The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-08-10
Ghildreu's Column.
LITTLE GEORGIA.
by AUNT AUGUSTA.

dead, her father was very poor, and her
little life seemed to lie nearly all in the
shadow.
There was no one to pet and love
Georgia, and none to give her presents as
she saw them given to other children.
She was not so unhappily placed as many
poor little ones in the city are, for she
had the beautiful forest In which to roam
about and play and watch the squirrels
and the wild birds; and l don't know
that she ever went very hungry. That
is, she had food for her mouth, but her
poor little heart was very hungry indeed.
And she knew and felt this as less SEN
sitive and affectionate natures never can.
wonder what made mig mother die
when everybody else's mother keeps on
living, she said, sobbing behind torn
and soiled apron. I wish she was alive.
want to kiss her. / was afraid to kiss
her that day when people took her away
and put her in the ground she looked SO
cold and white, and she wouldn't speak
nor open her eyes. o dear O dear me,
what shall do? 1 want my motherl l
want my mother II
All, poor little one, how many hearts
have broken with that desolate pain!
By-and-by little Georgia wandered
out of the woods and went across a field,
and softly entering an open door, stood
Why do all the little girls but me
have dollies, Mrs. Case? I never had
one in my life. Why don't have one?'
Bless the child i said the startled
woman, looking down into the little,
brown, fearful face.
Her husband, Just coming in, had
heard the child The heart in his broad
breast stirred, and beautiful expression
lighted his dark face
You shall have dolly, little elfn, as
well as the best of them. I'm going to
the store to-day, and I'll buy you one.
30 will you, will you? How good
you are cried the enraptured child.
She was TRANSPORTED instantly. Great
Joy renders the human face beautiful.
Why, what a pretty little thing she
Is ] remarked Mrs. Case, after Georgia
had ran back to the woods-not to cry
their this time
Mr.. Case kept his word; and some
body dressed the dolly, all in good, stout
fashion, and prettily.
A happy, happy child was Georgia
when she held to her loving little heart
her charming dolly. She thanked every
body. Then she ran away with it, lone
some no more.
On that image was poured out a
wealth of love and confidence such as
only warm and generous hearts bestow.
And never did that image make migrate
full return. For its silence and unrespon-
siveness the exceeding abundance of
Georgias chattering and affection and
imagination made full amends.
By-and-by Georgia appeared again to
Mrs. Case. She came with another ques-
ton. 1t was Sunday this time.
Why can't l go to Sunday-school like
other children The minister said I
might
The good dame gazed at the dirty,
unkempt mite, with its eager, lifted face.
You can CO. she said but you must
be washed and combed first
Then she washed and combed her, and
told her to 60 to the church. She watched
the little form, running so swiftly, till it
came near the church Then hand was
put out from window and waved The
child halted, wheeled about, and came
back as fast as she went.
What is the matter? asked Mrs. Case,
as breathless, heated, and with stream
ing tears, Georgia entered her door.
Susy told me " Run home fast as ever
you cam sobbed the disappointed child.
Well, you don't look fit to 90 into the
meeting house, that's fact. But don't
cry SO. I'll see what can be done for
you. Go home now, and next Sunday
come here early, and I'll fix you so you'll
be decent to 60 to Sunday-school.'
Comforted thus, Georgia departed.
Her friend was good as her promise.
Telling the story, she found help in her
plan, and before Saturday night all that
was needed to fit out little Miss Georgia
was provided.
A happy child was she when, washed
and combed and dressed from head to
foot In new garments, she entered the
Westinghouse door. Not child in the
house was heater or more attentive than
she. She leaves all her meeting clothes
with her friend during the week and
goes to her house very Sunday morning
to dress.
This is all very well for the present,
but wish the little one could be adopt
ed into some pleasant, Christian home.
She told me yesterday that she loved to