The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1860-08-10
KISS LIE, MAMMA, DO KISS ME.


KISS LIE, MAMMA, DO KISS ME.
The child was so scnsilivo-so like that
little shrinking plant, that curls at breath
and shuts its heart from light.
The only beauties she possessed were an
exceedingly transparent skin, and the most
mournful blue eyes.
l had been trained by a stern, strict, con-
ecientious mother. l was tardy plant,
rcbounding at every shock, misfortune could
not daunt, though discipline tanned me l
fancicd, alas! that l must 60 through the
same routine with this delicate creature; So
one day when she had displeased me cx.
ceedingly, by repeating an offence, was
determined to punish her severely. I was
very serious all day, and on sending her to
her little couch. said:
Now, my daughter, TO runisl, you, and
show you how very, very naughty you have
been, shall not kiss you tonight
She stood looking a. me, astonishment
personifed, with her great mournful eyes
wide'open. suppose she had forgotten
her misconduct till thea; and left her
with big tears dropping down her checks,
and lips qnivering. "
Presently I was sent for-'Oh mamma,
you will kiss me. I can't 70 to sleep, if
You don't she soLbcd. every tone Of her
voice trembling, as she held ont her hands.
Now came the struggle between love and
what l'falsely termed duty. My heart said
give her the kiss Off peace; my stern nature
urged me to persist in myecorrection, that
might impress Il C faclt upon her mind
That is the way had been trained until
was submissive child, and had rcmcm-
bered how often had thanked my moth
ersinco for ler sraighforw ard course.
knelt By the bed Mother cant kiss
you, Ellen,' l whispered, though every word
choked me. Her hand touched mine; it
was very hot; butI attributed it 10 ler cx
citement. She turned her grievous face to
the wall. blamed myself, so the fragile
form shook with suppressed sobs, and say
ing, Mother hopes Een will mind her bet
ter after this left tho room for tho night.
1t might have been about twelve when !
was awakened by the nurse. Arprehen-
sive, ran to the child's chamber l had a
fearful'dream.
Ellen did not know me. She was sitting
uPy crimsoned from the forehead to the
throat, her eyes so bright that almost drew
back aghast at their glance. From that
night raging fever drank up her life-aud
''Shatdo you think was the incessant plant
poured into my .anguished hearts
'0h! kiss fie; mother, do kiss me. I
can't gosio to sleep. You'll kiss Your little
i, Ellen: wont you? I can't 60 Daslecp. l
won't be'naughty, if you'll kiss me. Oh g.!
kiss me,sdear mamma, I can't 60 to sleep.'
Holy little child, she did 60 to sleep one
gray morning, and never woke again
sssnever J! Her hand was lacked in mine, and
all my veinssiey with its gradual chill.
Family lhssl;gbt faded ont in the beautiful
eyes-whiter, wLi!er and whiter grew the
tremulous lips. sbe never knew me; but
witbsher laskbreath she whispered, I will
be good, mother, if you will only forgive
i mes sssss
Kiss shss! God knows, how passionate
and :nnasa,mg were my kisses upon her
cheek after that fatal night. God knows
how wild were my prayers, thatshe might
know if. only once that might have yicl-
ded uPspyssasy life could have asked for
usgiVeness ofthat sweetehld.
Well, gsief.is unavaing> now. She lies
in her little tomb; there is. a marble urn at
herhsad. and {. rose bush. at her feet there
grows summer flowers; there reS'h waves
tbe gentle gfass; there birds sing their ma.
tins and vespers, there tho blue sky shines
down to-day, and there-lies the freshness Of
my heart.
Parents, you should have heard the pa
thos in the voiee ofsthat stricken mother,
as she said, There are plantsstbat spring
" int99 great vigosif the heavy pressure of a
foostep crush Fbem; but oh ! there are
others that tssessn the pearls of the light dew
Is bend so The earth