White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1860-04-19

nave one more comfortable night. God
only knows what the morrow will bring. ("
1t was strange to hear words of COM
fort from one SO deeply suffering; but
Mrs. Lawrence had. a courageous and
hopeful spirit. and notwithstanding these
hours Of strong temptation to murmur,
she still retained her frmness, and COM
forted her children.
Serlo had gone out to dispose of their
last blanket, and procure in return some
food and coal. He entered at this mo-
ment, with the articles expected. From
a neighboring room he begged a match,
and in few moments 8 comfortable fire
burned in the crate. Then drawing from
the basket three small cakes of bread, he
presented one to each. Mrs. Lawrence
returned hers. saying that she was too i'll
to eat. The bread was quickly devoured
by the half-famished children. They had
drawn the straw close to the fire, and
now lay beside their mother, hoping to
catch little warmth. The dampness Of
the room rendered this almost impossible,
but they soon slept soundly, in spite Of
all. The stout hearted woman, who had
struggled so long and YEARLY, again to
look on the husband of her youth, now
wept in silence.
She had procured sewing upon their
arrival in the city, but ill-health render
ing it impossible for her to do it at the
time appointed, it was at length taken
from her, and they had thus been reduced
to absolute want. 1t had been a severe
Winter to her, and she had been obliged
to assume an air of cheerfulness, to re-
strain the bold spirit of Serlo, who would
have resorted to any measures, sooner
than have seen his mother suffer thus
Hitherto he had yielded to her, but his
efforts to procure work for himself were
untiring.
The hours of this night dragged slowly
on. At early dawn she sent Serlo forth,
with an injunction to call at every house
to obtain work, if possible--at least. to
beg some food. At ten he returned, and
setting down a basket of provisions, ex-
claimed, ''that kind man would soon
visit them, and perhaps employ him."
The stranger at this moment entered the
apartment.
GOOD Heavens % he exclaimed, gaz-
ing long and earnestly into the face of
the sick woman, as she raised herself upon
her elbow, edo not behold Mrs. Law
renee. Of, in the western part of the
State ?"
"T am indeed that unfortunate woman,
and if l mistake not greatly, you were
formerly my husbands head clerk. Eight
years have somewhat changed you, but
there is still the full, high forehead, and
clear mild eye, that you then possessed.
You see the extent of our misery :" and
she threw glance around the room. The
fire was again exhausted, and all were
with the cold.
Dir. Peterson sent the boy for more
coal, and himself stepped ont, and soon
returned with bottle of wine and two
thick, heavy blankets.
''These," said he, "will keep you alive
a short time, and in few hours. there
shall be some permanent change for your
relief. Oh that / had sooner known
you were here"
"Did not tell you 500" said the poor
woman, almost beside herself with joy,
as the benevolent man closed the door
ait is not well to despair help always
comes when we most need it ;" and she
wept tears Of unfeigned gratitude.
Mr.. Peterson had known Mrs. Law
renee in the days of her highest prosper
ity. Accustomed to see her surrounded
by every luxury which wealth could be- |
stow, her present miserable restitution
affected him the more seriously from the
contrast. In a few hours he returned
with an easy carriage, and clothing for
all. He took Mrs. Lawrence to a private
hospital, under the Superintendence Of
the excellent DR.. Mason, and requested
that no expense should be spared for
her complete recovery. Leaving Hetty
by her mothers side, he took Serlo to
his store, as errand boy. Many pleasant
hours did the benevolent man spend be-
side the high-minded and intelligent wo-
man, listening to the story Of her wrongs.
her sorroys and her endurance. II will
be to you friend. so long as you permit
me-" said he, taking her thin white hand
in his own; "and l have one at home,
young and beautiful as you once were.
who will be to you sister. / would
have taken you to her at once. but l knew
your recovery would be much fastened
here; and when again restored, you shall
have house by yourself or share ours,
as you prefer"
She could only press his hand in 81
lence.