Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1860-03-02

"And yet" said Kate, perplexed, Mark
has never shown any lack of generosity before.
You know he has carried us to concerts and
you recollect the handsome gold chain he pre-
sented me-"
"Then," said Ellen, unable to gainsay all
this, '.he must have been seized with sudden
fit of prudence. 1t would look little better
if be would retrehch in some other way"
So Kate thought in her secret heart, but
the affection which she entertained for her low
er would not permit her to say so.
1t is still the morning of ST. Valentines
day. Will the reader ascend with US the rick
city stairs Of tenement honse in a poor street
little known to fashion.
Higher yet, SO, we have gained the fourth
story. Now turn to the right If you please.
Open the door. No ceremony. We are clad
in the invisible garments, and the occupants
will not observe our entrance.
These occupants are two in number, a wo-
man, middle aged, pale from recent sickness,
and reclining on the bed propped up with pill
lows. The other is young girl of perhaps
nineteen, who, it is easy to see, needs only air
and exercise, and freedom from anxiety to de-
velop her into beauty. But alas she is thin
and pale, and her face wears a look of weary
care, the cause of which is evident enough to
one who will take the trouble at her
scanty and faded attire, and the general ap-
pearance of penury which the room presents.
Louise" said Mrs. May, feebly, Il am
afraid you are working too hard my child"
The latter was working rapid upon shirt,
L l.
a chair beside her.
II would not complain of that mother -
was the reply, "if I was only little better
'Such miserable low prices, said the moth
er signing.
Miserable, indeed, but they told me last
time that they might pay still less, they
could get their work done quite well and
more rapidly by a machine"
"If we only had one"
Eyes, but am afraid it is an if that will
never be realized
"Give me one of the shirts. Louise, think
1 can work a little"
The young girl shook her head, and an
swered in decided manner. No. mother,
you mustn't think of it. Indeed you are not
able. Just get well as soon as You can and
then will not object"
The mother sighed.
at troubles me, LOUISE to think sickness
makes me snch burden upon YOU
"a burden, mother don't think of it."
"If you were alone Eow, you might get
along more easily"
"If were alone said Louise, shuddering.
4 shouldn't have any spirit or energy to work
at all. Why, mother, its the thought Of you
that keeps me up. It's such relief to have
somebody to talk to. l often think how much
better l am off than Nancy Reed in the next
room. She is all alone, has not reati n in
the world or none that she ever sees, and
there she sits in her room from morning till
night. sewing alone 1t must be terrible
Both are bad enough sighed Mrs. May.
Finding her mother still respondent Louise
thought she must do something to cheer her
up.
do you know said she, in a cheerful tone
what made me speak of the sewing machine
mother p
because your employers spoke Of them"
Not entirely. You must know j hal a
dream last night, mother, bright, pleasant
dream such as do not often have
What is it ?'' asked Mrs. May with some
little curiosity.
Il dare say you will think it fanciful. You
know | sat up late working, and my last
| thought as l went to bed, was what bcauti-
ful present sewing machine would be, and
| hots much it would help US along. Soon af
ter going to sleep it seemed to me as if while
| sat working [ am now, heard a knock
at the door, and some one entered bringing
what had so much desired. He set it down
without word and left HE oterjoyed with my
good luck"
.It was Indeed pleasant DREAM said Mrs
May, family smiling, but such dreams are very
slow in coming true. You know dreams are
said to go by contraries."
Before Louise had an opportunity to answer
IA noise was heard in the entry and along thu
stairs as if some one were coming up with
burden.
"Who can it be p thought mother ant
daughter both, for their visits from the work
outside were few and far between.
"IIie down, mother, so that the draught from
the door may not reach you,'' said Louise, ri
sing to answer the summons.
She opened the door. A porter stood he
fore ber-a stout man with something wrap
ped up carefully-apparently small table,
Here is something 1 was told to leav
here" said he, "that is, if Mrs. May lives here.
Mrs May does live here" said Louise, SUI
prised, "but we have not ordered anything
May ask what is that you bring ?"
"a sewing machine" said the porter.
), A sewing machine! Louise started in Ill
: the door for support. Her mother who ha
caught the sound of the word, rose up in be
in her excitement.
\ Are you sure 1T is for u.s., asked Aouiss
: bewildered.
"Yes, if your names May, May be it is
+ present You'd better look"
Adopting the suggestion, the wrappin!
were taken off, and a neat though not exper
r sive sewing machine was displayed.
"There's card" said the porter, pointin
G to one which was attached by string.
Louise eagerly examined it. 1t containe
these words Miss Louise May, from S
Y Valentine"
nj at is for me" said Louise, "though cannC
/ conceive who it is from. How much shall
pay you for your trouble 2"
l. II was paid in advance at the ware-rooms
d answered the porter and having accomplishe
e his task. he left the apartment.
"How wonderful w murmurcd Louise. ="
:" makes me think of the Arabian Nights, al
s. fairy gifts"
l. "How wonderful y said Mrs. May solemn
1t reminds of Elijah and the ravens. Whoev
lie may have been the generous giver, it was q
RI that put the thought into his heart. Let
q thank him.
ne The two knelt down and thanked God
r his abounding mercy for supplying what tn
s. most needed, and what they felt would
lieve them of much of the drudgery to whi
It. they had hitherto been compelled.
an
On the afternoon Of st. Valentines d;