The Van Buren press., 1867-07-26
Seeing Angels-a Story for Little Folks
Iii ErLA LEE.

when the Ford family left the dusty, heat
ed city, for their pleasant country seat.
The clear blue sky looked down upo,
the soft green fields and tinkling brook
with a sunny smile aud sunny skie
make sunny faces at such times. 1t wa
something to enjoy Tint long good by,
to dust and noise and crowds, and thel
to End themselves amid Gods handw
There was just apleasant family party
sMr and Mrs. Ford, Alice, the eldest,
girl of seventeen; Charlie next younger
and last, but not least. Dora and Nora
the twins, two fat little dumplings of 81,
years. ,..
How two such perfect little Hebes eve
blossomcd in a great, noisome, smok,
city, is q mystery to me; it may hay,
been owing in part to daily arings in tn,
Park, and partly to having scnsibl,
mother, one that did not consider con
fectioncry necessary part Of family GOV
crnmcnt They were taught perfect obc
dlenee; so there was no fretting them
selves thin over iinpossibilities.
twas late in the evening when they ar
rived at Maplesidc, and the two little ones
were far too tired and sleepy TO look
about them. But the robbins in the GREAT
maple tree near their window had scarce.
ly commenced their morning hym, be.
fore two little curly heads were pccpino
at them through the blinds, and two
sweetvoices Ginning in the chorus.
The dewy leaves swaycd softly, and
meek eyed blossoms bent their tiny
heads like penitents at morning devo
tions; great crimson and golden bars
across the eastern sky heralded the sun S
rising, gliding the far off hills, and civ
ing a deeper tinge to the roses. The
very air seemed hushed to sleep; the
clang and clatter and whirl Of city life
seemed too far away to be a reality. The
calm stiffness was mbroken, save by
sweet bird-music, and the distant crow
ing of cocks at neighboring farm houses.
OH said Nora, the thoughtful ono.
with a long drawn sigh, al wonder if
Heayenis nicer than this n oaI
~ guess so," returned Dora, 81 ror
mamma read about its being all gold and
pearls. But this is lovely. Lets get
dressed for arun before breakfast" : 8
But we mustn't forget to say our
prayers first," said Nora, for God is
here, just as near us "a in our other
Then they both knelt down with
clasped hands, their little white night
dresses floating about them like cloud,
and the clear, bird-like voices ascending
heaven ward like purest incense. Surely,
" of such is the Kingdom of Heaven" 81
Katy, the maid, paused at the door in
silent awe. Dora espied her as they
rose totheir feet, and ran to meet her,
with o call for dresses and help. First
came the bath, then the smoothing of the
tangled curls, They were soon in fresh
looking as bright and fair as the
ITSELF tlssssu N .uH .7R ailg
Then with glad cry Of freedom. they
ran off down the broad walks, feeling like
Gagged birds set free. o.. 6eer e,8 b. ra.Is.
By this time the sun had commenced
his Journey, and looked in at them
through the tall tree tops, gathering up
the bright jewels that glistened every.
where. Nora had not forgotten the little
basket papa had given her the day before,
and finding Mike, the gardener, they
begged some roses. .t....s...,.I.f.',
"Shure, an it's yerselves shall have
hapes of roses, bless yer swate hearts. y
Anl, the great pruning knife severed
rose after rose, until the pretty baske,
was filed to overhowing.
Nora busted herself looking among the
folded leaves of half blown York and
Lancaster. ~
=" Is it here the angels sleep, Mike p
she said, rousing up at last from hel
revcrie. 'i'"' rH IA "" ~
Am is it angels yer sarchin' for,i
Sure niyer a bit Of an angel have I seen
barrin' ycrsclves" '''o2 ~ 1''"' g.
"" But they do come, Mike, and would
so like to sec ono" she returned slowly
They'll be afther wantin the likes OF
yecs soon. Tn thinkin," said Mike
shaking his head ominously, rs the little
one followed slowly after her wide wax,
sister. 40. z hat ha3.V-+1th n
a"Oh here's 4 nice, soft carpet; let's
sit downand make n bouquet for mamma
and IN put some among your curls,
said Noralae "nt Ja3 14 ei'l ~ a.4 sit
Seating herself with becoming gravity
Dora fooled her hands and tried to keeI
still ;swhile Nora, young artist that sh,
was, arranged the floral crown, her usual
y sunny face taking on shade of carr
as tho little chubby hands passed in anC
out among the shiny curls f7ao
She was giving it the last finishing
touch when loud call startled them, ant
Katy appeared all in a furry.
oh! you roguish pussics, to steal OF
into the wet grass. Shnrc, an it'll b,
the death Of yees," .i.i5F sln .a l..,...i
With wet shoes and lump mnsliLs, tn
children followed the indignant Katy lik
culprits.. ..-s...-
I'm sure that's nothng--is it, Nora
We've got heaps Of dresses, and Kat,
needn't make such a fuss. - ''ssy bFa aanl
"But it makes trouble returnc,