The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-07-16

"Wheres Annie? l want Annie 20
She bent over him saying something un-
heard by others, but which brought an an
gelic smile to the countenance Of the dying
child. She wiped the death dews from his
fair forehead, and held the little hand till
the life-beat ceased; then, still calm, she
Strengthened the limbs, closed the blue eyes
which had been wont to meet hers so low
ingly, and folded the pale hands over the
stilled heart
Even in her great sorrow-for she had
loved her boy-Mrs. Rathburn forgot not to
reproach Annie for her utter want of feel
ing-that she had not one tear for the dar-
ling child who had loved her so dearly.
And Annie heard her with an immovable
countenance.
1t was after the household had retired
that the young girl sought, alone, the cham
Der of death and then and there, the long
pent-up agony burst forth-oh, what an
agony of regret-for the lost one, as the
recollection of his loveliness, his hundred
endearing ways, his childish prattle, came
over her
With her present sorrow mingled the
memory of the past--all bitterness, save
this one drop of sweet-all darkness, save
this one ray of light, now extinguished
and looming up, with too well defined dis
tinctness, was the future, with its darkness
gloom and desolation.
1t was her hour of utter abandon. Hot
gushing tears, such as she had forgotten
she could shed, seemed to have no power
in exhausting the force of her sorrow. She
was not startled-she was too wretched to
be startled at anything-when hand was
laid on her head, and a voice said:
"Child Annie, where is thy umbrella
Hast thou not yet found it? If not find it
now and hide thyself under it. There is no
refuge like to that it will yield thee"
The door closed gently behind the per-
son, but Annie was scarcely conscious of
that, or the voice, or the touch but the
words sank deep in her heart. They came
home to her with convincing power SEEM
ing to comprehend all her need and Annie
her heart humbled and softened by her
great sorrow-feeling, oh, how deeply, the
need of an All-powerful Comforter and
Helper, and also realizing her sinfulness
and orthiness-prayed with earnest
sincerity for the mercy and pardon of
merciful Savior.
Annie found her refuge. Thcnceforth,
whatever of sorrows and trials should as
sail her, she would have sure rest and
protection.
Two weeks afterward the family were
assembled in the parlor when Mrs. 10th
rop announced her intention of returning
home the first of the ensuing week.
They all entreated for longer visit, but
finding their entreaties unavailing, ex-
pressed their regret and then there was
an embarrassing pause.
Mrs. Rathburn waited expectantly, too
we'll assured that her darling Edith would
be the favored one invited to accompany
her home, to feel any anxiety.
Edith was no less certain than her moth
er of being the favorite of the lady, and
was composing a graceful sentence of ac-
ceptance of the anticipated invitation.
Eva also looked conscious, and toyed with
her bracelets.
Annie, only, had no hopes, no plans.
Since the night of Willie's death she had
not exchanged more than two or three SEN
tences with Mrs Lothrop, and she alone
uttered no regrets at the announced de-
parture, or entreaties to remain longer.
Mrs. Lothrop continued
81 believe you were so kind, Mrs. Rath-
burn, as to promise that one of these young
ladies should accompany me home9 An
ME" turning to her, twill you do me the
favor to accompany me? will do every
thingin my power to render your visit pleas
ant. Can you be ready by MondayP"
The young girl was too much astonished
and bewildered to reply.
Mrs. Rathbun, white with rage and
disappointment, made an excuse for leav-
ing the room. She was shortly followed by
Edith and Eva. The former burst into
tears of jealousy and modification the mo-
ment she reached her mothers room, while
Eva gave free vent in words to her indig-
nation.
When alone with Annie, Mrs. Lothrop
leaned over her and said, archly:
"Come with me, my child, and will
prove to you that my umbrella Is large
enough, and strong enough, and blue
enough, TO protect you, both now and al
ways, II you will permit it although" she
continued, earnestly, ~ trust you have