The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1868-05-05
NELL, THE BEGGAR GIRL.

"Please, ma'am, aipenny to buy some
bread gs t &
twas child's voice, low aud plead.
ing, and the lady walked swiftly past
turned sharply round, and saying as she
lifted her dainty skirts:
"Don't get too near, filthy creature;
haven't pennies to spend on beggar''
brats.p 81 5a 81
The little girl turned slowly and cross
ed the street, She was probably twelve
years of age, dressed in rags, and hel
feet were bare; her hair hung down hel
back in tangled masses, and her face wal
shaded by limp sunbonnet. The reply
of the lady seemed to CRATE harshly OF
her feelings. At first her pinched afact
wore dark look, and her deep black
eyes shone luridly, but as she wan dered
slowly on, an expression Of determination
settled over her features, and suddenly
stopping, she exclaimed, in determined
tone: aN 8
aI'll never beg again, though / die oi
starvation. l will be somebody yet in
spite Of all"
'sA good resolution, my little cir" !"
She turned and confronted a tall, we'll
dressed young gentleman, who wore a
fine chain, and diamonds on his fingers,
She looked up and saw akind light beam
ing in his eyes, as7she answered: as
II thank you, sir, for your kind words,
and yet twill cost me manya heartache,
The young man bent forward and
caught the CLEAN Of the child's eye-thai
strong, steady gleam that told Of the I'M
daunted heart hidden beneath the beg
gar's garb. He passed his hand tender
ly over the uncombed hair, and gazing
on the broad forehead of the child, he
said. 49, hsss
eWhat might be your name, little
1Nell, she answered.
aApd how will you keep this resolution
eI don't know yet; I shall when |
think M
The young man put his hand in his
pocket and drew forth a purse. sa
Here, he said, stake this; it will
help you, and know you will not spend
itfoolishly. You will be somebody yet,
or this high broad brow indicates moth
ing. Goodbye, and if you're ever again
in trouble, direct line to Harry Cliff
ford" 81 I'D ags IS;
He fingered only to look back on the
little girl whose eyes were filled with
happy tears. She did not speak her
thanks, but the look she gave him assur-
ed him that the purse would never be for
gotten. issa SEQ a
That afternoon girl dressed plainly,
yet neatly, with long, wavy rippling curls
and deep intelligent eyes, stood on the
marble steps ringing the bell OF brown
stone mansion. The door was soon open
ed, and the servant thus answered her
inquiry for the lady of the house:
$ There is no lady of the house except
the housekeeper; but it you wish to see
Mr.: Wells, I can inform him.
The little girl nodded.
: What name shall \ sayl inquired the
servant, for he was . kind hearted man.
1Nell Graham, answered the little
girl. .as
Sir, child. Nell Graham wishes to
speak with you, said the servant, poking
his head into ne study door.
A little girl-what is she like Per
cysp 4'''s
asPlain, but neat, SIR
aShow her in, Percy
When Nell entered the splendid apart
ment, decorated in crimson and gold, she
did not look confusedly as many IN her
position would have done, bat bowed
dasply to the kind-faced old gentleman,
who pointed to chair and begged her to
be seated. ~ a-
stMay / ask your name and business
With me?n
ssGertainly,n was the response, uttered
with the slightest tremorin her voice. -
my name is Graham Ny parents were
wealthy long ago; my father was mer-
ehantin this city, but they were at last
reduced to poverty, and died in utter
want. / am seeking. employment, sir, to
take care Of children or assist in the
kitchen. / have run away from the old
woman with whom I have been living"
abraham! GrahamI'' interrupted the
old man: ecan it be my old friend2 Come
here. child; I wish to look into your
face s. 49,
Nell arose and stood by his chair. He
drew her toward him, and pushing back
the chris from her brow, said:
.You'ye splendid head, child, as your
mother had before YOU. She was an in
telIiaent.Woman. and, no doabt, you will
he Ike herr