Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-09-09
THE PORTRAIT.
BY MRS. MARY A. DENIsoN.


casting look at the splendid dwelling,
you were born in the front chamber. |
But hurry on, dear, it is ours no longer.
Hold your shawl about your chest-the
wind is very cold.'
They were meanly clad, both mother
and daughter. The former was past
forty few years, the daughter not yet
seventeen. Annie Low was not beauti-
full, nevertheless her face was rare
Blending of amiability and intellect
They passed quickly along over the
well-trodden snow, and wended their
way toward one of the lower quarters
of the city. There they traversed the
long, Unlocking street till they stopped
before narrow shop door and entered.
ANY work yet, Mr.. Mosely?' asked
the widow in quiet tone.
90 yes, madam said the man behind
the counter, we have plenty of shirts
now. Shall give you bundle p
And he cast glance, half impertinence,
halt admiration, towards the young
girl.
What are your prices" asked Mrs.
Bartlett.
Well, you know we generally give
shilling a shirt to common customers,
but as it's you, you know, why, | think
we'll pay two shillings. Shan't take
it home for you? It's heavy bundle,
too much for you to carry.
The widow hesitated. She had done
sewing for this man before, but she did
not like the way in which he looked at
her daughter. A mothers heart takes
alarm at hint, question or a glance.
Annie was too precious to be exposed
to rudeness she was the one, the only
fair child of widowed heart-but the
bundle was too weighty for either moth
er or daughter, so she concluded to let it
be brought.
You can send it by-and-by,' she
said.
30, can't get anybody to take i'll
must go myself No inconvenience, l
assure you-right on my way to sup
per. Miss, I wish could offer you one
of my arms he said coarsely, 'but they
happen to be both FULL
They walked on, till they came to a
very ordinary-looking house, whose steps
were covered with children. The man
smiled to himself as they ascended.
4 will take the bundle now, said the
widow with dignity.
% no ma'am couldn't consent to let
you carry it, said the man I'll take il
to your room
Put that bundle down, sir J said the
widow, with flashing eyes.
The man started, and had nearly let il
drop. However, be threw it with an
impatient jerk on the lower stair, and
mutterring a curse, turned and left the
hall.
What made you speak SO Grossly
mother ? asked Annie.
Never mind, child. Help me uI
stairs with it, said the widow, recover
ing her equanimity. She had seen thu
tailor wink across the entry to vulgal
looking man who came out from a room
near by, and whose reputation was nont
Of the best.
% DEAR 1t was said very bitterly
and with heart-ache, as mother ans
daughter entered their own neat littl
room, an attic chamber lighted from th'
ceiling.
1T seems strange, doesn't it !? muse,
Annie, looking round.
What seems strange dear?
THAT you should have lived and
been born, in that beautiful great house
and after all be reduced to the garret G
such place as this replied Annie
Who lives there now mother?
You have heard me say before, child
replied he mother your uncle Harr
and your cousin Eugene. Your unel
Harry, your fathers brother married m
sister--poor Annie (you are named fc
herr she died before your father did, G
we should not now be suffering IN penu
ry, or be forced to take insults from ou
interiors;
Well, it is home, said the young cir
gazing around, and no. SO bad on
either. Now, if we get those shirts dor
why, we can buy beautiful thic
shawl to wear between us. Shall
make tea tonight 2
Yes, if you please, said the mothe
sitting wearily down. I'll undo ii
bundle and sort the work.