Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1873-06-07
OF LITTLE FAITH.

UARRIE ALLISON leaned upon the little
wooden gate and dreamed. Ii was such a
lovely morning. The sun was shining so
warm ana bright, as if it took comfort in
shining, the roses were in blossom. and
the trees were wearing the green. as
though conscious that it was becoming.
She was wondering how any one could
fail TO be glad and content on such morn
ing. The sunshine was entering her soul.
and she forgot the thousand little annOv-
anccs that every day brought to her. the
vexatiOns of life were far away, and she
felt that it was truly very sweet to live.
The horrid, little half broken down gate
was anyway. strong enough TO support
her as she leaned, and that was saving
something, for it had hardly seemed able
to bear its own weight for a long time :
and the house, though it held discomfort
beyond telling, this morning was looking
better and brighter, for the Virginia creep
er was clothing it with freshness. and the
glorious sunshine Frightening it all. She
was thinking if she could only be allowed
to have a verbena bed in the little front
yard, and could tear away the holly-hecks.
and one or two mammoth lilac bushes. she
would be quite happy. when voice that
was evidently the echo of n soul very
much out of tune. broke upon her with
Harriet Jane. Harriet Jane. what on
earth are you hanging on that gate so long
for, and how on earth do you expect the
work will get done if you spend your time
that way"
How little time ii takes to put to flight
happy, pleasant thoughts. and send host
of disagreeable ones in their place.
Away went Harrie's delightful dreams:
away went sundry resolutions she had
made as she leaned upon the gate. One
was. that she'd try and keep herself all
day above the vexations that were wait
ing for her. whatever they might be. She
would try and keep the sunshine in her
heart all day, but alas for good resolu-
tions.
She picked up the broom that had fallen
dOwn-for she had been sweeping. and
had swept her way tn the gate. went slow
ly into the house. and said, Z" 1t was so
bright and pleasant, | couldn't help stay
ing out little"
"NO, s'pOse not, but the morning was
made to work in; and this one is the best
we've had for washing i'm a long time. and
I've great mind, Harriet Jane, to get the
tubs out. and just go ight at it. should
really enjoy IL, clothes always look better.
too, when the sun shines on 'em.''
If that's your idea of endowment. I'm
sorry for you. For my part, don't want
to do any more house work on such day
than I'm obliged to do. and, besides that.
the weeks ironing is not yet done"
~Of course you won't wash. no one
43d expect you too. Oh. no. but you
wouf6n't care If spent every one Of these
beautiful days over the wash-tub. with no
chanoo - enjoy myself. when | need rest
so mIfc9f, must say. Harriet Jane"
consistent, but wish You wouldn't call
me Harriet Jane. You know hate the
name. and never want to hear it," said
Harrie, fast losing her temper.
"YOur name is Harriet Jane" said her
Aunt. who must be introduced as Mrs.
!. Hanlv, andit's good name, and you was
named after a good woman. Your Aunt
was as loving creetur as ever lived,
prudent and economical. and a master
hand at house work. She never hung on
the gate O'mornins'. no indie d. she was
up before light, would have thought it a
sin and shame to ha' spent the time you
do over books, and poetry. and such non.
sense. Wish you was more like her."
"fm extremely thankful that I'm not
like her. and am not in the least ambitious
to become like her. am sorry that even
her name should have descended to me, "
saau Harrle.
well." said Aunt Susan. sits your
name. and l don't propose calling you
anything else. If you was a boy, I'd call
YOU by boys name, but seeing you are
Sirl, shall not call you Harrie. nor any
other such name, that never was intended
TOR no girl"
INVery well. really don't suppose Il
can make much difference what you cal
me-" said Harrie.
! "No, suppose you think I'm of M
consequence, bat there's few littl,
things more to do, and if you intend to g,
that party tonight, you'd better b
ring round. There's the bread
20 out, the sbeds to make, the ST.
Om 70 dust, and a couple of n
nke tor dinner, and Dams coat to1
ne can have it at noon, besid
kes Of clothes