The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-01-15
THE WHITE ROSE.

She was a sweet child, little EDna Willis,
d her face shone like come rare OLD PIC
re- out of its wealth of golden hair, and
ar youpp and widowed mother folded her
her heart, and blessed the Great Father
,at Enua's eyes and hair were like those
,et had lain. ever since the early June,
nder the white shroud pia'ts.
Look, mamma, it's leaves are beginning
unfold, and it will be entirely opened by
aw Years night, 30 that l can wear it at
eien'sn party, and Emma lifted her fair ca
Er face from The flower, whose snowy petals
ara lust breaking through their shade of
eep' That winter rose-bush was gift
IN Enpa's father, and it was his last.
wonder the child loved it.
!" Yes, darling, you shall wear it, twined
Rht here in this bunch of curls," and the
nan fingers lifted the bright tresses tend
Ely from Enna's forehead, while the mo-
hers peneive festures-as she stood there
y the side of her-rehected somewhat OF
be light in her child's.
Every day, every hour, Emma watched 1t
miser watches bis goio; Every day
he large creamy looking petals curled out
1ards. aud lay in exquisite contrast with
NJ world of green leaves, amid which the
ower's beautiful life was opening.
HDo you want to come in and see my
ose, little boy Z"
Emma was returning from schoo! that
|fterpoon, when her eyes first rested upon
he child. He was standing before the win
ov. in whose embrasure her mother had
|iaced the exotic, that the pale winter
nubeams might give it a brief visit. The
avis great mournful eyes were fastened
gerly on the large blossom, for it was
~ ONLY two days before New Years.
Ia clothes were much worn, and patched
LII many coiors, but Emma did not mind
As-she only saw the eager light in those
zoe brown eyes.
!? Then you love flowers, do you, my
Aild ~ said Enns's mother in her soft
mes. as they all three stood before the
ant.
q. Oh! yes, ma'am but not so we'll as
sry does. l was thinking when stood
e there on the pavement, looking at it, if
.ary could only see i'll"
NWho is Maryf Can't yon bring her
ere 2" asked Emma eagerly.
ssNo!" said the boy, shaking his head
bnrnfully. "Mary is my sister, and she
lick. Mamma say che cannot live much
Dger, and at night in her dreams, she
bans about the white roses that grew 30
zck in the low meadows. just west of
here we used to live. They were jus
feaths of them, every May. Oh! dear, If
be could only see it !"
"Mamms," whispered Emma, while her
lue eyes were moist with tears, and she
hlled her mothers dress, "Please give
be rose to the little boy for his sick sister;
10 not want it now"
E'My dear child" and the mother's tremu,
ma Iins dropped to Enna's forehead, 4" God
ill reward you for this.
90 Do YOU mean it, ma'am do you really
lean that shall take this to Mary ques-
oned the child, while his deep eyes grew
recious branch in his hand. o how glad
he will be ~ and at the thought of his sis
er's great delight, the little heart gave
gay, and the tears dashed over the boy 3
eown laehes.
1t was New Years night. Very beau
lul looked Emma Willis in her pink dress
nd shining hair, amid which her mother's
asteful fingers had twined few green
caves, as she put up her little ripe lips for
parting kiss, before she started for her
ehoolmate's soiree.
At that moment the door opened, and
be little stranger boy entered. His face
Willis, and said, MARY ia dying, and she
hs sent for the little girl who gave her the
ehite rose. Please, ma'am, may she come,
I'D will You come with her 7"
/" I've brought them, Mary! I've brought
- guests into the chamber, where the
Rht fiickered with a strange, wan emile
er the bare walls and the old chairs. A
le, grief worn woman tottered forward
d led them toward low bed in one cor
IS. The sick child lifted her head. 1t wal
very beautiful one, with its brown hail
ia blue eyes, but the death chill wal
1t. "ComA nearer she said family. "fol
mellow my eyes are growing blind" and
little cold fingers closed round Enpa's
held it all day, and at night went t.
aves dropped away. but an angel came
me and eaid, Don't cry for the roee
4sry; in little while you shall come
wish me and gather fairer ones. o! sec
hem /! 1 see them!" and the light surget
nee more into those blue eyes, ant
GIFTED up the rigid features will exceed
g glory, "Tbey are growing there
Apusands and thousands of them, by I
pat shining river, and the angel stand
pre-, and it's white robe flows in grea
ining pillows to it's feet. Mother, Char
81, good. by ! Little girl, for that whit
ese you gave me, will weave you
eown of those that blossom up there
they are larger and fairer, and will have
ready when you come and you shal
ear it in that bright world"
The brown head sank back, the lgh
~