Eaton weekly Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1866-1875, 1872-10-03

is said, and drank himself to death.
don't know, but shouldn't wonder if
the boy took after him, for he won't
work steady. hired him the first day
he came here, and he was off in the af-
ternoon; and the next morning he
looked pale, and his eyes were red.
really don't believe he is of much ac-
count"
Emily, who was very far from sharing
the callers suspicious, was about to say
that other things than drink caused
pallor of the features and redness- of
the eyes, but thinking that time used
in argument is generally thrown away,
she held her peace, and resolved to as
certain the facts for herself.
Slipping quietly out of the room, she
assumed her habit, and then ordered
her pony saddled. AS it was nothing
unusual for her to ride on moonlight
nights, neither of her parents asked
question, and she galloped away on her
mission undisturbed. Reaching the fats
a place she had often visited upon er--
rands of mercy-she dismounted and
inquired in what house Mr.. Warren
lived. The woman directed her with
an ominous shake of the head, and EN-
lily, rejecting upon the force of preju-
dice among all classes, pursued her way
Ou IOOOs I0dulHS t11O pO1y bAS
The smallest, oldest and dirtiest of
all the habitations on the fiat. was the
one which had been pointed out to her.
Hitching the pony to staple in the
window-sill-for there was no other
place, not tree or shrub growing in
the vicinity-Emily knocked upon the
door, and awaited with peculiar feelings
the answer. Itsoon came in the per
son of Thomas, who for moment was
rendered speechIess by surprise, then,
in a voice which revealed both pain and
modification, he said: -t@
g Will you come in; you will find it
a wretched place, but!we can't help it
Just now" ..-.r =
Emily made no reply, but followed
him into the house. In the first room
were table, three chairs, an old cook
ing stove, and an old-fashioned wash
stand. In one of the chairs, curled up
asleep, was a little girl of about FIVE
summers, her long black hair falling
over thin, pale face, on which tear
stains were yet visible. Thomas saw
Emily glance at the child, and he sim
ply said "ny sister," But there was
anguish in every accent. "My mother
is in the next room. Would you like
to see her? he added, pleasantly. The
maiden inclined her head, and follow
ed him into the chamber, where, upon
a low cot bed, lay woman evidently
in the last stages of consumption. Her
skin was nearly transparent; and her
eyes, large and black, gave to her
ceuntenance a brilliancy, weird, almost
frightful. AS Emily entered, the in
valid glanced upon her inquiringly, and
said
q" Curiosity is sometimes cruelty Why
did you come?'
20 With the hope of being met as
FRIEND" answered Emily, with gentle
reproof, at the same time placing her
hand on the sufferers brow.
Forgive me-but there is SO much
coldness in the world-so little love.
OH | remember now, you are theyoung
lady who helped Tom this afternoon.
Poor Tom he is nearly worn out. He
tries to work outside and take care of
Alice and me too but he CAM do it all,
so he has to let outside work go some
times, and then Isuppose his employers
think he is idle. It weakened me very
much moving, and have not been
SO well since. What do people say of US,
Miss?" She paused for an answer, but
Emily evaded the question, and then
the woman went on Yes,f it lis al
ways so, you wish to spare my feelings !;
your motive is good, = but l. can see
through it. My husbands misfertunes
first set him on the downward. path,
and then by degrees poverty came until
all was lost. Now we must bear his
unfortunate reputation, but not long
not long" She raised her eyes heaven
ward, as if imploring death.
Dear mother, do not speak so-you
are all have on earth," said Tom, in a
tremulous voice.
"My dear boy-my life-my bless
ingl" she murmured tenderly.
Emily's eyes filed with tears as she
saw the mothers wan hand caress the
jetty curls that fell on her sons brow.
Then, hoping to cheer them, she said :
" You will be better soon, Mrs. Warren.
Do not give way to sadness. Remem-
Der L am your friend.' The invalid
smiled family and shook her head,
Knowing that further conversation
her adieu, closing the chamber door as
she went out, Once again in. the first
room, the maiden said Mr.. Warren,
will you do me a favor?p He acqui-
esced wonderingly, and Emily, placing
a $40 note in his hand. added: "Run
down to the store and buy what your
mother needs-be sure not to forget
fruit and jellies."
"God bless your bright face i" he
murmured, in choked voice, and i'm
pulsively pressed her hand. 3'sa
I" will stay here until you RETURN y
she said as he took his hat. and hurried
away. When the young man returned,
he found the kettle singing over the
fire, and the tableset, while little Alice,
who had been awakened by the cheer
full sound, sat up in her chair gazing at
Emily in amazement. " You are too
good, Miss; did not believe there was
one left in the world as good as you
are" said Tom, regarding her as if she
was something more than human.
"Don't praise me, but take out your
bundles, and I'll have supper presently
OF course you got some steak"
Yes, though I was afraid 1 was do
ing wrong" Emily reproved him for
that sentence, and then when on with
her preparations. In short time re-
past, which to Tom and Alice seemed a
banquet, was placed on the table, and
then Emily departed, saying she would
come on the morrw and wash the
dishes. Toms gaze followed her until
she was no longer visible, and then, re
turning to the house, he dropped on
his knees beside his mothers bed, an0
thanked God for the friend who hao
been sent to them when starvation
cd Al