The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-01-04
Saved by Matches.

work at the table, sewing steadily. She
would have been pretty if she had not been
50 poor. II she had been better fed, she
would have had a rosy check; if she had
had freedom and less labor, she would have
had dimples; if she had worn dress of
violet silk, instead Of faded calico, it would
have brought out the fairness of her skin
and the golden hue of her hair. Asi was,
Alice Morne was pale, and pinched, and
sad, with the sewing girls stoop of shoul-
ders, and the sewing-girl's heavy heart.
She rose suddenly and folded up her
work--a child's garment, of fine cambric,
trimmed with dainty lace. She made u
package of it, donned her bonnet and
shawl, and went out of her lodging-house
She threaded the commercial streets
rapidly, and soon emerged OIL the avenues
of wealthy private residences. Here it
was quieter. The cusk was gathering.
Now and then q carriage rolled by. One
or two stately houses were lighted fol re-
ceptions. Many more were sOmberly
closed. Alice went Oh, with her quiet,
rapid step.
She stopped at last before house all in
Ii blaze Of light. Costly lace curtains con-
cealed the luxurious rooms within; the
soft notes of piano came softly upon the
girls ear.
The Tracys give another party to-
night" said Alice.
She went into the area and rang the bell. -.
A servant admitted her. She went in
with her bundle.
She came out with light step. The
work had been approved, and she had been
paid. A little dazzled with the scene she
hOI I'm ul,n
the pavement to count the money,
solve me a cent" said little beggar-
boy starting somewhere out of the silent
shadows
''What do you want it for 2" asked
Alice.
"Im hungry" answered the child He
was pale and pinchcd.
''lIerc's dime: would give you more
If / could" she said.
The child took it eagerly. She passed
on, with less than ~ to buy supper and
pay for a weeks rent. -.
She had more work. When il was fin
ished she came the same way in the dusk.
AS she passed over the sidewalk q faint
line Of white attracted her attention.
There was knob of glass, generally
called ''bull's-eyes, " in the pavement 1t
Is usually inserted over coal vault and is
removed to admit the Goals. This one had
not been adjusted with eXactitudc, and ut
The crevice appeared line of white.
Alice stopped down and examined IT.. 1t
was the edge Of n folded paper.
She drew it out with a wild thought
that 1t might be some valuable check or
draft. But it contained only few words,
written in pencil.
~ have watched for you constantly for a
week II you would save my life come ack
here and all night long place matches where
YOU found this paper. You shall bo rewarded
with all you can ask. A PRISONER
Hooked around bewidcrcd. No one was
to be seen. She looked down at the lump
Of dull glass, but il was entirely OPAQUE.
The bulls eye was not set quite evenly in
it's place. She, touched it with her foot,
but could not move it. After waiting a
moment, confused and In doubt she pissed
on, rccollecting her GRAND.
The area door admitted her. The ser
want had child in her arm, the dainty
little thing for whom Alice made gar
ments.
Mrs. Tracy said you was to come up
TO her chamber" SAID she. "You know
the way" 8a 81. "@'a..
The lady whom she met was not lovely;
SHE was sallow and dark very disagree
Observation-Disclosures her cashmere gown
at the breast, and turning impatiently to-
ward her little sewing girl.
why did you "l.icome bcfores" she
asked in hoarsc, voice, with slight
French accent. "Tho child should have
Lad that dress to drive in to. day" ...
II was sick yesterday could not
finish It," answered Alice, trcmulous-
" .., .,.,...... ..t ....
Madame snatchcd the package, tearing
1t open, and letting the little embroidered
robe fall upon the bed. .....
''Wcll, here Is your money!" said she,
opening a velvet purse. 'Next time |
will employ some one who will do as
they promise.
Alice turned away with bursting heart
for the wUman's words meant starvation
for her. She dared not raise her voice in
reply; she OWNED truly that the heart un.
der that rich robe was one Of stone.
AS she passed down stairs, she heard n
low voice. 1t proceeded from one of the
rooms about her. .. "
"And he is twenty ono to.day3" IL
said. ...... ..,
"Yesi II ls three years since his mys.
\