Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-02-03
Darkness and Dawn

! journ In the city of Baltimore, set out one
evening with friend for stroll through
the city. We had visited several places OF
| interest, and were on our return 10 our ho
Tel, when in passing through dark and
narrow street, q female, closely muttied In
a coarse shawl-which, thrown over her
head, was drawn around her face, so as 10
conceal all but her eyes-hurriedly crossed
over from the opposite side of the way,
and accosted us IN the accents OF deepair.
Gentlemen, for the love of God, give
me money! My mother Is dying of hunger,
and have not wherewIth 10 purchase q
morsel of foodl"
We were both struck with the tone OF
hor voice, for though agitated by feeling
CT desperation, 1t had apeculiar sweetness,
and her language was that OF one both edu-
Gated and refined.
''Do not think me inquisitive," said my
friend, in kindly tone, as he drew forth
his purse, 81 ask what misfortune has
brought you 10 thisl for IL Is clearly evi-
dent that you are no common applicant for
charity"
'Oh! no, sir-no.' she said, shrinking
back into herself, rs 1t were; 81 neve; ask
ed for charity before; and though | have
not taken food for two long days, would
sooner perish than ask 1t for myself now;
bet could not see her die, my snly friend
oh, God! could not see er die!"
''Herel" said my companion, placing a
sum in her hand which | immediately
doubled.
She clutched the money like miser, and
Tor a moment or two was completely over
powered by her emotions. Then, with
choking effort, she gasped forth:
Thanks, gentlemen! may God IN heaven
bless y oul"
She turned away, and took two or three
hasty steps, and then stopping suddenly,
she looked around, and added
''You ask me what misfortune brought
me to this | shall seem ungrateful If re-
fuse to tell"
Never mind" said my friend; 'the re-
cital will give you pain, and therefore con-
nder the question unasked."
''Your noble generosity overpowers me,
Hirin abe -reinined. In. tremulous voice.
land my pride shall give way. III you nave
a few minutes to spare, come with me and
you shall known all"
May" said |. do not let us lntrude
upon your SORROWS, unless you think we can
be of further assistance. You are welcome
to the little we have given which should be
have no right to claim your secret in return. !"
She buried her face In ber shawl. and
burst into tears
''Alasl" she sobbed, 'if all mankind
were thus generous how many miserable
being might be made happyl Come with
me and hear my storyl know l can trust
you. and | shall rest easier to know have
convinced you | am no impostor."
We assured her that we did not for q
moment doubt of her being the victim OF
some terrible misfortune; but as we might
be of further service to her, we would see
her safely home, and she might then relate
her story or not, as she should think proper.
"Follow me-, she said, and set OFF AT O
quick walk down the street, we keeping q
respectful distance behind, and | for one
| feeling an unusual curiosity to know some
thing more OF her.
At the next corner of the street was an
| oil lamp which threw out dim light; and
standing near it, in a listless attitude, we
observed man in the garb OF sailor, and
evidently just from sea. As our unknown
guide drew near him, | noticed that she
seemed much agitated; and ON coming up
to him, to our surprise, and apparently his,
she stopped, and looked eagerly into his
face for moment, and then, with wild
cry, she suddenly threw out her arms,
clasped HIM around :he neck, and appeared
TO swoon upol his breast.
''Seel" said my friend, making an abrupt
halt; ''we are duped-this is some trick
that girl is an impostor!'
impossible" returned /, unwilling 10
believe that such grief and mistry as she
represented could be base counterfeit.
''Hal seel"
AS | spoke, the sailor, as if In deep sur.
prise, partly unwound the arms Of the un.
known from his neck, raised her head, and
| looked, first curiously and then wildly,
into her face, which we could see, even
from where we stood, was pale and beauti
ful. The next moment he uttered wilC
cry of surprise; and quickly throwing hil
arms around her now lifeless form he ex
claimed:
My Godl my God! Mary! My Godl''
1t seemed to be all that he could utter, al
he fairly 10 tered with his fair burden anC
for few moments we stood dumb with
amazement.
''What's this7 what's the meaning o
thisl" he now demanded, looking tiercely a
| us.
"Well. If that is acting, 1t is the best
ever saw" muttered my companion, as WI
hastened forward, and gave q hurried &C
count of all. we knew of the matter.
"Great Godl sit possible2" said the maj
looking alternately at us and the fair crea
ture in his arms, and clasping his forehead
aslf to collect his scattered senses. "Maryl
he continued, at short intervals; ''my wife
my dear wifel And my mother to-
starvingl'
He continued to repeat these expression
like one overpowered by some terrible
shock, and who knew not what he wa
saying; while we stood looking on, to-
much astonishcd to think of offering hin
any assistance.
AT length, with sort of gurgIing gasp
the poor creature opened her eyes; ant
looking wildly and fondly into the mani,
face of him who supported her, she mur
INJURED:
''Charlesl CharlesI Lis this youG in life
I'm death-or i'm q dreamf"
pass over the wild! frantic, passionat
ordinations on both sides, as each begal
41 -.1l;~o A. %-.,4L ho nNa that hn. ho.