The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-05-07
Misfrllaufnns.
TITS DARKEST BEFORE DAY.

DO YOU wonder at my detection, my
dear Mrs. Jackson, when every day finds
the burden OF my duties heavier, and my
seeming dependence more unbearable.
I have resolved TO 80 forth into the world,
and it must indeed be cold, ungenerous
world. II II refuses me the happiness de-
MED me here. l feel that have abilities
which are lying dormant In my presen,
situation. There are many respectable
ways of earning livelihood, for any one
of which / am competent-thanks to my
dear granLlmother's love, which gave me
the advantages Of a sound English edu-
cation, far more thorough, perhaps, than
| IL the precious moments had been frit-
tered away In acquiring mere conyersa-
tional knowledge Of foreign languages to
the neglect OF my own. I seek your AL
vice, dear Mrs. Jackson, for though our
acquaintance has been short one, trust
YOU feel an Interest In my welfare
These words were addressed by Marga-
ret IIeyford To an elderly woman of pre-
possessing appearance, who was seated
with her In the small room appropriated
To her use In the residence OF her uncle,
Colonel Hatfield.
Indeed, my dear Miss Margaret, your
situation here Is most unpleasant one.
The cares of household as extensive rs
this. the never ccasing gaiety, the visitors
why, my dear child, tits wearing your
life away replied Mrs. Jackson. But
to 30 alone into the world, and unprotect-
ed-you are young and lovely, Miss Mar
garet. and such proceeding would be
most imprudent on your part. You will
soon be happy, my child. Remember
that there Is an old saying, Ills darkest
before day
Then my life thus far has been drcary
night said Margaret, with n sigh.
wonder II the day will ever dawn! And
vet how light would be my daily task Il
I thought my uncle placed any value on
my service. No-to him and my cousin
I am but dependant sustained by their
bounty. Matilda and Jeanet dislike me,
my uncle and Charles would not waste a
thought upon me. Would not be hap
pier among strangcrs?-for from them
would not expect the kindness which the
tie of relationship demands, and which
has never been bestowed on me hereg
is IL possible that you have ever given
this serious thought-do you really in-
tend To 20 away, Miss Margarctr
II do, Mrs. jackson. And, what will
surprise you more, America will bo my
destination
This is indeed unwisc. To go so far
from home
'Homer repeated Margaret, bitterly.
i never had home, Mrs. Jackson. Even
my love for my native land appears a
dull and cold one. | long 10 breathe the
/ free air OF America. There, at least, fam
/ lly pride throws no shadow over the
hcarthstone, chilling to death the tender
feelings implanted In the breasl-there.
where honest worth Is the standard OF
equality. The banefil presence Of that
pride darkened my sweet mothers lite.
and made her an outcast from her family,
because she united her destiny 10 one they
deemed far beneath her. But the humble
shelter he gave her was TO her palace,
and she Its queen. My fathers love was
her empire. his smile her crown, and her
own sweet influence her sceptrc. They
died when their child was too young TO
feel their loss-they died ere they could
know the blessing Of a daughters love-
my father and my mother!
The vague, underlined regret, that sense
OF sorrowful ycarnlng that only the early
orphaned can feel, stirred within the young
girls heart, and she buried her face In
her hands tn hide her falling tears. Oh!
you to whom God. In his mercy, yet leaves
the shielding tenderness OF. n parents
love. guard well the sacred treasure, for
the daywi come when you will stand