Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-07-17
D0LLlE CRAPS EXPERIENCE.
BY SYLvASUs COBB, j:

t0rtS or lie IN OrUeC luaI HiS SbIiuieh hi'Shb
have the wherewith' to be fed and clothed.
And her mother worked hard, too-worked
very hard at times-for their. circumstances
not only made it necessary, but she was anx-
ious that her children should receive evcyY
advantage she could possibly afford, even at
the cost OF her own convenience.
Dollie was pretty and intelligent, and, with
much pride, her parents had contrived to al-
ford her an excellent education. She was .
kind hearted girl, with good sepse and gene
rous impulses; but aS-.she approached the
age of budding womaahood she allowed a
spirit of discomfort to creep into her sou, anc
she harbored the evil genius there, much 10
her own discomfort, and to the pain and anI-
iety Of her parents. At school she had asso9.
ciated on equal terms with the daughters OF
parents who were we'll off in the world, and
some Of whom we're even wealthy; and she
lad learned to love these companions, and
value, their good opinions. But as the days
Of school were passed, aud Dcllie was called
upon 10 assist her mother in the various work
of the household, these old associations began
20 change. The more favored children OF fer
tune did not pay so much attention to Dolle
as they had formerly done, and in many ways
did they show that they considered them
selves aBove her.
There were two girls whom Dollie had es:
pecially loved-Kaie and Esther Gorman
Kate was out her own age, and Esther was
two years Younger. Their father was corn
and -four dealer, and quite wealthy; but still
these two continued o treat Dollle with kind
pess, ard even sought her companionship
They came to see her at her house, and inYl-.
ted her to call upon them. All this would
have been very pleasant, only. poor Dollie al-
lowed herself to feel ashamed Of the humble
home Of her parents, and harbored Slight
touches Of envy, when she visited the sump-
| tuous residence OF Mr.. German. She could
! not help contrasting her own plain cotton
dress with the rich fabric which Kate wore /;
and she thought how happy she should be if
| she could only have such tiue things as her
| companions had.
Poor girl! She forgot tie tbousand-and
one blessings size enjoyed. She forgot her
health and strcngsb-she forget the change
! less love of her father and lnother-she forgot
the clinging fondness Of her little brothers
| and sistcrs-she forgot all save those things
which sic did not possess. Mr. and Mrs,
Gray both saw il, and it caused them great
deal Of uneasiness. They had done so much
| for ber-tbey had loved her so well-and they
we're so anxious forrber peace and happiness,
that they felt all this very keenlv.
One day Mrs. Gray. found her daughter
alone in her little chamber, sitting by the
window, engaged in deep thought, and she
asked her what she was thinking Of At first
| Dollie would rot tell, but finally she acknowl,
edged that she was thinking Of Kate Gorman's
nefG piano forte.
low such thoughts q place in your mind ?'
said the mother, in tone of gentle reppoof.
;. Tell me--can you find room in your soul
Cor enyy?"
aNo, no." replied Dollie; g don't feel en-.
should like piano-iorte?"
"By simply remembering that it is impessi-
ble that you should have one, my dear. Your
father finds it difficult to furnish even the
| things we absolutely need from out his scanty
purse. Then how should he"
go. I don't think that,m interrupted the
Euneasy girl. ~ don't expect father lo get
| me any such thng-I don't want him to-
| y" And yet you are Disconnected because
you caInot have ope." >.
pollie would have denied this, but her
mother made her see that it was too evident
10 be hidden.
"Dolie;" Mrs. Gray said, with deep emo
lion, "you cannot realize how much unhap-
piness you usy be laying up for Yourself
Listen to me one moment, for would open
to YOU truth which cannot BE new apparent
Ito YOU. You ere looking in the yrona direc-
ton for happiness. You PLACE an entirely
false estimate upon the possessions of this
world. There are some few things which are
absolutely NECESSARY to our being and comfort,
aud all these you may have. Beyond the
simple sustaining Of life, the gifts Of earth
have their value not in outward worth, but in
| lhe spirit which bears them company. Now,
| you had no'thought Of piano until you sa.
Kate German have ore. Is it not so?"
Dolic was forced to admit that twas.
"Then," continued the mother" you must
see that this is not an absolute want,-it is
| only a desire created by witnessing the pos:
session, Of another. Mr.. German gives to his
children wbat be can afford to give; but,
| mind you, those gifts can bestow no real hap
| piness Of themselves; the spirit which goes
with tbem-Ihc love of the giver. and the
| gratitude of the receiverAMust be the'sohfces
Of happiness. An the wealth of the world
! could give no Joy in the absence OF love and
cehtentment. Surely you lave enough to
make you happy, if you will only try to feel
so. Tell meEwould YOU exchange the love
Of yodr father for piano-f5fte?"
"You know would not" answered Dollie,
| somewhat reprcathiql!y.
"Would you give up one Of his warm
smics--Sould you forget one Of tue many
kind words he has spoken-wouid you wipe
ont from hetargcl's book single record Of
the blessings and tile pray ers your father has
sent up for you, for all the wealth Mr.. Cor
/ man possesses ?"
go, no. o!"
"Then try and be happy, my child, with
what yeu have. 0, strive TO be thankful for
the blessings which are yours. instead of
dwelling upon the thought of possessions
whioh You cannot obtain"
Doic began to weep, as. she always did
when her feelings were touched, and when
her mother had kis,ed and blessed her. she
left her to herself.
A few weeks after thecontersation to which
we have. alluded took place, Mrs. German
I,came down to Mrs. Gray's, ,sandiasked that
Dollie might come up and stop with her
short time. Two of hsr yo1nger children