Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-08-06
THE MOTHERS LAST GIFT.

Thirty years ago, there was seen to enter
the city of London a lad of about fourteen
years of age He was dressed in a smack
trock, that hid all his under apparel and which
appeared 10 have been made tor a person evi.
IDENTIFY much taller than the wearer. His boots
were smothered from dust from the high road.
He had on an old hat, with black band,
which contIasted strangely with the color Of
the covering of the head, A small bundle fis.
tened to the end of stick, and thrown over
his shoulder, was the whole OF his equipment
AS he approached the Mansion House. he
paused TO look at the building, and seating
himself on the steps OF one of the doors, he
was about to rest awhile; but the coming out
and going in OF half dozen persons, before
he had time to finish nntrinU his h'Is4ls
made him leave that spot TO 20 TO Tue next
open space, where the doors were Ill part
closed.
Having taken from the bundle large guam
tity OF bread and cheese, which he seemed TO
eat with a ravenous appetite, he amused nim-
self by looking at the building before INN,
with all TIE eager curiosity OF one unaccus-
toned to see similar objects.
The appearance of the youth soon attracted
my curiosity, and gently opening the door,
stood behind him without his being IN the least
conscious of my presence. lie now began
rumaging his pockets, and after deal OF trou-
Bile, brought out roll of paper, which he
opened after satisfying himself that large
copper coin was safe, he put it back again, say
ing to himself in Il low voice,
Another, will remember your last word
"A penny saved is two pence earned. 1t snail
90 hard with ME before l part with you, old
friend
Pleased with this remark, gently touched
the lad on the shoulder. He started, and was
about to move away, when l sand =
Al Lab MOI
stranger in the city
eyes SIR he answered, putting his hand
to his hat. He was again about to move Tor
ward.
"You need not hurry away, my boy" l OBJ
served. "Indeed, ityou are a straDger,and Will
ing to work, can, perhaps, help to ind VIVA
you require"
The boy stood mute with astonisnment; ant
coloring to such an extent as to show all th'
freckeS OF sunburnt face, slammereu OUT =
ayes, sir"
~ wish to know l added, with all tn
kindness of manner l could assume, "whethe
YOU are anxious to find work, tor L am In wan
OF a youth to assist my coachman.
The poor lad twisted and twirled his bundle
about, and after having duly placed hand t.
his head, managed to utter an awkward Elh'
of an answer that he would be very thankful
| mentioned not word about what MAJ
overheard with regard 10 the penny, out lhVi'
inc him into the house, sent for the coacl
man to whose care entrusted the new GOMEZ
Nearly month had passed after this NEE
ing and conversation occurred, when resoi'
ed to make some inquiries OF the coachma
regarding the conduct OF the lad
"a better boy never came into the nous
sir and as for wasting anything, bless m
sir, know not where he has been brought u
but really believe he would consider 1t a s.
if he did not give the crumbs oil bread to Il
poor birds every morning"
i" am glad TO hear so good an account,
replied
sAnd as for his nature, sir, there is not
servant among us that doesn't speak well
Joseph He reads TO us while we sup, and
writes all our letters for us. Oh sir, he h
more lar7.inq than all OF us put together; al
what's more, he doesn't mind work, and new
talks about our secrets after lie writes our II
ters."
Determined to see Joseph myself, reque
ed the coachman to send HIM to the paflor'
81 understand, Joseph that you can re
and write"
ayes. sir, thanks to my poor, dear mother
"You have lately lost your mother, then
"a month. that very day when you We
kind enough to take me into your mousse
unprotected orphan" answered Joseph
"Where did you go to school
ssSir, my mother has been WIDOW e.
since | can remember. She was daugh
of the village schoolmaster, and having
maintain me and herself with her needle,
took the opportunity of her leisure nome
to teach me not only to read and write, bu
cast up accounts"
"And did she give you that penny VIII
was in the paper that saw you enroll so CT
fully at the door q
Joseph stood amused, but at length rep
with emotion, and tear started from his G
eyes, sir, it was the very last penny
gave me-"
swell, Joseph, so satisfied am with y
conduct, that not only do | pay mon
wages willingly for the time you have
here, but must beg of you to fulfil the du
of collecting clerk to our firm, which situa
has become vacant by the death OF very
and faithful assistant
Joseph thanked me in the most unassun
manner, and / was asked to take care OF
money since had promised to provide
with suitable clothing for his new occupa
1t will be unnecessary to relate how, ste