Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-02-17

the time OF testing their faith in the provi-
dence of God. Crash upon crash sounded
through the land in mercantile life-milon-
aires became penniless, and none knew where
to number eirpossessions.
As the crisis approached, Ivan sank under
the cares and anXieties which oppressed him.
Anxiously did the fond wife by the couch
of the sick one, and in wild delirium he fam
cied himself beggar and his little ones hun2
gering; then would he plead his proud father
to give them bread.
Weeks had passed, and quiet sleep had
kindled ray of ope in Marga cts heart, and
in silence she knelt by his bedside and gave
thanks.
maggie dear" in whispered tones fell upon
her ear, and the eye OF Ivan beamcd again
with intelligence. Skillful physicians were in
attendance, and, though reason remained
clear, it was evident the lamp of life was
waning dim. The sad, shaded face of Mar.
garet bent over the dying husband to catch
each word or look of love; but dearer to her
believing heart were the precious words of
hope and peace Little Ivan and Nellie
kneeling by the couch, repeated their evening
prayer, and received kiss from the lips
which committed them to Gods keeping for
the last time. The sobs Of Margaret reached
his ear, and in tender tones he said: "Trust
God, he will care for YOU" and, pressing her
hand, he fell into a quiet sleep. A smile
passed over his face, and the still pulse told
that Ivan Sinclair had entered the world of
spirits.
The hands of friends bore his body to its
rest among the shady trees of Forest Grove,
but to Margaret he lived bright spirit, wait
ing her coming over the waters. -
pale, thin woman sat sewing by dim
lamp-her eyes were red with weeping, and
care had left its burrows upon her cheeks
The hours rolled along and she toiled on, her
laborS interrupted occasionally by n weak
voice from the cot near her side. Gently she
smoothed the fevered brow, and kissed the
pale, warm checks. Softly she sought the
windows, and peerng anxiously through the
darkness, she turned again to her work.
Tears dropped and with groan she bent her
head to the table, visions OF other days passed
her mind, the vine clad cottage among the
heather hills of Scotland; him, whose brave
heart and strong hand would ever have
shielded her from want and care, but who had
entered into his rest leaving to his little fam
lily, naught OF earth's good, but christians
blessing and prayers. Low sounds from the
cot aroused her, and falling upon her knees,
she poured forth the sorrows of her heart to
Him, who is the God of the tatheress and
of the widow. A few Goals were added to the
scant fre-a look Of love bestowed upon the
sleeping child, and again she was working.
SIS it almost day, MOTHER" said a weak
voice from the cot
eyes, it will soon be light how is Nellie
this morning" The sweet, patient face was
turned to the mother and in pleasant tones
said, "better, dear mother, | had "a sweet
dream, oh, it seemed so good--t makes me
feel well almost. thought Uncle Malcomn
came and we all went with him to Just such a
dear home as we used to have. | felt so hap
Ply it walked me up and then lay here and
thought how you read about our Father in
Heaven, taking care Of the sparrows and the
lilies, and prayed to him to take care of us,
and oh, mother know he will for | felt So"
The mother pressed her to her bosom and
thanked her God for such an angel to com
fort her, and prayed she might be spared to
her. Much solace did the sorrow stricken
mother gain from the thoughtful contempla-
tive words of her child; whose young spirit
seemed almost freed from every earthly pas
sion and glowed with a love and depth of
thought which seemed beyond her years.
The last stitch was set upon the satin slip
per, which was soon to grace the foot of a
bride; she would neer think of the poor Wild
ow. who with fearful eyes and aching heart,
had left the impress of fair flowers and loving
Cupids upon the fairy thing. The little table
was drawn to the ireside. and upon its snow
white cover, was placed frugal meal. A
dainty bit of honey was placed by the little
invalid, who sat propped by pillows at her
mothers side. The sun was shining bright
and the eyes of the two turned to look at its
cheerful rays, when the memory Of green
fields, heather hills, singing larks and bub-
bling brook, came to mind, and longmgly the
mother gazed upon the frail child and wished
she might enjoy such scenes.
sit was good in Ivan to bring me this
honey and those sweet flowers, wasn'tit, moth
er? VIII he come again Tomorrow"
II hope So, said the MOTHER with increased
sadness; "Mr. Brown was to pay him his
months wages
She did not add the cause of her anxiety
She did not tell that the rent of their small
tenement was due and the landlord was al
ready complaining. She did not burden the
chld's heart with fears and cares, but sought
balm from the fountain where the sick Nellie
had drank so plenteously, and though dark
it seemed there was a glimmerng light be-
meath the dark cloud of adversely, visible to
the mothers faith. A chapter from the Book
of Life was read, and the voice of prayer and
praise was lifted to heaven.
CONCLUDED TO MORROW.