Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-02-16

IoI lHO OuCC WHcu was SICh Will ouC
measles. 1t was very foolish of me
to think Of it" she continued as she
heard an involuntary sigh from her
mother, "but the water does not taste
good, now [ am sick"
Again she slept, and the wearied
mother resumed her needle. Tear af-
ter tear stole down her cheeks as she
bent over her task.
"Poor child p she murmured. at
seems hard that | must deny her so
trifing luxury, but alas there are
so many absolute necessities to be
provided. Perhaps if l work an hour
or two longer, | might complete an
other garment before tomorrow eve-
ming and then | should receive a little
more than | expected. I must buy
coal if possible, for it is so hard to
make poor Ella comfortable with the
blocks the children pick up. Half a
bushel will do, and then there must
be bread and candles. promised
the children a bit of salt fish, but !
will coax them to wait, and | will 90
without the tea which | hoped to have
bought, and the dear child shall have
lemon and little loaf sugar, as she
did when she had the measles. Poor
thing how well she remembered the
lemonade which her father made for
her."
Animated with the hope of procur-
curing this little luxury for her suf-
fering child, the weary fingers moved
still faster, and it was not until busy
sounds told the near approach of morn
ing, that the task was relinquished,
and the almost exhausted woman
threw herself upon the bed to seek an
hour or two of repose. Every leisure
moment during the day following was
devoted to her needle and early in
the evening the work was completed.
Fatigue was forgotten, and with a
cheerful countenance, she prepared
to take the clothes to her employer.
In the fulness of her heart, she could
not help whispering to Ella as she
kissed her burning cheek, mother
will try to bring you lemon dear !"
and though the unSelish child immedi-
atel Y assured her that she could very
we'll do without it, yet the brighten
ing of the eye and the look of graft
tude only strengthed her resolution.
A quick walk brought the mother
to the shop of her employer. The
work was examined, approved and
paid for. With a light step she turn
ed toward home, holding in her hand
the hardly earned sum which was to
( procure her so many comforts. To
the coal yard first she went. Here
her purchase was soon made, and an
obliging lad to whom she had done
some small favors, offered to carry
the heavy basket to her room. Some
other necessaries were bought, and
then the woman paused and gazed
thoughtfully at the last piece of mon
} ey which remained it was a quarter
81 think | may make out the bit of
fish for the children yet" she said tC
J herself, "but | must make sure of the
lemon and sugar first"
She stepped into brightly Lighted
grocery.
: "Have you lemons ?"
: Every fine ones" was the reply
but they are very high at present.
r Sixpence piece"
: "Could you net let me have one OF
, two a little lower? They are for sick
5 ness"
5 Might let you have two for tel
cents, perhaps, but it will be a deaC
Y loss to US. Don't make a cent OF
profit on them"
e The lemons and the crushed sugar
: were laid aside, and the remaining
/, pennies would buy the bit Of fish,
n Almost exultingly the mother seizeC
S her treasures, and laying the quarte
), upon the counter turned to leave tn
y shop. But her progress was arrest
a ed by lound call of:
d "Stop, woman, this piece of none
o is counterfeit"
a Trembling she returned.
|, at was just given me by Mr.. Stin
; son in payment for work" she said
h 81 will leave my bundle here and G
l. back with it to him. No doubt b
f. will change it,"
"I should think so" was the repl,
n for the perfect simplicity and openes
S, with which the woman spoke, evince
y her honesty.
5, The delay was tedious, but it wa
# unavoidable, and, as rapidly as poss
d BILE, she retraced her steps, and b.
IS fore many minutes again presente
t, herself before Mr.. Stimson.
y "Well, my good woman, what now
| thought our business was settle
le for tonight
IN eyes, sir, but if you please, this
er counterfeit quarter. | tried to pas
it alta grocery, and they refused /
W take it"
The gentleman examined it closel
Is at is counterfeit, certainly" be r
b, piled. "Are you sure that | gave
It. to you? l am very careful what mo
re ey l take"
"I had none but what | receive
y. from you, sir"
O. A doubt was still expressed on M
Stimson's countenance.
u. After pause, he said cody:
ly 81 did not pay you myself, b
merely directed the boy to pay "
i'll so much. | will ask him if this pie
ut of money was among those he ga
i'd YOU"
81 assure you, sir, l had not anot
ne Ell" urged the poor woman, with e
ergy, but no attention was paid to b