Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1874-09-17

Tho child was no sensitive, 80 like tho little
shrinking plant, that curls at tho breath and
shut, its heart from tho light. Tho only beauty
shc possessod was an exceedingly transparent
skin, and the most mon,ninl blue eyes. hnd
boen trainodby ntorn, strict, conscientious
mother was a hardy plant. rebounling at
every shock misfortune could not dannt
though discipline tanned me. ! fanced, alas
that must go thorgl, the same routine with
this delicato creature 40 ono day when she had
tliApleased ma exceedingly by repeating an Of
fense WIS determine to punish her severely.
was very serious nil day, and oil sending hcr ia
hnr littlo couch said
Now, my daughter, to punish yon and show
YOU how very, very naughty .fou have boon, !
shall not kiss you tonight"
She stood looking ut mo, astonshmont por-
sonified, with her great mournfni eyos wido
open. suppose ahe had forgotten her miacon-
duct till then; and loft her with big tears
dropping down hor cheeka, and her lip qulvering.
Presently WAS sent for-''O mamma You will
kiss mo l can't go to sleep il You don't" she
sobbod, every tone Of hor voice trembling, as
she held out her hand
Now camo tho struggle between love and what
l falsely termed duty. My heart said, give hor
tho kiss OF peace my stern nature nrgod mo to
presist in my correction that might Impress
tho fault upon her mind. That is tho way had
boon trained until WAS u submissive cl,lldi and
L
or since for hor straightforward course. I
knott by her bod and whispered, "Mothor can't
kiss you, Ellen,' though tho words seemed to
choke mo. IIer hand touched mine; it was very
hot but ! attributed it to her oxcitoment l
blamed myself ~ tho fragile form shook with
suppressed sobs and saying, 'Mothor hopes
Ellon will mind hor better after this" left tho
room for tho night.
1t might have been about midnight when was
awakened by tho nurse. Apprehonsive, ran to
tho Guilds chamber. ! had fearful dream
Ellen did not know me. Sho WAS sitting up,
ernsoned from tho forehead to tho throat, her
Dyes 30 bright that almost drow back aghast
at the glance. From that night raging fover
drank up her life-nnd what do You think WAS
tho incossant plaint poured into my anguslling
heart ooh kiss mo mother, do kiss mo. 1
can't 20 to sleop. won't be naughty if you'll
kiss mo. Oh kiss me, doar mamma. can't
go to sleep."
Holy littlo child she did 60 to sloep ono gray
morning, and mover woke again--no, never !!
Her hands were locked in mine, and all my
light faded out in tho beautiful eyes-whiter and
winter grew tho tromuious lips. She mover
knew me but with hor last breath slo Whisper
cd Il will be good, mother, if you will only
forgive mo.
kiss her God knows how passionate and
unavailing wore my kisses on ier check after
that fatal night. God knows how wild wore my
prayers that she might know, If only once, that
l would hayc yielded up my life could have
asked forgiveness of that Bwoet child.
Well, grief is unavailing now Sho lies in her
littlo tomb thoroiis marble urn ut hor head
and N rose-bush at her fect-tllere grow sweet
summon flowers I; thero waves tho gontle grass /;
there birds sing their mathis and vespers there
tho blue sky shone down today there lios. tho
freshness of my heart.
Parents, you should have heard tho patlioa in
tho voice Of that sad mother aa she said: ''Ihero
arc pantsthat spring intogreat vigor il the heavy
pressure Of n footstop crush them but oh !
there othors that even tho pearls of tho light
dow bend to the earth." Mothers and fathers, be
kind to tho little ones DO not whit till the
to chae them in love-. Kiss thom before you
strike them. by and by you must leave them ;
but leave no thorns in thoir momory. Halls
Journal of Health. .u'