The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-06-18
BY HUGH WILSON AND W. G. BENET.

Right down the street, IN that row
Of tenements."
into this case"
Ny husband obeyed, and the driver,
being promised double pay, turned
down toward the tenements. seated
the little girl beside me, and took her lit
tie brown hand in mine. The bare touch
of her slender fingers made the very
blood in my heart thrill, and I wanted
to clasp her in my arms and cover her
poor, wan little face with kisses, with
longing that was absolute pain.
"How pretty she is," I said, smooth
inS back her tangled golden hair that
shaded her white forehead and sweet
blue eyes.
"She looks like a frightened bird, )" said
my husband, smiling; "what will you
do with her, BELIEF"
keep her forever, if I can," I replied,
with feeling of intense happiness at my
heart.
Just then we reached the tenements.
THAT'S grandmarm's room," said the
child, pointing upward to a window in
which adm light was burning.
We left the carriage and followed her
up long flight of stairs, and into the
low, humble room. On the rude couch
lay an old woman, her strong, worn face
wearing that pallor which never knows
a change.
"Grandmarm," cries the child, run
ming to the bedside, here's a good, nice
lady come, and she'll give you some tea,
and you'll get well now"
Tile old woman turned her head. her
eager eyes fastening themselves upon us.
"Thank God" she murmured, II
thought I should die and leave her
alone"
"What can I do for you, MADAME" I
asked, bending over her.
"Nothing for me, I'm past help; it's
the child I want looked after"
Eyes, but you must have nourish-
ment-Philip, 60 out for some tea, and
we'll have fire at once"
woman" she said, solemnly, "listen
to me. l am dying-in few hours I
shall be in the other world-I could
drink drop of water, but nothing else."
NY husband procured it in a few mo-
ments, and after drinking it she seemed
somewhat revived.
Now" she said, "while I am strong
enough, let me speak about the child
when I'm gone she won't have friend
in the wide world-you look like rich
woman, would you"
"I'll take her and be a mother to her."
I interrupted, eagerly.
"Come round here and let me see your
face"
obeyed, bending down to the dying
eyes that searched my face so keenly.
After q moment she drew Il deep breath.
"Yes," she said. II can trust you:
your face is good and honest-God has
sent you-come here, little Rose-this is
your new mother: you must love her
and be good girl when I'm gone"
l held out my arms, and the little thing
nestled close to my bosom, looking up
into my face with wondering eyes.
Il will be good to her." said; as
God hears me, will"
Il believe you, and now can die in
peace. / should a been dead long ago,
but for leavin' The child-that kept me
back. She amt a frien' in the world,
and she's no flesh and blood O. mine.
Ten years ago, my old man was alive
then, and runnin' hat-boat on q West
ern river. We fell in with party of
Injuns. They had a white baby with
'em, the prettiest, daintiest little thing /
ever set eyes on. I had jest lost my own
baby, and I couldn't bear to see them
carry the poor little thing away, so I
pursuaded my old man to buy it. They
were glad enough to sell, so took the
child and raised her rs my own. Imeant
to hunt up her folks and I named it after
my own baby. I had great likin' for
the little creature. / couldn't bear to
give her up-but I was sorry enough
after N.Y. old man died, and we came to
want. But I've kept the clothes she had
on, and maybe. madam, you may hear of
her people some day."
"Let us see the Clothes" gasped my
husband, his face as white as death.
Look in the box and get 'em, Rose."
The child obeyed, bringing small
bundle carefully wrapped up. I un-
folded it with trembling hands, and
then, as my eyes fell upon the embroid-
cred frock, the little crimson sack and
the dainty blue shoes-my own baby
clothes-for the first time in my life
dropped down in dead faint.
When consciousness returned | found
my husband bending over me with a
radiant face. and little Rose-my own
little Pearl-closely clasped in his arms.
Found ut last, Belle" he murmured,
tremulouslv: "God be thanked, we are
not childless"