Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1862-03-13

Of my own work, said Louise, which car
let you take for specimens.
The work was obtained; but the tasl
Louise had undertaken was fearful one
To maintain her helpless father and he
sister by needle seemed at first an easy thing
bu. short experience convinced her of tn,
bitter labor il entailed. Her duties as nurs,
to her fsther were not light, for, unused a
yot to his crippled state, and not realizinj
how often he called upon the patient girl
his demands were incessant. Little Ma,
was useful here; but no touch was lik,
Louise's, no hand so gentle & 80 firm as hers
Spring opened, and the bright days we're
new source Of trial Through March, wher
every wind broughta chill, the invalid anC
child we're glad toremain in oven their poo
homes; but as the long, bright days Of Ma,
came in, they pined for the open air, anC
fretted at the close confinement of the no
attic For May there was sometimes Q
walk with her sister to carry home work
but for the poor invalid there was no relief
Daily Louise saw him grow paler and more
emaciated, and strained everv nerve to pro.
cure for him some change from the dry,
coarse fare which poverty sets before hel
victims. Long hours after night were given
to the fine work, until throbbing temples
and faint, sckly WEAKNESS compelled her
to stop; and yet the earnings were only
sufficient for the daily expenses. The dread
ed blow came at last, One morning, seek
ing her fathers side as usual, she found
him in heavy stupor, with labored breath
ing, hot skin, and rapid pulse. Her heart
sank, with utter despair. Where could she
turn for relief? Where procure the neces.
saries which sickness demands?
Mrs. Mason came to the room while she
was trying to rouse her father. The old lady
was glad to spend many mornings in the
attic, to talk in her own tongue to her lame
countryman and she had come for such a
morning now."
''Ah, he is very i'll ~ she said, as she
raised Louise and bent over Mr.. Bergman.
You must send for doctor! !"
II cannot! have nothing to pay him. u
! "Ah, we'll know one that will wait
He tended me for long sickness, and never
Fsent his bill. l asked him for it, and he
said to me, 1t is paid
Louise flushed at the idea of submitting
to charity visits but her own fears told he
that her father life hung upon her promp
decision, and she signed to Mrs. Mason t
| go.
The time dragged heavily on, as she knel
beside her unconscious father, listening fo
the footsteps that were to bring relief
May was dressed and stood near the win
dow, terrified at her sisters white face ap,
pI the loud breathing of her father, aud listen
ing too for Mrs. Mason and the doctor.
They came at last, and the young gil
sprang to her feet and stood by, breathiess
ly, while the doctor took her place. I'll
saw al a glance, the cause of his patient
\ 80 tferins. s-lIac Old isjusy to the>knec, IL
close room, and the low diet, were tellin
now in this sudden illness; and from til
hot face Of the unconscious man. the doctor
eyes won't to the white one of his daughter
SIS he very ill?' she asked.
'He will need careful nursing" said thi
doctor, in kind tone ''and you must no
let terror unfit you for it. | know these at
tacks are very hard to witness calmly, bu
2 you must not tremblc or faint"
She smiled.
II am not faint, and l can do all yo-
wish, " she said, trying to quiet her shakin
,, hands and quivering voice.
"Can you get ice near p
May answered quickly, cat the corner
Louey will go |"
One of the few coins in the little purs
was slipped into her hand, and she ran off o
her errand.
The doctor saw that active usefulness wa
the best cure for Louise, and he found he
ample employment. The case was an III
: gent one, and it was nearly two hours be
e fore the physician left the attic. Mrs
! Mason was away still, not having returne
after sending the doctor.
II will take the little girl with me, if yo
are willing" said the doctor, as he gave hi
B. parting charges to Louise, ''and she ca
y bring home the medicine | mentioned, an
u learn the way to my Office in case you wan
y me. Do not let moment pass if the SYM
It toms | described occur. | will come, da
;, or night; and" he added, gently, "remen
y her much depends upon your own health
: You are pale still Poor child / ca
e fully understand that you were alarmed
: but trust the danger is over.
o She was alone again with her father, br
$ new hopefulness filled her heart. Th
l. danger was over. He was still unconscious
l. but it was more like sleep than the stupc
IS of the morning and there was nothing ft
e Louise to do now but watch until May +,
1; turned with the medicine.
l. 'He spoke to me as ifI were child,
IS she unused, as she took up her work IAN
" vet. he is not an old man, but quite younl
1t He was very kind, so gentle with fathe
ID and SO pleasant to May. God reward him
St Even then, though her heart throbbe
IN quickly with recent excitement and her fl
Iy GERS trembled, she could not waste tt
., precious moments, and she took up ht
IS embroidery. 1t was lady's cloak ofwhi
I. muslin, and the pattern was Partisan Il
a. cloak would be warranted imported wht
lg finished, but Louise did not know tha
s. nor the immense cost at which it would
to represented; she only knew that eve
I minute must be employed to finish it
ly time for the summer opening, and to ca
n the small price which would be paid for
ly The heavy blow of grief, the aching drei
to Of long sickness, were no warrant for re!
IL Work must be done or they would starv'
ID That one thought nerved the weak fngel
W ouieted the trembling frame. The skill
9, needle few through the mazes Of the
sy tricate pattern, and she sewed busily un
It MAY returned, The child hands were gil
es with packages. =. -,
I'd "Only look, Louey!" she said, in gl
ne whisper, as she displayed her treasures.
: 'iOranges and chocolate, and these lit
or lars Of fruits, all for us. The doctor So
he YOU would not have time to 60 out, nj
p napa was sick, and he gave them to me.
Here is the medicine, and he will col
ok again this evening.
o"What was the name on the door, May
ter cdr Henry Prescott; -, ,o