The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1870-02-22
THELOST BRACELET.
"It II. More Blessed 10 Give than Re


Just one penny, you pleaSe'
ma'am."
1t was the day before the end of the
wear, and, late in the afternoon, beau.
tiful and richly dressed lady was walk
ing up the street, with her arms laden
with parcels. Hundreds of people were
hurrying along, jostling each other as
they passed up and down the crowded
thoroughfare; but her bright, happy
face was like a ray of sunlight, in the
gathering darkness of the winter after
noon, and the owner of the Gathering
shoes that had been following her some
distance took courage from its sweet ex-
preston, and put upits modest plea for
just one penny"
1t was low, pleading voice, scarcely
audible in the noise and the hustle
around; yet the lady heard it, for she
turned and looked an instant at the lit.
tie creature before her. Her scanty
garments were poor protection from
the frosty air, and her glOveless hands
and pale face looked blue and pinched
with the cold; her miserable hood had
fallen on her shoulders, and n pair OF
eloquent eyes looked up into the lady's
face, while, with her little stumpy
broom, she swept the crossing.
"Never mind" said she to herself, Il
can walk home; this poor little thing
needs this more than l do;' aud she
dropped into the open palm before her
the only sixpence left. There, child, a
happy New Year to you" she said, in a
sweet, sympathizing voice, which made
the tears come into the dark eyes of the
little girl as she tried to thank her.
1t was long walk that the lady had
before her, and the omnibuses ratified
along with provoking empty seat or
two inside; but her heart was light and
happy with the little sacrifice which she
had made, and just as the Jets of gas
began to blaze out of the windows she
reached her home. She had been mar
ried only short time, and as she look
ed around her pretty rooms, she felt
more than ever grateful that God had
given her such happy home. She had
not removed her hat and cloak, when
she heard her husbands step in the hall,
and, with a smile aud kiss, she met him
at the door,"
"Why, Kate, how tired you look; have
you done great deal of walking to.
day ~
Kate blushed aud smiled, but decep-
tion was not part of her nature, and
she replied-"Yes, Henry, l walked all
the way home"
"You shouldn't have done that" said
he, a little repro achfnlly; and then he
laughed as he continued: Did you
spend all your money, SO that you
couldn't afford sixpence to tide home
with ~
"Well, suppose l must tell" said
Kate, with another blush. Il did have
enc sixpence left, and was going bride,
when sach poor little girl"
ayes, that's It; know what's coming.
Why, Kate, you make the very mischief
among the poor people and my pennies;
they are the most ungTateful set IN the
world"
"But," said Kate, earnestly, "sho was
such delicate, half. clothed and, am
afraid, half starved little street-sweep-
er-"
"Street.sweepsrm and her husband
held up both his hands in mock horror.
"Wby, Kate, they pick up handfuls of
money in a day; aud did you walk home,
and give one a whole sixpencei Oh, oh!
what won't your innocent little heart
do nextp
Kate was about to reply, when, on
passing her hand up her arm, she ex-
claimed suddenly, "Oh, Henry, my
bracelet is gone-your gift last New
Years day-what shall Idol where could |
/ have lost itp
"That is too bad" said he, thought
fully; but the next moment he cOnliuu.
ed, Struggling up his shoulder mischiev-
ouly. maybe some honest person has
picked it up. Never mind, though,
can replace it some time"
Her husband took her hand and put |
something in it, closing the slender
fingers tightly over it saying, Don't
distress yourself any more about brace
let's and street sweepers; here's your
new years gift, and the next time you
go to town get a pretty dress with it,"
Hates hand had closed over a note.
The day after New Years day she was
again in the city; and as she was pass
ing by TIE Identical spot where she had |
given away her sixpsnse, she fcit her
dress pulled gently, and turning around,
she encountered the same little half
clad girl.
''Im 80 glad that you've come, ma'am,"
said the Guild; you dropped this the
other day, and I've been saving it for
you ever siuce;;" aud pulling something
out of her bosom, she put it into the
lady's hand. Hastily unrolling the bit
OF newspaper, Kate saw her bracelet.
What o triumph fer herself and for
Henry! "Thank you, thank yos, my
child" she exclaimed, taking the little
bare hand in hers.
trtad End rnn thof Ior so;I |
the child, "but you went out of sight
bright face she continued: IL want to
thank ysu, and my mother wants to
thank you too; for didn't get penny
all that day until / saw you, and that
sixpence bought the medicine which is
going to make her get we'll"
Rates eyes glstened as she heard
this, and thought of the temptation to
ride hcpe that God had helped her to
resist. Take me with you to your
mother" she said, still holding the girls
hand "sueh honesty aud thankfulness
shall net 90 unrewarded."
1t vase pretty long walk, but they
finally reacsed the house, in the base.
ment of which thu little girl lived. A
pale, sickiy woiaan was lying on a bed
in the single room which they occupied;
but she looked up eagerly as she beard
he child's voice say, "Here, mother, the
beautiful lady is come herself" Kate
sat down by the bedside and lent her ear
to tale of want and privation of which
she had never dreamed; aud, leaving |
what little pocket money she had with |
her. she promised to see her again; then |
she started for her husbands Office. Mr.. |
Affair was pouring over his books when
Kate rushed in, with bright eyes and |
glowing cheeks, and holding the brace
Let before his eyes, she exclaimed: "See
there, Henry, that's what came of CIV
inn my siynAnca tn EhA Rfraat -sweansr |