St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1869-06-11
for the Children.
The BirtH-DdU Gift.

Mabel Harrison, yOn surely do not
mean to speak to that little wretch"
''Oh, Addie, just stop one minute. he
Is crying see how he shivers with the
cold"
Adelaide moved proudly on. 81 can
not see, Mabel, where you inherit your
low tastes. 1t is positively getting to be
dlSagreeable to walk out with you on the
street. Suppose some of your acquaint-
ances should see you ?"
But Mabel had already turned to the
little bare-headed, bare-footed fellow,
who had been the innocent cause of Ad-
elaide's rebuke. In IA moment she rejun-
ed her sister
ellis name is BERTHE, and you may
laugh if you will, but he really does look
like the picture of cousin Herbert that
hangs in the library, and he is just about
llerbert's age when that was taken. He
told ire his fathers name was PtD4, and
that he had been sick. They must be
very poor, for would you believe it? the
child had been hunting for coal in the
cutters, and had that old can nearly full
Do promise, after our visit to the dress
maker, to 90 with me and see them
''Ot all romantic simpletons 1 ever
knew. you deserve the PALM replied
Adelaide. ''Why, even if it should
prove to be cousin Herbert's child, as in
your exuberant fancy you seem to have
already concluded, | would not 20 across
the street to make their acquaintance
Not that | have anything against them
personally; but you surely remember
uncle's words to US, You are never to
hold intercourse with that man who was
your cousin, under pain of my severest
displeasure. | can see him yet, and the
anger that burned in his face at the time
makes Inc shudder now when | think OF
II. Besides, you know YOUR uncle had
reason TO be offended Herbert violated
his express commands when he married
that girl, and rs he chose the conSequen-
ceS, he has no one to blame but himself
No, Mabel. she continued; ; Il have
no idea OF giving up my comfortable
home, and being thrust out in the world
to seek my own living. as would assured
ly be the case il disobeyed [ ncle Hugh.
so whatever benevolent scheme you have
on hand, please do not impicate me in
any way. My one idea just now is to
yet out Of this disreputable part of the
city as soon as We can, What could |
have induced the dre>smaker to move in
this direction, | cannot imagine
High rents, suppose" said Mabel.
Il admit" she continued, returning to
the subject SO near her heart, that there
was great deal SAID on both sides that
was wrong; but unce's heart is not steel
now, whatever it was five years ago l
do not believe IL day passes that he does
not yearn over his absent son, and | am
quite sure that llerbcrt's desire for re-
Cancellation Is not less tcrrent."
"Are you gifted with second sight. or
how have you discovered what every one
else is ignorant OF ," asked Adelaide in a
sarcastic tone.
Il Will tell you what did see yester-
day." said her sister warmly. ''Uncle
standing before that picture, his hands
raised imploringly, and his eyes wet with
tears. l was sitting on the wlndow-seat
partly hidden by the curtain, and he did
not know | was present. No, Addie, il
Is pride, foolish, sinful pride, that keeps
father and son apart: and | intend never
TO rest until | see them rcconciled, even
though 10y 80 doing, | am forced, as YOU
say. 10 90 out into the world and seek
my own living. l have long made this
hope the subject of my daily PRAYER, and
| believe that God, in his own good
time, VIII permit me to see lis fulfil
ment."
When they lett the dressmaker's, Ma
bel SAID, Il am going TO see that child
and its parents and, sister, Ehave de-
cided not to buy new trimming for my
dress, but to use some lace | have at
home; 50, il you choose 10 purchase
yours to-day. do not wait for me.
"lou will find that, even by wearing
| old trimmings, your funds will hardly
suffice to cover the heads and feet OF all
the bcggars in this city; but, chacm u
son gOut, nee chcTe."
Mabel smiled, and turned in an opposite
direction. The result of her visit, on
returning home, was made known only
TO Mrs. Forsyth, who had been house
keeper in the family for thirty years. A
half hour attcrward, when the two left
the house, Mrs. Forsyth carrying large
basket, John, the waiter, sagely remark
ed, ''must be something in the wind, for
as long as I've lived in this house, it's
the first time I've known Madam to car
~ Il basket when | was on hand
That evening the uncle and nieces oc-
cupied their usual places in the library.
Mabel seated on a low chair i'll front OF
the crate, gazed earnestly at the fire,
while her hands, clasping and uncasping
each other, betrayed unusual nervous
ness.
She suddenly turned and gazed at her
uncle, whom she found intcntly regard
ing her.
Are You not well, Mabel ?'' he asked.
Adelaide gave questioning glance %
ward her sister, then arose and left the
room.
Mabel arose, and leaning on her un-
cle's shoulder, said, '.To-morrow is your
birthday, uncle"
"What memory he said sportively,
at the same time putting his arm around
her. ''WelI, have you my present
ready ;"
"Ics; only''-she replied hesitalingly,
her voice tremblng-''I want you TO
promise not to be angry when you re-
ceivc it."
Angry, love! Am in the habit of
showing anger 20 you! do not under
stand you. But feeling her tears drop