The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1868-02-13

the rich velvet hood, and the costly fur
tippet and muff. But there was no falso
pride hidden under the expensive gar
ments; a warm heart was beating there,
and its sympathies went out far towards
the poor little prisoner. For moment
she paused, as if irresolute upon her
plan of action; then laying her hand
gently on the officers arm she said po-
litely:
ssMay I speak with iier2''
"Oh yes; sne is not committed yet"
Putting her soft rosy cheek close to
the purple cold one, she whispered very
earnestly. Maria told her touching sto~
ry, and begged she would, by the love
she bore her mother, find out her hum
BILE home, and comfort the distressed
ones.
II will, WILL" the stranger replied,
earnestly; sand don't you cry any more,
my father knows the Judge, and he'll
get you away to morrow. Good by
keep up good heart" and off she ran
She knew her mother to be one of the
most charitable of women, and hastened
home to tell her story Of Maria but un-
fortunately she had just gone to ride,
and would not be back till near dinner
time.
..What can do?" she cried and wrung
her hand 3.
They want coal, and bread and tea,
and so many things, and l have only
ten cents in my pocket"
She sat down on the marble steps and
pondered. All at once her eyes bright
ened and beautiful color flashed in her
face.
"Ill do it, she said resolutely "mam-
ma will forgive, when she knows all
Without fire, without food, nearly naked ;.
starving Oh, she will be glad that I
thought so far;'' and she bounded down
the street, and rushed around the cor
ner.
Pushing open the plate glass door Of
the most fashionable hair dresser in the
city, she went quickly up to the attend
aib cLHN hohCA W SCc AAoLciCuI ~. AAo
ushered her into an inner room, saying
he would call him.
Her heart flut.ered while she waited,
but her resolution did not fail her.
"Ah it is my little Theresa" and
Monsieur 3. took her hand kiadly.-
Good morning dear Come to have
your ringlets dressed for the ball to-
night--no ?" as she shook her head,
s'why not? you go certainly; yon are
one of Monsieur's best pupils. What
is it then, my dear?'
For moment her lips quivered then
she spoke up quickly.
"You said once, sir, you would give
me an eagle for my curls. Will you do
it now-to- day--this minute
The hair dresser was astonished.-
What could the child mean? To cut
off those curls, long, silken, and golden
colored, the pure gold of stray sun
beam to sell them was surely q crime.
docs she, your mother, does she
know you came here 2"
mo sir; but she will not blame me :;
when l tell her how it was. Oh, no !!
she is too good"
''And how is it, my dear? Make
friend OF me, and tell me how it com es
you ask me TO buy your hair p and he
stroked the glossy curls as tenderly as
father might.
She hesitated, and then opened her
heart to him. There was mist in his
eyes when she finished her plaintive
story. He walked the floor as if irreso-
lutte; then stopping before her, he took
out his pocket book, and handed her
two half eagles. Sho put them in her
purse, and took off her hood.
''Not, now, my little angel" he said,
huskily; mot now I am too busy to-
morrow will do as we'll; or, stay, will
come in this evening. Till then do not
mention it to any one. Go, now on
your mission, my sister of charity" and
he led her to the door.
How quickly her little feet flew over
the pavement! She could hardly speak
when she reached the bakers shop
1.-TWO loaves, sir-large ones, too,'
she gasped, and threw down one of the
gold pieces.
The man stared at her curiously.-
The color rose to her brow, but she said
nothing, but hurried away with her
warm. fragrant bundle.
'.Is that you Maria What kept you
so long, daughter? Quick, break me
crumb, l am faint
Like an angel the little stranger looked
to them as she glided in, her cheeks like
apple blossoms and her hair falling over
her shOuIders like ripples of sunsh;no