Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-01-04
up had waded breast high in summer

man of property and position, and
married him. They came to this coun-
try and for some four years resided in
New York, during which time her pa
rents both died, and she came in pos
session Of her inheritance, which was
considerable. Business took her hus-
baud to Cuba, and she accompanied
him, and finding the climate congenial
they remained there some four years.
Misfortunes overlook them finally
Mr.. Whipple was badly scalded by
the bursting Of a boiler, and While he
lay 10 a helpless condition, his partner
absconded with large sum Of money,
and he was made a bankrupt To
add to their fast increasing Misery,
their second son was taken seriously
i'll, and the doctors declared tfht no.
thing but an immediate change pf eli
mate would save his life. The moth
er was sentenced to leave her sick
husband, and sail with the chillren
for New York.
The agony of that parting, and a
boisterous voyage left her in a feeble
state of health, so that when she ar
rived here, consigned to the care Of
Mr.. Whipplcs widowed mother, who
resided on Long Island, she was hard
ly able to reach the place. Imagine
her feelings when she discovered that
Mrs. Whipple, senior, had sold hel
house and gone to Europe for a years
travel. What should she do? Which
way might she turn? Where could
rest be found ? Her little stock OF
money was inadequate for hotel ex
penses, even for a few days, so she
found a private boarding house, and
waited for news from her husband.
No letter ever came. Tired and
heart sick she saw her last penny 60
from her, and then sold a portion of
her wardrobe to pay her board. She
wrote and wrote again, but all to nc
purpose; it brought no responsible IT,
dings. Pride and ambition for her
little ones at last reused her to action
and she came to the city and tried to
support them by sewing. She was
not skilled in the use of the needle,
but she labored hard and accomplish.
ed a little 1t was now three years
since she parted from her husband
There were political difficulties which
prevented the regular transmission of
the mails to and from Cuba, but am
ong the many letters she had written
she felt that some must have reached
their destination. Her hopes had all
died out. and her life was fast follow.
ing. OF course Mr.. Whipple must
have died and treacherous friends
confscated his effects. She had made
up her mind that the Foster Home
was the best place for her children af-
ter she was gone, and had brought
herself through many struggles to the
point of applying for their admission.
Her story was very touching, and both
Mrs. Wilmot and myself were sobbing
when she stopped speaking.
"I suppose you know" said Mrs.
Wilmot, after a little pause, that
your children have TO be legally bound
to the institution till they are Of age,
ii you place them there.
Yes" she replied with an agoniz-
ing cadence.
"But l cannot see them starve be-
fore my eyes"
l turned to look at the little ones.
and they were ali quietly weeping
| could think of nothing but diminu-
tive old people, they seemed SO far
beyond their years. They had none
of the spring and elasticity of child
hood. Even little Alice, the youngest,
wore an expression on her face most
pitiful to behold, as if she had fed on
nothing but sorrow during the brief
period of her existence.
We made the poor woman as COM
Portable as possible, and left her
Mrs. Wilmot went to see the commit
tee of ladies on admission to Foster
Home, and | called on our family ply
sycian and asked him to pay Mrs.
Whipple visit. 10 the evening he
dropped in to report on her case.
"She must die" he said, unless
some great shock of JOY and fear rouse
her into life again. medicine will be
of no avail"
The next morning she was visited
by the committee, but plead for one
more day with her children, "to night
| will sign the papers" she said, land
all will be over"
Mrs. Wilmot visited her in the af-
ternoon, and came home in tears. |
had never seen my dear friend so
much affected by suffering at any 9th
er time. found my tea tasteless and
my toast cold, excused myself and
went to the library. 1t was a cloudy
evening, and there was a distant rum.
BILE of thunder. Some boys were
beating on a drum in the next yard
A large black spider came in at the
window and crept upon my dress
There was an ache about my throat
and a choking sensation all over me
II do not think she will live after
the children are taken. said Mrs. Viii
mot, as she came to the table to gel
her fan before going out.
Are you going there?" asked.
"Yes, cannot stay away"
She had been gone perhaps five
minutes, when the bell rung and loot
steps approached the library. | rails
ed my eyes languidly, had no inclin
alton to be disturbed just then; l was
slightly annoyed, when tall, wei
dressed and elegant gentleman ap
peared before me.
"Mrs. Wilmot ?" he asked, bowing
"No, she has just this moment gone
out"
"Ah, l am sorry l was not littl,
sooner. Iwish to save the ladies th'
trouble they are about to take in re
gard to my children, shall be a sui
fcient asylum for them hereafter"
An idea ike flash of summer light
ming shot through my brain.
care you--? You are p"
Richard Whipple, the husband 0
despairing, but, | trust not, dyinI
} woman. IN hour ago, after lon
and anxious search, l found my love,
ones"
L L