vas sacrifice she could not have asked,
but which she saw was. inevitable; for they
did not possess another superhuity. ST
lenty, therefore, she took it, and left the
room; while her unhappy daughter, when
eft alone, catching upon the orange flow,
ers, exclaimed, happy, happy, girl .
When you wear this wreath, how little
will you suspect the bitter tears, the weary
fingers and aching hearts which have ac-
companiel its growth And was once
as happy. Who would have then imag
ined the miserable reverse | now present
But am not giving away to envy. Be
cause my prospects are blighted, would
| wish hers to be dimmed Heaven for
give me-" and sinking on the bed beside
her still sleeping boy, she continued silent
and motionless until her mothers return.
The elder widow, w,meanwhile, with weary
step and heavy heart, pursued her way to
fulfil! this painful errand; but so deeply
was she engrossei in her own mournful
reflections, that she scarcely noticed where
size was wandering, until she found her
self at the door of a large jewelry shop in
fashionable street She entered timidly;
aud waiting until she saw one of the shop,
men disengaged, she yentured to explain
her errand, and exhibit the ring.
1t is not our practice madam to buy
second hand goods" was the reply and
if we do we can only give you the value of
the gold.
"And what may that be ;" faltered she.
al suppose about half crown" he
carelessly replied.
"And is that the utmost you can give
me z" replied she in pleading tone. Il
am in great distress, and have not got an
other sixpence in this world"
Are you not the person who sell arti-
fetal fiowers?" inquired gentleman who
had been for some minutes watching her,
and was interested by the sweetness and
propriety of her manners.
She replied in the affirmative
And did you sell nothing this morn
ing ! he again asked
"One lady purchased two shilling
flower" replied the poor widow; "but
She detained me so long, that I dispIeased
an excellent customer by falling in punctu-
ality." The gentleman bit his lip and
hastily crossing the shop, he returned in
another minute leading Louisa; for he
waas her father, and she had been occupied
:, selecting a new pair of bracelets for her
self at the opposite counter.
Repeat what you have JUS said TO
my daughter" said Mr.. Frizell. @ ask
IL A. a tavor for her sake entirely"
Excuse me sir, and forgive the young
Islv," replied the widow firmly. ~She
was probably not aware of how much value
an hour is to US trades persons; but | do
not wish to complain of her for that"
Permit me At least to rectfy her er
ror-." Continued the father; "but as our
business can be better transacted in