Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1859-09-15
THE POWTRAlT.


Mother, was that our house once ?"
" Yes, DEAR replied the pale woman,
casting q long look at the splendid build
ing, ''you were born in that front chamber.
But hurry on dear, it is ours no louger.-
Hold your shawl closely about your chest
the wind is very cold.
They are meanIy clad, both mother and
daughter. The former was past forty q
lew years. the daughter not yet seventeen.
Annie Low was not beautiful, neyerihe-
less her face was rare blending Of amia-
bili,y and INTEL ect. They passed quickly
along over the we'll troaden snow, and
wended their way toward one of the low
er quarters of the city. There they tra-
versed the long, Unlocking, narrow street,
till they stepped before a narrow shop
door aud entered.
ANY work yet, Mr.. Mosely?" asked
the widow in quiet tone. .- ........
80 yes, madam said the man behind
the counter, 1--WE have plenty of shirts
now. Shall give you bundle p and
he cast q glance, half impertinence, halt
admiration, towards the young girl.
What are your prices?" asked Mrs.
Bartlett. s.. r. g. .
We'll, you know we generally give a
shilling shirt to common customers, but
as it's you, why, think we'll pay two
shillings. Shan't take it home for you j?
It's heavy bundle-too much for you
to carry"
The widow hesitated. She had done
sewing for this man before, but she did
rot like the way in which he locked at
her daughter. A mothers heart alarms
at hint, question or q glance. Annie
was the one, the only fair child Of wild
owed heart but the bundle WAS too hea-
Wy for either mother or daughter so she
concluded to lie, it he brought.
j" You can send ii by and by she said.
0, ! can't get anybody to take i'll
must go myself. No Inconvenience, as.
sure you-right on my way to supper
Miss, wish that could offer you one oil
my arms" he said coarsely, "but they
happen to be both full
They walked on till they came to ve-
ry ordinary looking house, whose steps
, were covered with children. The mar
, smiled to himself as they ascended
:" l will take the bundle now" said the
widow, with dignity.
40, no, ma'am couldn't consent to lei
you carry it," said the man-"I'll take il
up to your room.'
"Put the bundle down, sir I" said tn.
widow, with flashing eyes.
The man started, and nearly let it drop
! However, he threw it with an i'm patien
jerk on the lower stair, and muttering
r curse, left the hall.
. "What made you speak SO GROSSLY
mother ?" asked Annie.
"Never mind, child. Help me up stair,
= with IT," said the widow, recovering be-
, equanmity. She had seen the tailor winl
: at vulgar looking man across the sntry
! WIN came out Of q room near by, ane
whose reputation was none Of the best.
I" It seems strange, doesn't it Z" unused
Annie, looking round.
"What seems strange, dear 2"
"That you should have lived and bsel
born in that beautiful great house, AM
after all be reduced to the garrst OF sucl
q place as ih.s, replied Annie. "Wh'
lives there now, mother ?"
"You have heard me say before. child,
replied her mother--"your uncle Harr,
and your cousin Eugenie. Your uscl
Harry, your fathers brother, married N,
sis,cr--poor Annie--you arc named ahe
'lher-she died before your father Iid. 0
= We should no. now bc suffering II penury
> or be forccd TO take insul,s from our 10
fct,ors.p
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