Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-05-13

"Oh yes, ma am, for it's very cold, and
she approached the glowing stove--now rcd
hot-and sat down her willow basket, in
which lay few pairs Of woollen stockings,
and stretched her halffrozen hands, to catch
the warmth.
"Oh it's nice and warm here" she said,
looking up with cheerful smile, and her
great expressive eyes looked her happiness.
"But won't you buy pair Of stockings
Here's pair that will just suit you, with
double heels and toes "
took the articles so coaxingly offered. and
found they were just what she recommended
them.
"Whcre do you get them - asked.
"My father wcaves them
"And you 90 out to sell "
eyes ma'am, go two afternoons a week
"Have you no mother
"My mother died three years ago"
''Who takes care Of you now ~
ooh I lives with my father now he and
my brother, and sister.
''Is your sister older e.
"Oh no, ma am, she is only half as old.
She was only a little thing when my mother
died"
We buttored the bright-iaced little one a
large slice of bread. which She took thankful
ly. and then we went on with our question
ing.
And how do YOU get along being house
keeper :"
''Oh first rate, since sister is big enough
TO go to school. We all go TO school now
"What, you. and sister, and brother; and
you leave father at home to weave stockings;' -
"Ycs, maam that's it; | get up before light
in the morning, and then ! get the breakfast,
and wash up the dishes. and sweep the floor
clean, and wash and comb brother and sister,
and then we all run away to school, and when
we come out at night, then get supper, and
do up the work and study after that, to
keep up with my class.
And don't you get behind sometimes =
Never once; sometimes I'm head, and
then like that 1t makes me study barber
And the great blue eyes dila;ed with pride,
while the smile of sclf-satsfacton fitted over
her face
But how do you manage to sell your stock
ings -
"Why. in the summer, you know, can 60
after school. and in the winter my teacher cx-
cuses me Wednesday Afternoons, and study
harder, and make it up.
"And who does your washing: asked
Lizzie.
"Why, do, to be sure do all Iwash-
ed this morning before / came out to sell my
stockings and tonight / must get supper,
and iron, and scrub my floor, before l go to
bed, so as to be clean for Sunday
"Why, It's a shame to your father, it is, to
be letting the likes of wee thing like you
wash, and iron, and scrub; why don't he put
it out -
"Put it out I" exclaimed the child, while a
soft, silvery laugh went ripping through the
Kitchen that would be great, when he has
a big girl like me to do it, and he so lame,
and yarn costs so much, and he makes so lit
tie. If he was to put it out, where would
the school books come from, and the like Of
that ;"
BY this time the bread and butter was con-
sumed, and the little hardy hands and feet
warmed.
u must go, said Katrine; 1--WE had found
out her name. "lt'- most night, and I've
six pair left You'd better take this pair
If you will, ] will run right home, for that
will make Just enough to pay the rent
| bought the stockings, and as ! dropped
three shining quarters into that hand, so pre-
maturely worn, she dropped a courtesy, and
with the most grateful tone said
"Oh, thank you I'm so glad now. lean
run right home, and get my work done, and
-aug! she added, shivering, lit is so cold,
and almost dark, too for me to be running
round to sell any more"
Away she darted, and as her bright, cheer
full face disappeared, we felt that light had
gone out of the twilight shadowing of our
room.
What a reproach was that child's simple
tale to the complainers all around scarce out
Of her infancy, yet bearing on her young heart
and hands the duties and cares of mother and
housekeeper. merchant and schoolgirl, and
yet as bright and geeful as the summer sun
shine. as full of warblings as the spring bird.
Oh none need be poor, none need to sui-
fer for the good gifts of God, if all were as
industrious, cheerful, self-denying and self
sacrificing as little Katrino. ! am glad
bought her stockings, and as oft as ! see them
| shall think of her--of the struggles and
contest of her unselfsh love.
Who can prophesy of her future have
seldom seen finer eye or more speaking face
She will outstrip her companions in luxury
she will know, through constant exercise and
effort, the value of herself How proud were
her words as she told us of all she could do
not boastingly, but as if it was natural and
right and the easiest thing in the world to
do Heaven bless aud prosper thee, little
one, and give thee sireangth for all thy labor
of love Ohio Farmer,