The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1876-09-14

uOb Always sS4CCVC0 IVA
portant.
His wife, as before intimated, was just
the opposite. Many dollar found its
way from her purse into the channels OF
benevolence. The heart of many sad
weary child of poverty was lightened by
her sympathy and aid. "she is doing her
own duty, and her husbands also'" was
often the remark of those who witnessed
her quiet, unobtrusive deeds Of charity.
In a very different dwelling from the
commodious one of Deacon Fl. "a dwelling
so poor and dilapidated that the winds
of heaven gained easy admission, there
sat a pale, care-wOrn woman, buslly sew
ing; while over a few dying ember shlV-
eringly lowered two little scantily-clothed
girls. The room was bare Of almost
every comfort; and a casual glance was
sufficient to show that gaunt poverty
had taken up its abode there.
"Oh, mother, can't we have little
more fire ?" pleaded Susy, the youngest
whose thin little face wore such a visit
full, hungry look, that it added a new
pang to the mothers heart. 1t is so
cold here" and the tears began rapidly
to course down the faded cheeks.
" Hush, hush, dear, mother is sorry
tor her little girl come here and wrap
my dress around you, perhaps it will
give little warmth. James will soon
be here; wouldn't wonder if he has
some good news for us; and the poor
mother sought to smile into the wan,
tear-stained face, as she drew her dress
closely around the little one. At that
moment the door opened, and boy en-
tered, drew a chair to the hearth, and
strove to impart little warmth to his
chilled hands.
"WeII my son, what news and
though the smile on her face was sad and
forced the poor mother endeavored to
speak cbeerfully.
"The same old story, mother; nobody
wants a boy--at least nobody wants me
so we must all starve, I suppose. Oh,
if father would only be different! What
shall we do ?" and the boy, leaning his
head on his clasped hands, sObbed in
agony. =,
woman as she laid aside her work and
drew the boys head on her lap. "Don't
Jimmy, don't! there must surely be help
for us. God will not utterly forsake
u.s."
"Then why don't He send us help?
went into deacon HIS store, and though
one Of the clerks said they needed boy,
the decon wouldn't take me because
father drinks. He said he wanted re-
spectacle boy in his store. The hard
hearted old miserl Ifhe's got religion,
don't wantany oft"
at isn't religion that causes him to be
so unkind, my son; it is the want of it,
rather. Look at his wife, if you wish to
know what religion can do. You are not
to blame for your fathers acts; and no
good man will ever think the less of you
for them. But cheer up; you know you
are mothers principal stay and hope; she
cannot bear to see her boy so sad. Here
is Mrs. H. now; who knows but she has
found place for you I"
Good afternoon, Mrs. Conner" said
that lady, entering the room; II have
good news for you; but have you no
wood? this must not be; you will perish
in this bitter weather. I will send some
this very afternoon. Poor little girls, u
glancing pitifully at the shivering chill
dren, chow cold you look, come here
and wrap these furs around you. Well,
James, have found you place at last.
Farmer B. says you are just the boy for
him; and, Mrs. Conner, have seen
some of the reform boys, who have prom
ised to do all they can for your husband
They say he wouldn't have boken his
pledge, had it not been for the sOlici
tations of that miserable man at the
corner, But the boys will watch him
more closely for the future; and
am convinced better days are in store fol
you"
"God bless you, God bless you,
sobbed the poor woman, grasping the
lady's hand, while the tears courseG
silently down her cheeks. "GOd viii