The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-09-07
HOW EDITH WAS TAUGHT A LES
son,

Only a little BOY with a harp, and a
little girl with violin-common street
musicians.
Both looked older than their size
would indicate; but they played sweet
ly, and the girl sung a ballad in very
pleasing voice. Pooh! | thought it
was man with q monkey" exclaimed
one little boy, as he came running up
almost out of breath. Then with a
shout he joined his companions, who
We're playing 81 spy in neighboring
court.
Most of the children, however, re-
manned, some dancing to the lively
music, others listening with more or
less critical attention.
At the bay-window of a fine resi-
dence overlooking this scene, sat a
pretty little girl surrounded by many
evidences of comfort, and even luxury.
Instead, however, Of enjoying the funny
capers of the boys, or the merry laugh
ter of the other children, this little girl
wore on her face an expression of dis
pleasure. Her little lips were actually
pouting as if she might have been an
ill-used child; but the fact was that
Edith Lowell pouted because she was
not permitted to go out in the damp,
twilight air. She had recently recov-
cred from a tedious illness, and her
kind, careful mother did not think it
prudent to indulge her precious child
in her wish to go out 1T an unseasona-
BILE hour. So Edith pouted, and per-
mitted herself to think she was not
well used.
Il think l might do as want to
sometimes" she thought; and then she
continued after this fashion:
anybody can do as they like but
me. | have to stay penned up in this
close, poky house. Even that little
street singer goes where she likes, and
sings and does what she pleases. I've
a great mind to run away! | can sing
as well as that girl can, and better too.
l a0iW 90, and that'll teach mamma a
lesson, guess"
Out in the deepening twilight Edith
thought she ran, following the mu-
sicians who were going home.
Like a shadow she came after them,
almost afraid to speak her wishes. At
last she gained courage to ask:
"May | go with you, and sing and
get money, and do just as l like?'
"You can come if you want to, but
| don't believe you'd like it,
Its hard work enough, you'll find
it," added the girl, with a toss of her
head and laugh that sounded rather
coarse to Edith.
Il want to 60 any way" replied
Edith, who, having gone so far, did
not like to turn back.
"Come on, then" said the boy.
They passed through several streets
to locality entirely unknown to her,
and at last stopped before large, dis
mal-looking house, and told Edith
she might come in.
She hesitated, wishing now that she
had not come, but was in strange
place and dared not return.
Although the outside of the house
was uninviting, the inside was worse.
The room they entered contained some
broken furniture; and three rough men
at an old table were playing cards and
smoking black pipes. A woman, as
uncleanly as the men, was cooking
some ham on three-legged stove.
Here's a gal that wants to sing
for ye," exclaimed the boy, by way of
introduction.
Two of the men grinned, and the
third laughed aloud. The woman
glanced up from her work in astonish-
ment.
"Where did you pick her up,
LOUISE inquired the man who had
laughed.
didn't pick her up nowhere; she
followed us, an told her she could
come along if she wanted to-" replied
Louis.
"Can you sing, little one?" asked the
man
Eyes, sir" replied the child, now
for the first time really frightened;
"but guess I'd rather go home, if you
will please show me the way"
"An' it's my opinion you'd better let
her go, old chap, if you don't want to
get into trouble"
"She's high-toner, anybody can see
that broke out one of the other men.
Anybody can see that you are an