Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1869-10-20
BY D. R. DURIsoE.
NEGLECTED FLOWERS. III
Yonu are certain TINT Won win return tc

nS W, oAo p"J ine
"0htyes, sir, indeed we wilfP' said o swee
voice; and the speaker raised afpair. of dar
eyes with look of wounded surprise at tn
implied doubt.
"Now, / wonder" said Jake Hopkins, folc
ing his hands, and looking after the two girls
as they walked away" I wonder, Jake,
you: amt an old fool to trust them girls
You was born with a soft place in your heart.
"And your head too,' said good-nature'
voice behind him. What's the matter tha
1 find you here talking to yourself like al
old 1unatic?'.
Why, you sec, Mr.. Larkins, the poor lad,
1 told you about that was sick, next door tt
us, died last week, and left them two gals
you mind 1 spoke Of, to look aster themselves
They're rale beauties. The bigger one il
about fifteen; and she's we'll edicated by hel
mother; and the little ones jest turnin' sew
en-. We'll, they took on awful about theil
ma; aud jest took them in here for a spell
till they'd look around, and find somethin' tt
de-. To-day, the older one, Hester, said. if
was willin', she'd make some bouquets o
some flowers, and try to sell ZEN so | lei
Ter do it. We will share the profits. q She's
to pay me tonight"
"Poor chiidrenl About seven you said
enc was. Just the agel Just the age!" he
said, sadly. q But coue!" he added, more
brisky, 81 called to see about the camellias
Are they in blossom yet"
"opened this morning, sir. Will you walk
in?n And the florist led the way to his green
house.
We will follow the orphans, who sadly and
slowly wended their way to an old church in
the central part of New York. Here they
found seat, and offered their beautiful flow
ers to the passers.by. Lola, the youngest,
was soon absorbed in watching the busy
scene; but Hester's face never lost its sad,
wistful expression. Neither was aware Of
the admiration her beauty excited, until an
elderly gentleman suddenly stopped in front
of Lola, scanning her face eagerly while his
fre eyes were moist with tears. What is
your name, little girl 7" he asked.
"Lela Craw ford, SIR"
lie turned to Hester, saying, in voice
that trembl9a with emotion: ''Ycur sister
is wonderfully Ike little girl l lost some
four months ago. Would you object to walk
ing home with me, so that my wife can see
her? think it would comfort her. will
buy all :our flowers"
"Certainly we can CO." said Hester, rising.
They soon reached the house. The gentle.
|RRman left them in the parlcr, whilst he went
70 call his vie. In a few moments, a'tall,
handsome lady, in acca mourning. eame 10.
|, As soon as she saw Lola, she spraug towards
|}Eer, clasped her in her arms, and burst into
ssrs.
y Hester,s eyes filled, as the lady sobbed out:
4 Oh. lny child my childl'
When she grew more composed, she ques-
Toned Hester; and the girl told her simple
history.
Her father had been clerk in wholesale
house n Philadelphia. and, dying two years
before, left them penniless. Her mother was
the daughter of wealthy merchant, whose
family cast her off when she married. After
her fathers death, her mother came TO New
York, ard took in sewing. Consumption
claimed her for his victim, and she died a
week ago, leaving them orphans.
"Where are you living now 2"
"At Mr.. Hopkins's, the florists, who al
lowed us to offer these flowers for sale."
aThe very children he was telling me
abo.t this morning." said .dr. Larkns.
Mrs. Larkins still held Lola clasped close
in her arms, as if she never would let her 60.
aWll you let your little sister stay with
me to day g. she asked, turning to Hester.
. You can call for her tonight, after you
have sold all your flowers"
"These are mine," said Mr.. Larkins empty.
ing the basket, and placing gold piece in
Hester's hand. "You will have to 60 to Mr..
Hopkins for more"
When Hester returned in the evening, a
most startling proposition met her. Mrs. Lar
kins wished 10 adept Lola, and separate her
entirely from her sister. She wished her to
be as her own child, with" she told her
husband, "no lev connections"
Hester was stunned. Lola, her little sis
ter, the only thing left for her to love, to be
taken from her estirely She asked for day
to think about it, an!, taking her sister by
tie hand. lef; the h.use. In her own little
room, she thought more calmly of the propo-
sal. Her sister was very young, and prom
ised to be very beautiful. If she staid with
her, what was there before her but poverty
and ignorance If she went to the wealthy
merchant to be as his only child, there was
certainty of education and comfort. Bitterly
rose before i.cr the condition Of these advan-
tages. Size must never see her. never clasp
her in her arms, and call her sister; size must
not watch the, unfolding of her mind. The
only one who must not share in the triumph
of her beauty and accomplishments must be
her own sister. The struggle was hard one
hut true love triumphed and, putting aside
all selfish considerations, she decided for hel
sisters good. Lol. went to, Mr. Larkii.s
where, for the present, We will leave her.
Jake Hopkins, en- old man, with only
moderate income, widower and chi!dless
was only too glad to have Hester remain Will
him Her gentle manners, her low, swee