The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-02-22

little outcast in his arms and went out
into the street. An hour before. and he
would have thought it beneath his digni-
tty to carry even small paper parcel ;
but now, acting upon the nobler impulses
OF his nature, he was neither afraid nor
ashamed. Indeed, he scarcely saw the
many curious, eager glances which were
directed toward him as he hurried along
with his Strengthening burden, and he
never once stopped until he assembled the
steps of his own dwelling
Very much was Mrs Stiles Mortified
when her husband entered the parlor
with poor little Eddie in his arms, and
she came near going into Mysteries when
he hurriedly told his story and went
away, leaving that lump of rags and
misery right on the sofa beside her, with
an injunction to feed, warm, and clothe
it,
Poor Mrs Stiles Fashion and false
education had made her what she was ;
but she had true womans heart never
theless, beneath the glittering worldly
exterior; and though at first she declared
the child should not stay in the house.
she soon felt more reconciled, and helped
with here own soft white hands to battle
his almost skeleton form. Then Bridget,
who prided herself on being most ex-
cellent nurse, wrapped him in flannel and
put him to'bed, and fed him with some
nice warm Cruel which she had prepared
for the occasion, and in little while the
poor little thing had sobbed himself to
sleep.
AS the lady sat by the bedside and
gazed upon the hollow eyes, the sunken
cheeks, and transparent hands of the
little one. her own glad childhood. the
bright spring avs Of her early life, when
she was beloved, petted, and cared for by
all, came wildly to her mind, and the
contrast was so painful that the wept.
And while the tears were still fresh on
her cheeks, her husband came.
p" We have been very, very selfish,
Mary" said he; but, thank God, we are
not quite heartless"
Then sitting down, he told her how he
had seen the proper officers, and sent two
good women to the house of death. go,
| never can forgive myself for last nights
cruelty, and [ feel as though could not
do enough to atone for my past neglect,
hand upon his head, he looked very sad
and thoughtful.
But what are you going to do with
this child ?" asked Mrs Stiles, after a
moments silence
q" Do with him ?" said the merchant
"why, keep him and take care of him, to
be sure L Though God has not seen fit
to give us children of our own, he has
blessed US with ample means, and it is
plainly our duty to take some little friend
less outcast and rear him up for life OF
usefulness and honor What a wonder
that In the ten years of our married life
have never thought of this before
" o dear you are not in earnest,
Charles y cried the lady, holding up
both hands in astonishment. "Only
think what tax it will be upon me what
a time of it I shall have trying to over
come his vicious habits and make him
halfway human !"
But, Mary, all poor children are not
necessarily vicious" replied Mr.. Stiles,
" and l am sure that Eddie is worthy of
all that we may do for him"
And the merchant was right for when
Eddie grew strong and well, he soon en-
deared himself to all the household by
his correct department and amiable dis
position. Mrs. Stiles could not help
loving him, and she was so much pleased
with him, that after he had lived in her
family four years she hunted up little
blackeyed orphan girl, and took her into
her heart and home
Mr. Stiles is very fond of his chill
dren, as he proudly calls them, and he
says taking babies to bring up is the
best investment he ever made; and he
thinks he shall adopt one homeless little
one once in four years as long as he
lives.-Lyceuna Library.
Standing on their Heads.