The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-04-26
which gave them an unnatural expires


UnconsciousIy Mrs. Blythe followed
the girl as she paused before the differ
ent counters, then went on again with
out buying anything.
At last she paused before counter
upon which lay a variety of warm stock
ings whose dainty proportions showed
that they were intended for tiny feet.
She took up a pair and looked at
them wlstfully; at last, with deep
Sigh, putting them carefully back in
their original place.
AS she turned away large tear-drops
welled up from their fountains, and
stood tor moment in her eyes, then
rolled slowly down her cheeks.
"Poor little Nettie," she sold, half
aloud, slow l wish 1 Gould buy them
for you"
''Who is little Nettie?" asked a gentle
voice. and looking up, the girl met q
glance from Mrs. Blythe's eyes which
for the moment deprived her of her
power to answer.
1t was 80 kind and sympathetic that
her tears came faster tnd faster.
AT last she found her voice, and man.
aged to stammer out, Notwithstanding
the lump III her throat, which seemed
to rise and almost choke her
"Nett:e is my little only sister. We
two are all alone in the world, and oh.
ma'am, love her SO dearly"
"Did you think those STOCKINGS Won
were looking at would fit her?''
"Yes ma'am; and I've been irving to
earn enough money by sewing to got
them for her, but couldn't"
"Sha shall hauo op,,,o 3d.
some nice warm underclothjng, and q
dress too. You shall come with me and
select them"
1t did not take long to make the in
tended purchases.
Then Mrs. Blythe led the wandering
girl out to where her luxuriously. cush-
loned pb~ton was in waiting, and in a
few moments they where being whirled
rapidly along the crowded streets.
Nov put your hands into my muff
aud get them nice and warm. while you
tell me oil about yourself and Nettie. |
will take you home, and see where you
live and what l oan do for YOU"
-Nanny's story was soon told.
1 will give it Ill her own words
eve live on the top floor of number
five, Walton st. Poor mother broke
her heart after fathers death, anu only
lived two months. I have earned what
could by doing coarse sewing; but
work is cat off and pay was 80 poor that
I hadn't saved anything.
GIVE tried to pick up odd iobbs, but
they are hard to find. L haven't begged
yet, though walked up and down q
good while to-day, trying to get up
courage to ask for some pennies just to
get Nettie some bread and milk, but T
Gnuld,i,fA
Tears were in Mrs. Blythe's eyes as
she listened to the pitifuI story.
Then she said
''She shall not lack again for what she
needs. I will hely you until work gets
brisk again."
As they entered the cold, bare-l looking
room, it did not seem at first to he
tenanted.
But at last curly head peeped out
from under blanket which covered the
meagre apology for couch.
Little Nettie had crept under it to
keep herself warm.
AS she caught sight of her sister she
gave q glad cry.
Then seeing the strange lady she
shrank back timidly.
Don't be afraid, Nettie," said the
kind voice; "G am going to stay here
while sister runs and buys some coal
and wood, and something to got you q
warm supper with"
While Nanny was away sho produced
the warm. bright colored stockings, and
told Nettle to pnt them OH.
1t takes but trlhe to make child
forget sorrow, and be gay with the
Rayest, and Netrie's face absolutely
shone with joy, and her baby tongue
was soon prattIing away rs though she
had known Mrs Blythe all her life.
When that lady went home her own
heart was full of the reflected happiness
which she had bestowed upon Nanny
and Nettie.
That evening after her husband had
lonned dressing-gown and slippers, she
tc5ld 4&i.s,a 'asa ti.a story of her days work,
half expecting he aould make sport of
her i'll his usual kind, but satirical fash
ion. ,..,>
He listened in silence, apparently
counting the purple rings which curled
upwards from his cigar.
When she had finished he turned to
her
"Do you know what you are doing,
Lefty? You are encouraging pauporisml
1t is evidently my duty to reprimand
you seriously."
Lefty looked ut him in puzzled way
but merry twinkle in his brown eyes
betrayed him.
"Oh, Malcolm! you are too badI you
are making fun Of NO."
"Not at all Lefty; shall take your
punishment into my own hands at
once"
And before the young wife knew of
his Intentions he drew her upon his
kneo and kissed her tenderly.
II see you've found your mission;
Lefty; and you may do all the good Jou
wish 10 while I find the funds, Docs
that seem right and good in your
eyes?"
Malcolm, you're ali ANGEL"
The answer was somewhat irrelevant,
but it was satisfactory.
Mn. Blythe soon obtained steady
employment for Nanny.
BESIDES being enabled to support
herself and littlo Nettio comfortably,
she was slowly and surely laying up a
sum Of money against rainy day. ~
Would that ever.f' happy, prosp eroua
woman felt, 1t to be her mission to lift