The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-12-20
VOL. XNlI.

er; she went from one swoOn to another,and
died in my arms Just as the dawn Of Christ
mas pccpcd into our little room. was
then just fifteen years OF age for the day
which brought this weight Of sOrrow was my
.birthday.
MY parents death threw me upon the
world utterly pennies, and was very young,
sir. am telling You all this to prove how
much owe to Mis-. Barclay. My parents
had been poor from my birth, yet was not
wholly without education. My father had
natural genius for elocution, and had
trained my voice for reading while my moth
er taught me to sew, and an old yioIinst, u
friend of my fathers, had given me instruc-
ton in music. could read, play on the
piano, sing and sew 50, after seeing all my
parents property sold To pay their funeral
Expenses, started with brave heart to
make my living. You may we'll shake your
head. had not one friend out of the the
atre, and there was no money T. spare
amongst them; 80 | went, in my childish
hope OF obtaining work, from door To door.
| was very small and some smiled pi.yingly,
some contcmptu"usly, at the idea Of trusting
the little wandercr with sewing. \ whole
week passed, and | had not earned one cent.
Then tried the stOrcs ; there too | failed.
Il was leaning one day against the counter
Of store where embroidery was sold, aud
where my timid petition for work had met
ITS last rebuff. | was crying, for was cold,
hungry and hopeless. \ kind hand was
placed on my shoulder, and low, sweet
voice said
You are in trouble, my child what
about?"
Il looked up. Such kind, loving face
bent over me, and such tender, pitying eyes
looked into mine, that was warmed and
cheered instantly.
"'If you please said, Il want some
work
"'work, child"
"'Ycs, ma'am, embroidery can do il.
Mother taught me and then, encouraged
by her sweet face and interest, told all my
troubles. will not weary you by any more
details. My qucstioncr was Mrs. Barclay
she took me to her own house. and for four
years she was second mother to me ; was
educated and protected, while every wish Of
my heart was gntifed. could talk for Il
week and not tell half the love and kindness
she poured out upon the little orphan child
and il was not given Us it were depend
ent upon her bounty-a charity ward-but
every gilt was swectencd by loving words
and actions. | was told to call her Aunt
Lizzie, and she introduced me to her friends
Us her child, making me her equal in station;
and yet had no real claim upon her; twas
her own loving heart that found its return in
what alone | could give, my gratitude and
affection.
when | wis nineteen wears old | married
and in parting from mo my dear bcnelactrcsS
gave new tokens of her loving care. | will
not dwell upon my married lie its gricl is
too recent. We went, my husband and my
self, to Paris, and ior two years travelled
through Europe. Ten months ago MIR. Has
tinss died in Florence of malarious fever. |
was very i'll for long time after was wild
owed but in the kInd letters received from
home had no hint Of Mrs. Barclays t.oub.
les; and when she requested me 10 change
the ad,lrrss of her letters she did not ssy thut
she had been forced to leave her hOmc. the
dear hOmc where she had mad, my liic 81
happy. Not until Yesterday, when landed
in New York, did receive the least intima.
ton of the change Of my friends prospects,
and came here as soon as possible. have
just arrived in the city, and came To YOU as
the person who could best give me the inlor-
nation which | seek.
My husband lett me wealthy, and am
sole mistress of my property my bcncIac-
tress is, hear, poor. Now judge it have
right to ask for the statement OF her
trouble
Mr.. Curtis replied instantly You have
every right, and will meet your confidence
with equal frankncSs; but first you must al
low me to insist upon your having rcst and
rcfrcshrnent. Nothing can be done before
tomorrow, and after tea promise You all
the information which it is in my power to
give YOU. NIrs. Curtis is in the drawing
room. viii you allow me to present YOU"
and, rising. he offered his arm to the lady.
/ Mrs. Curtis, tall, handsome lady, IT.
ceiyed her husbands little guest with pleas
urc, one sight Of the childish face with is
sud setting enlistirg all her womanly sympa-
thics. The name, however, added to the
warmth Of her welcome.
Mrs. Hastings, | feel like an old friend,
for you were my sisters claSsmatc in the ltal'
ian class at Or. Manau's. Do You not re-
member Lot,ie Banks
And you are sara. ! shall have thous-
and questions to ask but must trouble
Mr.. Curtis to speak to the hackman, and
tell him to call tor me later in the eve
ming
Where are your trunks"
NJ the c. House.
MIR. Curtis said his lady, laughinsly, do
you, on pain of my displeasurc, instantly
send for Mrs. Hastings trunks. No words (;
l you are our guest while you are in the city
/ Il shall be a lifelong inmate, then. was
: the reply; for intend to reside here in the