Litchfield enquirer., 1862-02-06

1 You are sure, John, you can spare me tha five hundred dollars, without putting aside an. rightful claim?'
 'Ihope, Nellie. if had not thought so should not have given it to you, much as l low to please you'
 Then what she spoke hesitatingly. 'wha if wanted very much indeed to use it for some thing elses
 I do not understand what you can possibl, mean
 l For answer she detailed to him the events o the day. When she was through she said |: It seems so hard .-Jo ohm, for that poor girl, ministers daughter too, to be suffering for wan of food and living, or rather dying by inches 1 in that miserable damp unhealthy place lear see how, with five hundred dollars, could mako her so comfortable I stopped in at Nurs' Smead's, on my way home to-day, and l feunt l that she had 8 nice, bright, good sized room where the sun shines half the day, which sh' l will let for seventy dollars year. There is { stove in it already. and carpet on the floor, ani | thirty dollars more would supply it with every thing more needed for comfort. Now if could pay the'rent for that room year in advance fol Annie Hadley, and fit it up neatly, what fine start it would be for her It would give hel such rest-such freedom from care? She would have time to get we'll. She is very skilful with her needle, and with the work she could easily do she could live so nicely, and Jenny could go to school. have it all planned, and there with your permission, goes the hundred dollars in my pocket.
 John Stirling looked at his wife, and it seem. ed to him, with the generous, unsel6sh light il- uminating it, her face was the face of an angel But he did not say so then. He answered, in a tone of one raising an objection
 But what would you wear to the party, Mel lie? should not like you to look shabby
 Trust me for that. can wear my wedding dress It is such rich, heavy white silk, and it is not soiled at all with little different ar engagement of the trimmings it will be as hand some as anything could get. But are you qaite set upon giving the party, John :?
 Are not you, dear?'
 T was'
 There was pause for few moments in which Nellie tied and united the tassles of her little silk apron several times. Then she looked up an eager light somehow shining through the mist which had somehow gathered before her eyes.
 suppose there are many people in the city, John, just as worthy as Aannie Hadley, and needing help just as much
 Without doubt, Nellie plenty of worse cases, especially now that winter is coming on.'
 Could you help me to find them?'
 I think l could. Some of the cases of desti- tuition, which he cannot afford to relieve, makes business mans heart ache almost every day.
 'Then four hundred dollars extra, which you would not have given otherwise, will do great deal. wont it?
 Yes greal deal It is large sum-
 es, it is a large sum- as you said last night. John, to be spent on single evenings enter tainment for those who do not need it, but not large when we compare it with the wants of those who suffer. John, have no wish to give that party. Will you take the money for doing good?'
 But those who have invited us, Nellie? The Eurlburts, the Graytons-all your many friends? One wouldn't like to. be thought mean
 We can ask them all, few at a time all those we care for. Your ordinary housekeeping allowance is liberal enough for that. If that does not please them, after all, John, n,'--and the little woman hid her face on her husband s shoulder for she was one who seldom uttered her deepest thoughts, or mentioned even to him, the emotions which she held most sacred If they should not approve it, it matters so much more what He thinks, who told us to invite to our feasts the poor, the maimed, the blind I have been blind till to-day. 1 don't care for large parties my more.'
 You shall do as your heart has counselled you, Nellie. The money shall be at your dis posal tomorrow. We will give our reception to the guests whom God himself chose fol us."
 He said no more just then, but Nellie Stir. ling had unconciousIy gained in that hour new and hoer hold on the heart of her husband. He had loved the gay, half-spoiled girl-what word expresses what he felt for the noble, self sacrificing woman whom that day had revealed to him ?"
 Annie Hadley's heart was frightened next day of g weary burden. and she was as grateful for Mrs. Strings delicacy as for her aid. 1t is not gift to you.' the lady said as she explained the arrangements she had made.
 ou are to help yourself the same as before l only want to offer my tribute to your fath- CTS memory-your father who lost his life in mnistering to an unknown penitent. For tho sake of that Christian man, who, like his Master counted not his life dear to him, if thereby he might save some, who must accept it."
 Need say how many sad hearts came to John and Ellen Stirling's feast that winter. and were comtorted-how many fires were kindled in cheerless rooms? Was the sacrifice of giving up one evening, brilliant with lights, odorous with flowers, jocund with music. gay with dance and song. too great? Let the day of everlasting reckoning declare!