The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-12-22

embroidery had procured but it was
fine and tedious; and when / had fin.
ished one piece, | seemed to be going
blind. But took it up to Mrs. Den.
han, who had employed me, for / need.
ed money.
She examined II critically, and ex.
pressed herself only tolerably pleased,
and then, settling back amid her warm
cushions, see remarked that she would
pay me when l had finished all.
L ventured remonstrance, but she
cut me short at once. "She had no
change" she said "and, moreover, it
was rule of hers, never to pay for part
of job"
l hurried back to Charlie with an
aching heart, and found him moaning
with pain, the hour for his medicine
long past, and the prescription in my
pocket. In desperation, rushed to the
bureau, and drew out my quaint little
Jewel case. 1t contained some trifling
articles-a brooch that belonged to my
mother, aud fow other trinkets. / se-
lected two, and hurried out again, down
the snowy street, to The one jewelry
establishment Of which the little sea-
side village boa,ted. 1t was hard task
to prevail upon the dealer to purchase
my trinkets, and when at last he con-
sented, he offered me few paltry shill-
ings, which was forced to accept.
Charles medicine was purchased, but
the few dimes that were left were
barely sufficient to obtain small mod
icum of coal for the morrow; and where
was the chicken for Charlie's broth to
come from?
paused in the snowy street, with
the glittering winter stars above my
head, and the brilliant show. windows
Haunting on each side. Just then a
merry chime of bell clashed upon the
frosty air, and, for the first time, l re-
membered that it was New Years Eve.
A pain as sharp as death pierced my
heart. as stood there, thinking Of my
far.away friends, and wondering what
l should do. A grocer's shop, brilliant
ly lighted. l flew over the slippery
hag-stones, and entered. The grocer
hurried forward, all smiles and bows.
"Would he let me have chicken,
and bottle of wine ?' I asked, with
my heart in my mouth. "My husband
was ill (; and-and- would he be good
enough to trust me till next week ?"
His countenance fell on the instant.
He hesitated, and stammored, "He was
extremely sorry" he said, "but it was
a rule of his never to credit strangers"
"John, John, that's her." spoke q
wonan's voice, at my elbow, at that in
stant.
turned, but the speaker had averted
her face, and l only saw great, stall.
wart man, with bronzed face, and the
kindliest brown eyes had ever beheld
Blinded by tears, L hurried away
home to poor Charlie and the babies. l
gave Charlie his medicine, and hushed
the little hungry mouths with scant
enough morsel of milk and bread, and
then tucked the children away in their
bed. Charlie fell into doze, and | sat
down before the smouldering embers,
to indulge in the sole comfort that re-
mained to me, a hearty cry.
But l had scarcely begun, when I
heard the crunch of footsteps in the
snow, and directly after, rap at the
door. l opened it with bounding
heart, hoping that some good neighbor
had come with help. The tall man
with the bronzed face and kindly eyes
i knew him on the instant--stood on
the steps, with huge hamper on his
brawny shoulders lie set it down at
my feet, and CYtanlcd his hand.
"We've been hunting YOU the last
two days, madam" he began, abruptly,
his kind eyes flashing with happiness.
'and glad enough we are to fad you.
You done me a good turn when you
kept my boy out Of prison and the lad
was innocent of the charge, too, Pm
proud to tell you that Bronton's found
out who stole the money; and my wife
couldn't rest, and we couldn't find you
nohow, till we CHANGED upon you at the
Grocer's tonight, and. Well, we
thought"
And he broke down, stammering and
embarrassed, and stepping back, gave
place to his wife, who stood behind
him.
I'VE thought she said, as she raised
the cover from the hamper, "we'd
bring you some little things for New
Years. You won't refuse to take 'em,
/ know-and may the good God forever
bless you for what you've done for me
Oh, madam" and she threw her arms
about my neck, while the tears rained
down her face, 81 should a gone mad
if they had taken my boy from me
} that night F.; but you saved him and me
, while your own was suffering. / never
was so happy in my life, AS was when
we found you to night. Johns come
) home rich man this limo he's had
better than good luck, and we're able
to help you. I've brought a little Of
everything, and some New Years pret
, ties for the babies. | knew you had
, ,cm no heart but IA mothers could a
felt for me in my trouble, as yours did
and now I'll help you to put 'em by
while John looks in the sick.room he,
, a capital nurse, John is. But first take
this-don't look at it nOW-slip it in
, your bosom till by and by, and let's gel
the things into the larder."
/ did as she bade me, slipping the
! little parcel into my hosom, and while
! the sailor laid Off hat and coat, and
crossed over into the room where Char
, lie lay, we took out and arranged the
. bountiful supplies they had brought
J bottles of wine, and chickens, and
7 rounds of beef, and golden rolls of but
, ter, and tea and white bread,and cakes
and toys and dolls that would set my
babies wild with delight.
The New Years dawn was breaking
when they left me. Charlie slept quiet
L