The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-11-28

two years of age, engaged in sewing some
elegant linen. Though her whole attire
was not worth more than few shillings, it
fitted as WELL and looked as neat and clean
as if it cost just as many pounds. Her
dark, chestnut colored hair Unframed q
face of angelic beauty and innocence, while
in her dark eyes the purity of her soul and
mind could be read. Everywhere about
and around her was seen the spirit of Or
der, modesty, and charity. Her eyes were
heavy with sleep and anxiety, and now and
thena deep sigh escaped her pent-up heart.
AT last she heard steps ascending the stairs,
and charming smile illumined her counte-
nance. She listened, and disappointment
began to cast a shadow over her features.
knock at the door made her start
Scarcely had she strength to utter the per-
mission to enter. A young man attired in
well-worn and here-and-there patched
suit of clothes, entered the room, and with
an humble and awkward obeisance, said -
beg pardon, ma'am, does Mr.. John
Wilkins live here ?'
Yes, sir. What is your wish?"
" Are you his daughter, Miss Lena ?''
al am"
"Then you are the one desire to see.--
l come from your father"
For heavens sake where is he? What
has happened? Has he met with an acci-
dent? for he has never remained from home
a whole night"
Certainly little bad luck"
80, my poor poor father! what shall l
have to hear?'
The young man was deeply moved by her
distress and agitation, though he did not
forget to cast a look around the room.
Don't be frightened, dear lady, the mis-
fortune is not SO great. An old acquaint-
ance met him yesterday, and invited him to
a bottle of wine in neighboring saloon. =
After having finished the same he treacher-
ously left your father to pay the score, and
he must remain in the tavern until it is
paid or else go to prison. Otherwise he is
well and hearty"
my father, my dear father must not go
to prison y cried the young girl anxiously.
"Do you know the amount of the debt?"
Twelve shillings."
"Alas, sir l have only three shillings
in my possession. will quickly see Mrs.
Riley, and beg her to advance me nine
shillings on my work"
9" Who is Mrs. Riley"
"The milliner for whom | work"
"But if Mrs. Riley does not grant your
request, what will you do then?"
The girl burst into tears. "Oh, heaven |"
sobbed she, 81 fear myself that she will not
do it, for owe her already six shillings,
and she is very hard woman"
For what have you incurred that
debt? ?'
She hesitated, blushingly, to answer.
"You may trust me sympathize deep
ly with you, and take great deal of inter
est in your fate, and only wish that l could
aid you but ! am only a copyist. Why
have you borrowed the six shilling ?'
"My father is feeble, and needs strength
ening. have now and then bought half n
chicken for his soup, or beefsteak."
q / am afraid that under these circum-
stances Mrs. Rely will not lend you any
more money. have six shillings which
will give you, but that is all l possess.
Have you not some valuable article which
we could pawn?"
81 have nothing but the prayer-book of
my dead mother. She asked me on her
death bed not to part with it, and nothing
is more sacred to me than her memory and
my given promise but for my father
would cheerfully part with it," Trembling
she brought the book. "Oh, sir, on the
imprinted leaves in the back part of this
book have often written my secret
thoughts. No one must know that am
the writer VIII you promise me that ?'
Certainly, my dear miss. Have no
fears, no misuse shall be made of your relic.
But get ready, we must GO"
While she was busy in the adjoining room,
preparing herself for the walk, he opened
the book and read the pious and pure effu-
sion of the maiden heart. His eyes filed
with tears, of rapture and emotion, She
entered, donned in threadbare shawl but
as she walked alongside of him in uncon-
scious dignity he contemplated her with
reverence and admiration.
Mrs Riley did not loan the required sum,
but assured the companion Of the young
girl that Miss Lena was an angel. He pre-.
ferred this to her money. He pawned,
therefore, on his way, the book, and thus
obtained the required amount. Lena was
varx, ha,,rv