The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1872-12-13

at was good in you, Emily, very
good; but they are rather low people
these Wilson's. They lived in Daymouth
before they came here; in fact the old
man died there. lie was hard one, IL
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 after
noon and the next morning he looked
pale, and his eyes were red. | really
don't believe he is of much account"
Emily, who was very far from shar-
ing 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 ar
gument is generally thrown away, she
held her peace, and resolved to ascertain
the facts for herself
Slipping quietly out Of the room, she
assumed her habit, aud then ordered her
pony saddlcl. As il was nothing unu-
sual for her to ride on moonlight nights,
neither Of her parents a-led a question,
AMI galloped away on her mission undis-
turbed. Reaching the nats-a place she
had often visi'elupon errands of mercy
she dismounted and inquired in what
house Mr.. Wilson lived. The woman
directed her, with an ominous shake Of
the head, and Emily, rejecting upon the
force Of prejudice among all classes pur
sued her Nay on foot, leading the pony
by the bride.
The smallest oldest, and dirtiest Of all
the habitations on the flats was the one
which had been pointed out TO her
Hitchiug the pony to a staple in the win
dow-sill-for there was no other place,
not tree or shrub growing in the vicin-
ity-Emily knocked upon the door and
awaited with peculiar feelings the answer.
Il soon came in the person Of Thomas,
y -, sos . mcmcs.- M rendered speech
less by surprise; than, in a voice which
revealed both pain aud modification, he
said
"Will YOU come in? You will find it
wrctched place. but We can't help it
lst now
Emily made no reply, but followed
him int lhe house. In the first room
were ,.lble, three chairs, and old cook
ing stove and an old-iashioned washstsnd.
In one Of the chair, curled up asleep,
was n little girl of about five summers,
her long, black hair failing over thin,
pale face, on which tear stains were yet
visible. Thomas saw Emily glance at
the child, and he simply said, my sis
ter" But there was anguish in every
accent. My mother is in the next
room. Would you like to see hery" he
added, presently. The maiden inclined
her head, and followed him into the
chamber, where, upon low cot bed, lay
a woman evidently in the last stages of
consumption. Her skin was nearly trans
parent. and boy eyes. large and black
gave 10 her countenance a brilliancy
weired, almost irightful. As Emily en-
tered the invalid glanced upon her inquir-
ingly, and said:
Curiosity is sometimes cruelty. Why
did you GOMEZ"
with the hope Of being met as &
friend" answered Emily, with a,gentle
reproof, at the same time placing her
hand on the sufferer brow.
:Forgive me, but there i, So much cold
ness in this world, so little love. Oh! |
remember now, YOU are the young lady
who helped Tom this afternoon. Poor
Tom he is nearly worn out. lie tries to
work outside ana take care of Alice and
me, too, but he can't do it all, SO he has
to let outside work 60 sometimes, and
then, / uppose his employers thinks he
is idle. Ii weakened me very much
moving, and have not been so well since.
What do people say Of Us, missf' She
paused for answer. but Emily evaaed the
question, aud then the woman went on :
"Yes, it is always so you wish to spare
my feelings; your motive is good, but |
can see through it. My husbands mis-
fortunes first set him ON the downward
path, and then by degreee 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 l have on EARTH said Tom in u
tremulous voice.
"My dear boy, my liie-my blessing"
she murmured, tender Y.
Emily's eyes filled with tears as she
saw the mothers wan hand caress the
jetty curIs that fell on her sons brow.
Then, hoping to cheer her, fhe said;
"You will be better soon, Mrs. VII
son. DO not give way to sadness. Re
member am your friend" The invalid
smiled family and shook her head.
Knowing that further conversation would
b. injurious TO her, Emily babe her adieu,
closing the chamber door as she went out.
Once again IN the frst room, the maiden
said; "Mr Wilson. will you do me a Ia
vor'" lie acquieseed, " nderingly, and
Emily, placing a ten dollar note in his