Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-10-15
"ALL WELL THAT ENDS WELL

Just back of Bristol avenue where the
palatial stores lowered skyward, where
the richly-clad wake 10 and fro, making
costly purchases amid the destinations OF
brilliant lights and well-dlled purses.
runs a narrow. wretched street called
"Dirk's Lsne." but "Scare-crow Row"
would be more appropriate. for the cot
tages were falling TO pieces. the steps
decsying, the rickety, broken hinged
blinds beating back and forth in the Husiy
wind. the weather-beaten fences dilap-
ida,ed, clap-bOards swinging, and the
old, broken window-panes stuffed With
rags, old hats. etc. Can this bo an artery
OF the great ciiy2 Yes; the living tide
flows freely here. although only pale,
sad countenances are seen; faces fur
rowed, and scanlily clothed forms gliding
despairingly through the streets. Chill
dren look pnched and spectral; their
thinly clothed arms and bare hands pur-
pie with cold as they hurry along. as fast
"a numb feet will allow. to their wretched
dwellings.
As we enter oGe OF the crazy tenements,
we find that the snow has been before us,
and an involu,ary chill shakes Us as we
see the light OF cold whiteness which has
been sifted through the cracks OF ihe
door. A fire burns ieebly in an old CRATE
so icebly that all bu, stony hearts must
Sigh for tho human woe there enshrined,
and upon the neatly swept hearth, three
children sit talking. The lsmp-light
Pickering 10 its wane. reveals by its sick
ly famo, the mother kneeling beside al
old broken cradle, in which sick child
OF four years lay slumbering. The little
hand held hers in a tight clasp, and un-
willing 10 disturb the child, she left her
hair Just as it had fallen from its isslen-
ipgs-all about her shoulders-s halo OF
beauty. She was fearful that the nigh,
of death was gathering about her only
daughter-the little pilgrim OF four short
sumDers-snd as she looked at the guile
less, baby face, she thought. poor mother.
that it might be bes. so. for "He who
loved little ones, carries tho lambs 10 His
bosom, and. o. Father" she prayed.
''save her from such q stormy pathway
as her mothers has been r.
Finally as the child moves In her sleep,
the little hands loosen their hold and the
mother joins the boys by the hearth.
Mother, dear mother. is there any
bread ?" asked Harry, the youngest.
"Or anything, mother, don't care
what" added Fred, while Frank, the
eldest, said nothing, only taking his
mothers hand, and rubbing bis thin, lit
tie face against it.
The mother went to the pantry and
brought out three slices of stale bread
and pint basin uf cold broth.
This will have to do for tonight,
boys" she said, Quot adding that there
was not another moalhiul in the house)
and bending down, she held the basin
over the flame until hot, and then poured
it over the bread.
"Oh, mother, 1t is so sood," said
Harry.
TASTES like more," added Fred, with
faint attempt at joke.
The weary mother talked with the
boys for weary half hour-endesvo
to put brightness in her voice that her
poor heart never knew-and then said :
Boys, it would be warmer for you iu
bed. Mother will tuck you up, for it is a
bitter night and she shiyered as she
spoke.
The bed was only an old mattress
spread in one corner; but as the mother
tucked the WOODEN spread about them,
and they were still clothed with coats
and pants. they began to feel quite CON-
Portable and chatty.
They talked in low whispers but the
mother heard all.
Frank spoke first.
! "Oh, boys. / saw such q jolly shawl
sold to-day at O'Connorhs auction! 1t