The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-07-23
COL. DEM. ---v0L. xxxIII,....N %.


were once more thronged with
the gay and the busy, the good
and the evil, and the theatres, masque-
rades, and gambling chambers again
invited their votaries. The Cathedral
was less thronged, save by the few hum
BILE and grateful !; and the city had
thrown aside its veil Of mourning and
assumed the cap of mirth and folly.
Yet eight thousand beings had been
swept from the city in the seven weeks
past. ...... ..s ., ... ......
The tide Of business, of pleasure, of
vice, and human variety, rolled on as
before. Men began to look after their
interests, and the creditors of Lewis
Foster divided his goods, save the fur
nishing of single apartment allotted
to his wife. With this furniture she
removed to a small apartment, which
she rented. Here she waited for health,
for she had been sick both in mind and
in body, that she might seek employ
ment in sewing-for she had nothing.
Her only relative was her brother
James, and she had none but Heaven to
look to-a blest and abiding trust to all
who have faith so to look. But instead
of growing better she became worse,
and at length she incurred debts, and
her physician learning her state. sued
and got judgment for his bill. 1t was a
bright and sunny forenoon In Decem-
berthe most delightful mon tn in the
yeur in this climate, that Mrs. Foster,
who was lying i'll of fever, with her two
babes beside her, both weak and suffer-
ing from want Of proper nourishment,
was disturbed by the entrance Of an Off
Ger. He civily made known his busi-
ness, and proceeded to make an invent
ory of the furniture of the room. .,
| She made no reply but gazed on him
| with vacant look, as IL not believing
such evil could come upon her and hel
children. Her eye followed the motions
of the officer with bewildering gaze
while she pressed her children close to
her bosom. At length recollection and
proper appreciation Of the trnoh
flashed upon her.
"Surely you will not leave me desti'
tute ?" she cried in an imploring voice
The officer paused, gazed upon hel
face, still lovely in its pallorand despair
and replied in tone of sympathy, 81
am sorry, ma'am, but have no discre
tion." .... .. .-.... ... ......
She fell back upon her pillow and fol
few moments seemed to lay in silen
prayer. The officer suddenly rouset
her by an exclamation Of surprise
while he held up to her paper tt
which was attached q ribbon, which hat
fallen from box he was handling t
the floor. -- -.......... .. ...
"Whose Is this ma'am ?" .,...4.
"Do not take that, sir--it was m!
husband'sv .. ...l ....... .... ..
/ "What was his name?''
/ Lewis Foster" .
"The same that is here. Are yO
aware OF his being member of any sc
ciety?'' ......... ... ...... .
"Yes-of the Odd Fellows, in Bos
ton" .......
Sand he died here ofthe fever in tn
fallw pursued the officer.
"Yes, ,"she replied, covering her W eeI
ing face with her hands. ..
"Then, dear madam, take heart" h
said, approaching her and speaking
kindly. ..... ..I.
81 am an Odd Fellow, too; andas tn
wife Of one your misfortune is sacred t
me and my brethren Take heart mad
am Your debt to this doctor shall b
paid before night, and you and you
children shall be made as comfortabl
as you can wish. You shall have doc
', tor, too, and good one, that won
trouble you with any bills, and he sha
; get you all well, too! Come, brighte
; up! You will hear from me agai
before nOon."
Thus speaking the officer bade kin
good morning, and left her with IA heal
overfowing with gratitude. At twelv
o'clock the officer was as good as hi
word, and made his appearance. H
was not alone. A lady and gentlema
(he wealthy member of the Order
came with him. Their carriage was a
the door, and Mrs. Foster and her babe
were removed at once to a luXuriou
abode. There every comfort was admin
istered to, them and in short time sh
I was restored to health. She is now gov
erness in one Of the most desirable fam
lies in Louisiana, and a widower, VIII
is neighbor, and man of gref
wealth, has already proposed for hi
hand whether she will SO far bury II
memory of Lewis as to accept his han
will probably soon be edecided, probabl
in the affirmative, for it is very raj
that widows, especially the young an
7 beautiful, remain long unmarried in til
chivalric land Of the sunny South.