The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-06-29

you thlnK So mrs. ROBINSON
"I don't know, am sure, she seem,
to be real good, pleasant woman, ard
| thought | should like her so much.
am not much acquainted with her, bit
was much pleased with her appearance
1t really is pity that she must be turned
off because she thinks il her duty to la.
Dor in this manner" The speaker was q
pale, slight woman, with sweet face and
blue eyes that seemed incapable of mir.
roring an unkind thought, but there was
something about the mouth that BETRAYED
certain lack of frmness, and the tones
of her voice wayered slightly, as if she
feared to offend her hearers by speaking
the right thought of her heart.
"Why, Mrs. Robinson !'' exclaimed
Mrs. Baker, "yoh, in your station that
you hold, are not going to associate with
washerwoman, are your Why, if do
ut, / should never think ofholaing up my
head in respectsble society again" /" 80
Certainly not" said Mrs Collins; and
there is your daughter Nora Mrs. Robin
son, surely you would not have Her asso-
ciate with Stella Carter, washer~o rap 5
daughter2 This was spoken with pc.
culiar emphasis which gave force to the
words. "You know" she continued, that
a word from you would put her on her
guard. - a & a
A shade of anxiety passed over Mrs.
Rebinson's face, for moment she hesi.
tated and then, listening to the Whisper
ings of false pride in her heart, she an
swered,
well, taking all things into con.idera-
ton, suppose must give her up, alto
gether it does seem a pity. I suppose
washing is honest enough, but then it is
80 low" 4airo
How strange and how sad, that there
are so many weak yet lsving hearts which
are SO eften led far from the path of duty
by fears of some stronger mind, which,
afte- all the pure and holy soul beauty is
destroyed, and the cutter world has filled
its place, despise the victim for the very
weakness by which he was first led sstray !;
and yet if these hearts had been placed
under the proper influence, they might
have grown into true and noble soul work
ers in the great life destiny, before whom
the world will rise up in reverence and
call blessed.
With the same peculiar smile which
had before rested upon her face, Mrs.
Collins turned towards lady dressed in
deep mourning, who had been silent but
not uninterested listener.
"Mrs Willard, what is your opinion ?"
she inquired .You surely have an in
terest in this important question, for there
is your Isabel; you surely would not
have her brought down to level with
Stella Carter p
A smile of withering contempt curved
Mrs. Willard's beautiful mouth as she
arose from her seat, saying, Excuse me-,
ladies, but unfortunately 1 cannot agree
with you Ny Isabella is younger than
Stella, and thu intimacy which has been
framed between them has pleased me
greatly, for Stella, though scarcely more
than child, has the seeds of true and
perfect womanhood planted in her heart,
which will ere long grow and blossom into
life. never fear for Isabel when she is
with her. As for Mrs. Carter, respect
the motives which have caused her to de-
mean herself SO greatly 10 your sight as
to take in washing. With the true, ear
nest love of devoted wife and loving
mother, she wishes to aid her husband,
and at the same time give her daughter
all the help in Aer power, that she may
become true and noble woman.
There were bright tears in the eyes of
Mrs Willard as she concluded The
proud face Of Mrs. Collins flashed slight
ly, but the lnocking smile still flashed
around her mouth as she replied: 81
am sorry that have placed you in such
delicate position; believe me, it was
not done intentionally. i am going over
to Mrs. Carter's in the morning. Perhaps
some of you ladies whose hearts are filled
with such unbounded love and good will
would like to accompany me, Good eve-
ming, Mrs. Grey; my carriage is waiting
and must CO.
Early the next morning she set out
from her own handsome dwelling !; with
a quick, elastic step, she hastened over
the frosty pavement, She paused at last,
and knocked at the door Of neat, white
dwelling. In answer to hor summons the
deor was opened by sweet pale-faced
woman, whose eyes lighted up with pleas
urc as they rested upon her true hearted
friend.
"Good morning, Mrs. Carter" said
Mrs Willard. why, how tired and
worn you look. fear you have been
overworking yourself" she continued, as
she rested herself III the sitting room.
The face was sad again, ais Mrs. Carter
answered, I did have hard day OF il
yesterday. / could endure that cheerful
! ly, though, if The tears could Nc
longer be restrained, and bowing her heat
upon her friends shoulder she wept bit
terly. uoa ssh ah
II know What yFod' would say, Emma
but you will be thankful SONS day for tn,
trial. Your trus, friends will love 70,
more for this Mrs. Willard laid he
hand caressiuglJ IN the head Of her fFisn,
as she spoke the sweet words Of cou1for
to her suffering cerdpanion. There wa
long silence and when Mrs. Carter rails
ed her head there were tears in her eve
still, but there was a smile upon her lip
as she said, sOh,, how much I think Of yor
Margaret WiiiafA. was weak, but yo-
have made me stfofgr thank God that FL
sent you to me-"
Manv ,,rrfbs' Gayye rasuad s;nea t6a,