Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1868-01-18
when she reached the bakers shop.

when she reached the bakers shop.
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 a
crumb, I am faint
Like an angel the little stranger look
ed to them as she glided in, her cheeks
like apple blossoms and her hair falling
over her shoulders like ripples of sun
shine.
Maria cannot come home yet, she
said in voice that was robins in
May time. But she will return to-
morrow perhaps this evening. She
has sent ME with the bread See the
two nice loaves I've brought, and she
broke it up in fragments.
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.
Il must go now she said, opening
the door, 'but I will come again soon
and make you comfortable and she
hurried to the nearest grocer and
bought basketful of provisions, and
told him to send in some kindlings and
coal
The little boys helped her build a
fire in the stove, and when it blazed
merriIy, she put on the kettle and soon
had refreshing cup of tea for each in
valid, and platter of smoking potatoes
for the children.
where is Maria, do you know, my
little ANGEL? asked the sick mother, as
she handed back the cup.
ooh, yes, I know she answered
cheerfully. Didn't say she would be
home early to morrow? Don't worry.
Better days are coming. I'll bring her
in the morning. Good-by.
1t was as though fairy had come
and vanished; a kind hearted fairy, for
beside the supply of coal and wood, a
half eagle lay in the sick fathers hand.
Murmuring to himself all the tender
adjectives 10 the French language, the
good hair-dresser Immediately FASTENED
to the courtroom. The Judge friend
Of his too. She had been brought in,
the court having adjourned for half an
hour He asked for a private interview
with the Judge. As soon as it was
granted, he told him all Maria's dis
tress, and the generous kindness of lit
tie Theresa.
Poor child good child said the
listener, wiping his glasses. She must
so to prison, suppose, but it shall be
to chamber in my own house. Go
into court, and TIL the same story over;
it will be better than lawyers plea.
He did so, and there was not a dry
eye in the audience when he ceased.
Even the baker hung his head and
seemed to muse. Before the breathless
silence had been broken, he looked up
ana said to the Judge, 4 withdraw my
complaint; let her go with me and
take all she wants
The spacious room rung with ap-
plause, and while the enthusiasm was at
its hight, a thoughtful old man went
about the crowd with his hat. Peoples
fingers found their pocket books as if
by intuition, and when he poured the
collection into Maria apron, she scream
ed with joy. No more hunger, no more
cold, no more nakedness that Winter.
They were rich.
The baker took her home himself,
and told her at the door not to worry
about the bread till Spring, for his
wagon would leave them all they want
ell every morning. How lightly she
bounded up the staircase. 1t was like
birds football, singing bird S in time
Of flowers.
Have you come, Maria p two voices
spoke at once.
Yes mother, yes, father, and we are
rich-seel and she emptied her apron
on the bed How merri!y the silver
jinglcd 1t was like the echo of har-
vest song, the distant echo brought back
by Summer breezes
'Ble you my little sunbeam, bless
you my angel And two hands were
laid upon her head, aid tears and smiles
were STRANGELY mixed together.
:: X \ x 4
sWhat does it mean, Theresa" and
the mother looked wonderingly at her
beautiful little daughter as she came in
to the parlor in obedience to message
brought by servant. Monsieur B.
says you promised to see him tonight
4 did mamma. Did you bring your
scissors, sir p And she carried a foot
stool to the sofa, upon which he sat,
and quietly nestled to his feet.
= yes, my dear, see!' and he took
frcm his pocket a shining pair.
Theresa, what means this p the
mother spoke sternly.
4 have sold my hair to him, mamma,
and he has come to cut it off,
Sold your haircut it off Were
you crazy? Are you in earnest p And
she gathered her to her side, and laid
her hand protectingly over the precious
curls.
Tell her how it was, sir. She won't
be angry then. Please, sir, tell her,
He did SO. And when it was finished
she covered her face with kisses, and
said in broken voice:
sOf such is the kingdom of heaven