Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-01-29

An important trial was Just closing and all the
avenues 10 the court house were thronged.
rheyll be through soon,N said the officer to
the baker; we'll wait here a few minutes
take wo home first she said sadlyi "they
win worry about me so My poor mother will die
il She thinks I am lost"
THEY'LL soon find out whore you are said the
officer rrufly "B Bad news is like lightning il
travels so fast"
ooh dear, oh dear. what will become Of them -
and she sobbed aloud
litle girl about her age was passing by-a
rich mans chd-yuu would know il by the em-
broiIcrcd dress and cloak the rich velvet hood,
and the costly fur tppt and muf. But there was
no false pride hidden under the expensive gar
mcnts; warm heart was beating there and its
sympathies went far ont towards the poor little
prisoner. For q moment she paused As irresolute
upon her plan of action; then laving her hand
gently on the officers She said politely :-
May speak wiih hery"
"Ohyes She is not committed yct'
Putting her soft rosy cheek close 90 the purple
cold one She whis pcred very earnestly Marie
told her touching story and begged She would,
by the love she bore her mother iini out her
humble HOME and comfort the distressed ones.
d" will. will, the stranger replied, earnestly;
" and don't cry any more my father knows the
Judge, aud he'll get YOU away TO morrow. Good
bye-keep up good heart" and OIL She ran
She knew her mother 10 be one Of the most
charitable Of women. and fastened home 10 tell
the story Of Marie; but unfortunately she had
just gone to ride and would not be back till near
dinner-tiue.
What can do r she cried and wrung her
hands
"They want coal and bread, and so many
things, and have only ten cents in my pocket.
She sat down on the marble steps and pom Tered.
All at once her eyes frightened and beautiful
color flashed in her face.
l'l do it. she said D., solutely mamma will
E.,. ,rtta 1la oil
without food. nearly naked, starved. Oh she
will be glad | thought so far = and she bounded
down the street. aud rushed around the corner.
Pushing open the plate glass door Of the most
fashionable hair dresser IN the city, she went quick
ly to the attcndent and asked to sce Monsieur b.
lie ushered her into the inner room, saying he
would call him.
Her heart futtered while she waited, but her
I resolution dill not fail her
''Ah, it is my little Theresa and Monsieur B.
took her hand kindly. Good-moning, dear.
Come 10 have your rnglets dressed for the ball TO
nght--no? ?' as she shook her head, why not,
you go certainly? you are one of Monscurs best
pupils. What is it then, my dear?n
For moment her lip quyered then she spoke
up quickly.
." Y on said once, sir. you would give me an ca
gle for my curls. VIII you do it now-to-day-
this mnute2N
The hairdresser was astonished. What could
the child mean? to cut oil those curls, long silken,
golden colOred the pure gold Of the sunbeam;
TO sell them surely crime.
&" Does she, your mother, know you came
here
% No sir; but she will not blame me. when tell
how it Was On no she is too gooi.n
- And how is it my dear2 Make friend of me,
and tell me how it comes You ask me to buy your
hair and he strokeI the glossy curls as tenderly
as a father might.
She hesated and then opened her heart to him
l. L.. IL. g. l.
plaintiye story. lie walked the floor a moment
if irresolute; then stoping before hor he took out
his pocket book, and handed her two half eagles
She put thru in her purse, and taok oil her hood
Not now, my little angel he said huslSily;
% not now, | am to busy Tomorrow will do as
well or, stay, | will come in the evening Till
then do not mention to any one. Gonow on your
mission, my Sister of Charity and he led her 10
the door.
How quickly her little feet flew over the pave
ment She could hardly speak when she entered
the bakers shop.
'' Two loavrs 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 and hurried
away with her warm fragrant bundle.
'' Is that you, Marel What kept YOU so long,
daughterg Quick, break me a crunb am faint
Like am angel the little stranger looked to them,
as sine glidel in her checks like apple blossoms
and her HAIR falling over her shoulders like ripples
OF sunshine
Marie cannot come yet ~ she said, in voice
that was Ikea robins in May time. But She will
return tomorrow mornings perhaps this evening.
She has sent with the bread. See the two nice
loayes have brought and she broke it into frag-
meuts.
Tears coursed down her face as she saw how
eagerly they clutched them. She had never
dreamed of poverty like this never known how
hungry folks may be and live.
l Ff... ill Al.
but will come again soon and make YOU com
Portable, and she hurried 10 the nearest grocer
and bought basketIu of provisions, and told
him 10 send in some kindlings and coal.
The little boys helped her build fire in the
stove, and when it bazed merry. she put on the
tea-kettle and soon had a refreshing cup Of tea
for each invalid, aud platter of smoking pota-
toes for the children.
Where is Marie do you know my little an
gel nn asked the sick mother, " She viii be home
early Tomorrow Don't worry Better days are
coming I'll bring her in the morning. Good
by
II as though fairy had come and vanish
ed a kind hearted fairy, for the supply OF coal
aud wood had ccme, and hall eagle lay in the
sick fathers hand
Marmuring to himself all the tender adectives
IN the French language, the good halr-dresser im-
medately hastened 10 the court room. The Judge
a friend Of his too. She has been brought in,
the court having adjourned for half an hour. He
asked for private interview with the Judge. As
soon as 10 was granted, he told him all OF Maries
distress, and the generous kindness of little Iehre
sa
" Poor child good child ~ said the listener,
wiping his glasses - She must 90 Ia prison /
suppose but il shall be 10 a chamber in my own
house. Go into court and tell the story over; it
will be better than a lawyers plean
lie dad so, aud there was not dry eye in the
audience when be had ceased. Even the baker
hung bis head and seemed TO muse. Before the
breAthl,ss silence had beou broken, be looked up
aud sand TO the Judge 80 | Withdraw my COM
plant. et her 90 with and take all she
wants
The spacious room rung with applause, aud
while the enthusiasm was at It's height a thought
ful old man went about the crowd with bis hat
Peoples fingers found their pocket books II by
intuition and when he poured the collection into
Maries apron she screamed with Joy. No more
hunger, no more nakedness that winter They
were rich
The baker took her home himself aud told her
not TO worry about the bread I'LL spring, for his
wagon would leave them all they wanted every
morning. How lightly she bounded up the stair
cast. IL WAS like birds football singing birds
in the time Of flowers
Have you come, Marie ?n Two voices spoke
at onee.
Nes, mother, yes. father, aud we are rich
see - aud she emptied her apron the bed
How merrily the silver aud gold coin jingledl IL