Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-11-17
an ORIGINAL STORY.
ONE WOMAN,s WORK
BY MISS BRYANT

"You say you have a protege rescued
from tie fury of perfect virago. Come,
give Us the history of the affair, while we
discuss these HsvsDas," continued be,
turning to young author, whose growing
fame had rendered him "lion" during the
past season, in the select and elegant society
of Baltimore. "Beware, Wilton" said
Phillips, 'thst you disclose no secrets, OF
you may one day see them paraded before
the public under the enticiHg garb of TO-
nance in real life; you know ladies and au-
thors are permitted to tell everything they
know"
can crafty you gentlemen in a few
words. l vas walking hurriedly through
the suburbs of tie city few days since,
when my ear was assailed by two voices in
high alteration. One was raised in a shrill,
&ugry key-such as can only belong to a
teTmacaut. The other was low, full, and
tremu'ous, mingling in proteststions of in
nCcence end fear. In a moment | had
thrown aside the rickety gate and stood be.
fore them. A glance assured me brutality
az power were trumphing over weakness
and innocence. The parties we. too much
engaged to perceive my intrusion, and their
conversation was consequently not inter-
upted.
81 can not lie" said the young girl in
trembling tones. My mother in heaven
would be sad. Did l not bring you every
cent? No one seemed to fancy my flowers
to-day. A gentleman bought one bouquet,
and You have the money. Oh! do not-do
not turn me out in the cold, friendless street.
I'll work, beg, but can not lie."
80, no, you wouldn't lie; your mother
taught you better. Didn't your drunken
father teach you better, too? Where did
you get this loaf of bread? You stole my
money to buy it,"
1.-The baker, at the corner, asked me if
was not hungry, and gave it to me-"
81 'spHse you told him L starved YOU, Won
living wretch. 1t would be but right if
did,
"Oh, my mother! would that might lean
nv weary head upon your breasf.'
Hush that gibberish and take that, and
that, to learn you better"
"Hoidp cried /, srresting the uplifted
arm, "sre you human thus TO Cypress one
Of your own sex?'
"Ana who are you?" she said, sand what
right have you TO interfere? When she
steals from me and lies about it, III beat
her as much as l please"
"Oh, save me, kind sir, save me-" said
the young girl as she knelt at my feet"
stake me away from this wretched wo-
man. Oh! | know you, you are the kind
gentleman who bought my flowers. You
viii Tot leave me here" said she, convul-
siysly clingiDg to my knees.
Pear nothing said 1, ''you shall be
Proceed, l will take you with me-"
''Tsle Der with you'll 'spose because you
are a fine gentleman, you th ink you can do
e. you please SIZE shall stay here, work for
ne and pay her cid fathers board, and that
will take her lifetime, as it is precious little
she dos. There's the door," said she with
increased violence.
Here said l, handing her bank bin,
which soothed her rufiled spirits, stake
this and my little friend goes with me.
Dare object, and will report you to the
police
eOl.' she said, complscently viewing the
money: 81 wanted my rights, and l was
determined to have 'em."
"Wbat shall call you, my little friend?"
said L, Iurning to the now gradhed chld.
"Dea,' said the irrita,ed matron.
"My mother called me COrdelis, and you
will too" she exclaimed, her brown eyes d.
laLing with joy for succor so providential.
"Weli, get your bonnet, Cordelia; get your
cloak"
Ih4ve none," said she, "but can | not
go SOP"
"Yes,' said |, "let US leave this horrid
place
The I'd lady renewing her invectives, we
gained me street. Hslng hack We were
borne sy from her miserable bowel. Cor
della bore it until she realized she was in.
de- '. med; then, bursting into tears, she
o. med me with thanks and graf.
g.
49, ny mother will smile on YOU.