Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-10-05

pretty block house. When I'm q man
we II have one just like it.
glanced at four-year old Harry, who
had constructed most wonderful edifce
in the middle of my sitting room.
II am afraid it would not keep out
much of the snow" said l.
But it would be so nice in summer"
said Harry, laughing merrily, and spring
ing to my side he threw his little arms
around my neck, saying, "Oh mamma, l
love you So
Harry said /. will you run and tell
Bridget to have warm biscuit for teaY
He started quickly, and as he did so his
foot caught in light stand upon which
had placed a rare Partisan vase, with
rose bud just unfolding its crimson
petals in it. The stand fell over, and
the vase ia gift from my dead mother)
was shattered
"You naughty boy" cried, angrily,
you deserve to be whipped. Pick up
those pieces instantly, and put them in
the coal hod" He stopped carefully
picked up the pieces, scratching his little
fingers against the sharp edges. He car
ried them away and was gone some time.
When he returned it was with something
clasped tightly in his hand.
Coming to me he placed five cent
piece in my lap, saying, timidly, will
that buy you a new vase, mammaY"
What evil genius possessed me to take
the coin his sacredly cherished treasure,
ia kind neighbor had given for some
little oifice) and throw it from me,
know not
He picked it up with tears running
down his face, and sat down upon his
stool with his hands folded so meekly
Presently he said, May go and play
with Eddie Porter?"
IL don't care where you go" said
Grossly, so you keep out out Of my
sight
Harry went to the closet where his
coat and hat hung, put them on, and
came and stood by my side.
Mamma, will you please forgive me?
I'm sorry" and he put his lips up for a
kiss. o, God, forgive mel / pushed
the little fellow away. He stood by the
door moment looking pititully at me.
1t is twenty-five years ago to-day since
he stood there, but | can see him with
his blue coat and red and grey worsted
skating cap, and the little red mittens,
as if il we're but yesterday. But looked
coldly at him. The door opened and
stairs. / heard him 60 out and unfasten
the gate. Looking out of the window,
saw the little fellow lift his face with a
smile when he saw me, which gave place
to pitifnl quiver of the lips as he saw
took no notice Of him. watched the
darling down the street with q strange,
underlined feeling, till little coat and
red mittens we're no longer visible. Twice |
a sudden impulse moved me to call him
back, but crushed it down. Oh, would |
to God / had Well, | sewed all through |
the afternoon. At four o'clock, | put |
away my sewing and sat by the window. |
Conscience began to reproach me for
my conduct. II don't care" said /, my |
beautiful vase is a ruiz" What is the
value of all the vases in the world COM
pared to your child2 Have you not
spoken cross to that dear little Harry,
who is always so cheerful and obedient2
And this is not the first time either, and
you call yourself q Christian mother,
tool Suppose Harry should be su6-
denly taken from you, wouldn't your
cruel words haunt you foreverY
i could bear this no longer. l rose
and picked up the stray litter about the
room, to give it more tidy appearance.
Then | went to the window, peering
through the gloom, but not
seeing my boy, my heart became terribly
heavy; this suspension was unbearable.
Hastily throwing a shawl over my head,
| ran into Mrs. Potter's. Have you
seen Eddie?" was the question before
entered the room. Have you seen
Harry2" He was over here at half
past two; he and Eddie went over to
Josie Gray's, / think"
What she thought | never knew. for at
that moment Eddie rushed in breathless.
Mother mother, Harry Lor-
ing is drowned We were sliding on the
mill pond, and there was hole in the
ice with snow on it, and Harry didn't
see il, and -
Hush, Eddie" said his mother, look
ng at me fearfully. Here is Mrs.
Ioringl"
There was a great silence in the room,
broken only by the blithe sweet voice Of
! canary and the purr Of Maltese cat.
Presently Mrs. Porter came toward me,
Ind placed her hand softly upon my
shoulder, saying ELLA, my poor childl'
/ never moved, but sat with wide
opened eyes upon an awful pictsre. A
,old, gray afternoon; a pond, little boys
playing on il; one little fellow well
sl.,,.. a 20 ais, suddenly disappearing
through the treacherous ice, down, down,
he little hands grasping at cruel weeds,
he sweet mouth full Of water. And
hose wicked, sinful words ringing
through my ears, Il don't care where you
10. so you keep out Of my sight There
vas mist before my eyes, a ringing in
nv ears. ] remember leaving the house
With a blind feeling Of going where my !
Harry was. Then came horrible feel I