Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-07-29

The home, if such it could be called, was
not far off, and the scene which presented it.
self on his entrance was awful indeed. A
woman. surrounded by three or four children
screaming in terror was lying on her miser-
able bed, in frightlul commissions. The foam
was on her white lips and her clenched hands
seemed fixed in an immovabe clasp, and her
aspect was altogether horrible.
81 will 60 for a DOCTOR" said Clarence
and remembering that he had seen physi-
clans house on his way, he ran with all his
speed to summon him.
The doctor followed him Immediately, and
while he was administering to the poor suf-
fcrer, Clarence had time to observe the scene
around him. What misery was there New
err had he seen or conceived anything of the
kind before. The woman had toilcd until
over exerton and starvation had brought her
to her present state The children we're thin
and meagre only half clad, and no fire upon
the hearth. When they saw his friendly,
earnest face, for children understand well
look or tone of sympathy-they gathered
around him.
"Are you hungry" he said in a low voice.
"Yes. dreadful hungry
"And Guild too" he said.
And with heart bleeding at the sight of
such misery aud desttution, he hurried to
restaurant near by. His gold piece was now
in requisiton. Thank God for its possess
sion
Hot rolls and hot coffee in abundance soon
drew the little famished creatures to corner
Of the hovel, where they satisfied their hun
ger and hushed their cries.
For a full hour the agony of the mother
lasted then she lay motioness from utter
exhaustion and finally fell into a profound
slumber. A portion Of the gold piece still
remained, and Clarence rendered to the doc
tor the usual fee A smile stole over the
face of the wealthy Doctor S., (for it
so happened that one of the physicians in the
city had by chance been sommoned,) and
there was a tear in his eye as he looked at
him earnestly.
God bless you, my noble little fellow"
and he laid his hand on his head.
"No, keep your money for other good
deeds-but tell me who you are"
Clarence looked up at him and smiled, after
moments pause.
"Only my fathers SON"
"Well, we'll, you choose to do your good
deeds under veil, see any father should
be proud of such son. never saw you
before, but think that we shall meet again.
You have heart, my boy, too large for that
manly little frame
He laid his hand kindly upon his head,
shook him warmly by the hand, and disap-
peared
Clarence went also, but returned in an
hour bringing with him pair of shoes for
each of the two eldest children. This ex-
l, L.. u -,
but his charity-box was at home, and on that
fund he determined to draw IN behalf of the
sufferers. While celebrating on what they
most needed, his good intentions were fore
stalled by the appearance Of the doctors car
riage at the door and the doctor himself
sprang out hastily, and took from it numer-
GUS packages of clothing, provisions, &c.--an
ample supply for their present wants.
"Here," said he to the eldest girl, child
of six years, "dress your little brothers and
sisters in these clothes, and see if your little
hands cannot make the room comfortable"
THE child's eyes frightened, for food had
strengthened and his cheerful tone encour-
aged her, and she was at once busily employ
ed. He smiled cordially as he discovered
Clarence, and said
al told you that we should meet again"
He FASTENED away to other engagements,
but a supply of fuel came by his orders i'm
mediately after, and Clarence remained to aid
the helpless children, nor did he leave until
he saw them warmed and comforted.
The doctor visited the family daily until
the poor and grateful widow was perfectly
restored and able again to take care of her lit
tie ones then his wife provided employment
for her, and she required no further assistance.
One more visit revealed all this to Clarence,
but he and doctor did not meet again.
-Four weeks had passed. Clarence's good
deed was still his own secret, when his faith
er encountered DIR. S..
Mr.. Mitchell, what noble specimen of
humanity you have in that son OF yours. l
congratulate you on being his father"
(Which one, doctor :"
"Why, the one with the dark hair and
dark eyes, He does not tell his name"
"What do you mean doctori hope he
is not ashamed to own it -
"Thon he has not told of his recent en-
counter with me p
Not word
"Is it possible; Let me tell you, you have
reason to be proud Of that boy he is noble
little fellow
Then he related to Mr.. Mitchell every cir
cumstance Of that day connected with Clar-
ence, deicatoly withholding his own part in
the proceedings, which did not, however,
long remain a secret
With heart overlooking with thankfulness
to God for such a son, Mr.. Mitchell returned
home that night, and related all TO his wife,
As soon as Clarence came in he took him by
the hand. my son, know the history of
that twenty shilling piece"
Clarence looked up in wonder.
"Dr. S. is an old friend, though we do
not meet often. lie would not rest till he
had traced you out; and now, my boy, re-
ceyo your fathers blessing" lie bent down
and kissed his forehead then he lead him to
his mother. "There," said he, take to your
heart the noblest son that God ever gave a
mother--tako him and say God bless him !"
She did fold him TO her heart in silence
The mothers feelings were too deep for words.
Edward came in. "My son, you have done
well in the purchase Of your bible; your
brother has done well in the practice Of its
precepts. Emulate his noble example. |
am proud of you both"
/ Mrs. Mitchell withdrew with Edward into
the library, and there related to him the sto-
L. 4 A. 4 :. l.