Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-02-18
written Tor the Worcester Daily Spy.
MARGARET HERR,
OR, THE HOUR OF TRIAL

the mother was started to return her little
bundle of work. With hurried steps she
passed the streets, casting wistful glances
upon the choice fruits so temptingly display
ed, and sigh escaped as she thought how ac-
ceptable they would be to the palate of her
sick child. The distance was not long, and
she soon reached the shop where were dis
played the IaDors of her hands, which were
gaining admiration from fair ladies as they
passed. She entered with Il feeling Of sad
ness, for well she knew the price paid was too
small for such labors. 1t was her all, and
wrong though it might be, she must patiently
submit.
Closely was it criticised, but gala loving
eyes could but admire the neatness and de"
sign of the pattern, and carefully the woman
folded them and laid them away, turning to
other duties.
''Is not Mr.. IMP" tremblingly asked
Mrs. Sinclair
''No," carelessly replied the shop woman.
"Cannot l have the little due me?"
"When he has examined this work, YOU"
''But must have part" imploringly in
terrupted Mrs. Sinclair. Cannot you give
me little Pit has been three times he has
not paid me-
''Call at night and will see," was quickly
spoken, and turning to party of wel-dressed
ladies, the cold, selfish face became sutiused
with smiles, and in gracious tones she inquired
their wishes.
Sadly the poor woman turned, and the tears
fell one by one down her faded cheeks. As
she passed out her shawl caught upon the
latch; turning to disentangle it, her face at
tracted the notice of one of the party. A
hand was laid upon her shoulder and eye
glanced to eye.
''Margaret Kerr" said the stranger, ''can
this be?@ Pale and astonished, she gazed
searclingly and tremblingly with emotion she
clasped the stranger to her arms and said,
"Clara Stewart, thank God for this"
Then friendship proved itself something
more than an empty name. Few were the
words, but heart spoke to heart in tones of
love and confidence. A purse found its way
to the poor widows hand, and promise, that
few hours should give her a guest. Sick
Nellie was not forgotten by her devoted
mother and the freshest box Of strawberries
were selected. How light was the step of
Mrs. Sinclair and how sweet still sounded the
voice Of her old friend, as it seemed to tarry
in her ear. Again chidhood's days-days of
early love-dear ones gone: all passed in
she had gazed in fancy, upon days of dark
ness, she had reached her humble home.
Happy voices greeted her ear and wonder
ingly she fastened in. Loving arms were
thrown around her neck and a kiss was i'm
parted upon the brow of her own, atfectionate
Ivan.
80, mother" was joyfully spoken by both
children, but Ivan's strong voice silenced his
sisters attempts, and he begged his mother to
listen to the good news he had to tell. The
black bonnet and shawl were carefully laid
away-the strawberries were placed in Nellies
thin hand, which brought tears of joy to her
eyes and she said, so, how kind God is to us,
dear mother, He does care for the lilies of the
field and know he heard my prayer last
night felt 50 happy. Ivan has something to
tell you, dear mother, which will make you
SO glad" Uneasily he had waited and eager
ly he began: Yesterday Mr.. Brown sent me
to hoe and L took Oft my shoes, for | want to
save them you know, mother, and laid them
snugly under bush by the spring. Well, |
felt real gloomy all day, thinking about you
and Nellie, how poor we were, and then |
was afraid Mr.. Holmes would not wait much
longer for his rent, and | thought perhaps Mr.
Brown would not pay me. The tears would
come sometimes but | worked just as busy
L could. Towards night l two men com
ing across the meadow, and l thought of my
shoes, for they stopped at the spring, and
after my work was done, | hurried to see if
they were safe. Well, mother, don't you
think, when put on my shoes, L found those
in them and as he spoke, he placed two silver
dollars in her hand Tears stood in the
mothers eyes, but there were no signs or
grOans to tell of sorrow. ''Let us thank God,
for his mercies are abundant" said she.
What thanks were poured forth from those
hearts With what deep contrition did the
widow say, "Forgive my unbelief, for thou
doest all things well l will yet trust in thee"
The long night of adversely was passing
away and the sunshine of prosperity finds the
little family purified in heart and possessed
of the armour of righteousness.
The few articles of furniture Mrs. Sinclair
had been able to retain, were re-arranged and
everything received its best-side-out look.
Scarcely were the preparations completed,
when the expected guests arrived. Renewed
expressions of affection were given, in which
the children received their share as they
looked wonderingly. '1van, you call him
then-how like his father" she said, ''and
this is my Nellie" and she claSped the pale
girl to her heart
"Why have you been so silent, Margaret,
these long years? Could you doubt old
friends?"
The embarrassed ar OF Mrs. Sinclair was
relieved by the easy, cordial appearance of
her friend, and her heart sorrows were repeat
ed to her sympathizing ear. How trial after
trial followed the death of her husband-loss
of property-the long nights of toil to procure
the means of subsistence for her children-the
protracted illness of Nellie, and how the neg
lect of her acquaintance had disheartened
her, and she had sought obscurity; "but the
good Lord has preserved these dear ones to
me, and in my good boy | have reason for re-
jocng," said she. sometimes" she added
''the dark flood would almost overpower me,
but the promises of God, so oft repeated by
my dear father would come to mind and in
the darkest hour voice from Heaven would
seem to say to me, Fear not, for | am with
thee; be not dismayed, for | am thy God.
will help thee"
Hours were spent in conversation, such as
Irueiriends, longseparated only can appreciate.
aes .nehe-the cottage among the hills, old
"eq uaihtanees-some married, some buried;
, LILY 'iieh Ciara's own tale of love and union
VIII Tfo1' Young, for some time connected
with - college
tomorrow l come to arranqo another
rome Tor you," said Clara. ..Not word
Maggle-my own fortune is amnIe Sor.idor
81 81 sos II Is favor you can confer.
| otop' stop' she continued as Margaret at
tempted to speak; II am no house keener
you well know, but we are tired of hotel life
and long for home. Who can make ~ ailo
| so cheerful, so home-ike, as Won M,P p,t'o
Will you grant this tavor-and these children