The true northerner., 1871-04-07

mortal ever had l think it made me
happier man. do, indeed, sir. There
was Bessie on the grass, the flowers all
round her. Some were as high as her
sweet head. and there was such color
in her pretty checks such light in
her eyes. and such ring III her voice
as she cried out
"Oh, father, Gods blessed, beauti-
full country
For there's where we were in our
dream, sir; and then l heard wife's
voice, and there she stood, sure enough
in the doorway of little cottage. L
can see it now; the prettiest picture
with bit of white curtain blowing out
at the open window, and all about
we're trees, and grass, and flowers. And
L thought to myself, my woman won't
have to slave her life out over the wash
tub. 1t made me so light O heart, that
wife says she laid and listened to me
laughing in my sleep.
II wish your dream might come true,
Thomas; have you faith to believe it
will?n
God is able, said Thomas, softly,
stitching away Z" I'm certain it would
be Just like Him. And if He don't see
fit, you know, sure | ought to he thank
full for the dream itself, barring that
Mary cried when | told her, aud said
that maybe it meant that wee Bessie
would soon be put under the daisies.
There's Bessie '9tap, he added; 4" the
child lets me know when she awakes
will you go in?"
The tailor leaned over and lifted the
latch of a rude door that led into
little, closet-like room. The ceiling
was very low. There was one large
window and close to that the clean
bed Of the sick child was drawn A
smile, sweet and glad, crossed the pale,
wan face. Her hand nestled confiding
ly in his.
"Well, Bessie" he said, "is the
pain gone ?"
eyes sir, thank YOU, )" she replied III
voice like soft sweet music.
"And you look happy that tells me
that the soul is well. ,
"Oh, always we'll, and an indies
cribly rapturous expression flashed
over her face.
"You hear the children at play,
sometimes2"
eyes; / love to hear them. Mother
cries because | am lying here so help
less, when they are running about, but
| don't mind SO Ucry much
Don't you feel rs if you would like
to go out and play with them -
Never could he forget the look she
gave him, half sad, half smiling, nor
the answer that followed, slowly.
"What good would it do TO feel
so?"
He said afterwards there was Il sermon
in that sentence.
Just then pale woman entered.
She, too, greeted the minister with one
of her checrlest smiles. She had just
run over, she said, to get some dinner
for her husband, aud Mrs. Clark had
sent such a nice bowl of broth for the
little one.
Glow good they are.' cried Bessie,
gratefully.
"All tired out? asked the pastor, no
ticing that she sank wearily into the
chair.
"a little-it's hard work, but it's
healthy"
You have some blessings, he ven
tured again.
"Some oh, my cupis running over, >
she replied. "Look at my husband
and child! There's Thomas one of the
kindest of men, working like slave
for me and hcr-ncvcr giving himself
any pleasuse while most of the men in
this neighborhood squander their earn
iugs, and drink and quarrel. O sir,
4 &,
my blessings"
"Well, we'll, it beats all, y murmurcd
the clergyman to himself as he left the
house. Here are two people, work
ing like slaves; sickness and the pros
pect of death staring them in the face
and yet they are happy, aye, happier
than kings and queens.
He had nearly reached his home
when he was met by a gentleman,
whose broadcloth, and personal appear
ance and manner denoted that he was
man Of wealth and leisure.
Pleasant day." said the preacher.
Yes, for n WONDER was the un,
gracious reply. We've had bad wealth.
re long enough and ! don't suppose
this will last till tomorrow.
"The minister thought of poor,
cheerful Thomas, sewing away in his
close shop.
How is your daughter 2" he ask
ed.
No better; don't think she ever
will be. I've taken her here and there
and everywhere, but Providence, Ithinh
sometimes, seems to take particular
pleasure in thwarting my plans.
"Don't accuse Providence, my friend
, You have been blessed with large pos
sessions, and unbounded opportuni
ties for doing good.
=" Hang the opportunities | beg yom
PARDON I'm in bad mood, and
,, could add plague take the posses
sions. As to doing good, i invariabl,
get cheated if | undertake to do be
nevolent deed. The fact is I'm in ho
water all the time about some mishar
? or other. My gardener died yester
day, an invaluable man, and where
, am to get another with 1.-THE Of hi
: qualifications, cannot tell.
The minister's face frightened.