The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1875-05-20
A Needless Sacrifice.
BY MAYCEY LEIGH.

few years ago I was visiting an ole
school friend living in one of our large
cities, and while there 1 passed through
the saddest experience of my life. L
was strange drama the events of which
are not likely to be repeated; but 1 re
late it now with the hope that it may
meet the eyes of many young mothers
whose love of pleasure outweighs love o1
duty. May they profit by it in thei1
dealings with the young souls God has
committed to their care.
My friend had three children. The
| youngest was an infant, and to that she
devoted all her spare time, leaving the
| two older ones to the care of nurse in
whom, she thought, she had great conf
dence. We were sitting late one after
noon in the library, talking over the
events of our school days, when the old
est child burst in, exclaiming, "Oh, nam
ma, can't Maidie and l sleep in your
room tonight? A dreadful thing comes
and wakes us up-so dreadful Do,
mamma, let us sleep with your" pleaded
the little voice.
Harry, my boy, don't be so foolish" i"
said his mother. "You are not baby
now, and must not believe in silly
dreams"
at was not dream" sobbed Harry.
mo, mamma" chimed in the little
three year old, who that moment sue
ceeded in escaping from Margaret's arms,
sit was a defful face, and we is so 'faid." +"
Margaret" called my friend, what
do these children mean p
81 don't know, ma am. They insisted
yesterday upon telling you, and to-day
Harry has cried so couldn't do nothing
with him.
= L l.. e
Harry" said his mother. "You are our
five year old, and ought to be more of a
man than to fill Maidies head with such
trash. Margaret take them to bed, -
Harry desire to be a man was very
great but terror had taken possession
of him, and the tumult in his little breast
was sad to behold. He could not restrain
the big tears, while Maidie screamed as
Margaret forced them both away.
For three nights after heard the cries
of the children at bedtime calling their
mamma, but she was confined to her bed
with severe attack of periodical head
ache, and this had also prevented my
usual visits to the nursery. Now, however,
l could endure it no longer, and forced
into the belief that Margaret or one of
the servants must be at the hottom of so
real terror, determined to watch and
know for myself.
Accordingly l went to the nursery just
before tea, and was dismayed to find
change in their appearance. They had
actually grown thinner in these few days.
Their eyes seemed larger, and the slight
est noise startled them. Nurse said they
would not eat or play, and she did not
know what to do. Not feeling quite sure
of Margaret had concluded to watch
without her knowledge but Harry caught
my hand as l was leaving, and whispered
with such wistfHl look, "Auntie Joe,
could we sleep in your room p
"Why, Harry p l asked.
Becomes such dreadful thing comes
in the night. l can't go to bed, Auntie
Joe; it will kill me and Maidie too"
What is it like p l asked.
Its like muffin in all the world, only
dretlul, and Marget won't stay with U.S.
said May.
"Weli, children" answered, "I'll go
to tea now, and if you will go to bed
quietly I'll bring my book and stay all
the evening, and all night, too"
Are you very sure you'll come p ask
ed Harry, trying to force back tears that
would come Perhaps mamma won't
let you
MY darling" said throwing my