The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1883-04-26

A0V AWO ~ IA tkAS uVSS0 sOg S0vS1ok y08ES,
but had never seen al occasion before, that
seemed worthy Of 50 rich dress; 1t was
brought from India by my husband, who
was . merchantmen; but this promised to
be an affair quite out OF the common course.
SO at much pains and expense had it made
and trimmed with point lace; they dressed
their hair, then. much as they do now,
high, over cushins, with curls falling care.
lessly here and there ABOUT the head.
wore mine in this way that night With wax
bells woven among the curls; at last, all
my arrangements were completed, and, a,
l saw my reflection in the mirror, re.
all the pride aud vanity that swelled nv
sinful heart. ! recall all these facts, for
trivial though they seem, they have become
part and parcel Of my life. never think
OF that bitter day, but l see myself As
stood there in my fresh, young beauty,
little dreaming of the bitter baptism OF
sorrow that was to com, to me through
MY vanity and unres:rained temper.
Paul came bounding into the room, he
stopped suddenly, eyed me admiringly and
cried:
20, mother yoa look Just a. pretty Is a
pictured"
"Then suit you. do I?' Ireplied smil-
ing down upon the young, radisnt face
looking into mine.
'Suit 1ne?" he rejoined, 20, don't your l
as my mothel"
"Have no faults. Paul?" said; II did
not think l was worthy such unqualified
recommendation"
swell, mother" he said in hesitatinR
way, while the warm blood flushed his
cheeks, "if you, only" again he paused,
afraid of giving pain.
go on, Paul." said encouragingly.
"Well, then, if you only would not get so
angry at me for every little thing, when
do not mean to do wrong IT. all, think
you'd be just the best mother that ever
vast"
Tear-blinded, stopped and kissed my
boy, inwardly resolving that would con-
troll my temper for his sake; alas, for re-
solves made in our poor human strength!
1t was early in the afternoon, and I was
not to 60 until evening but liked to dress
early, that might get sort OF wonted to my
clothing, not have the sensation, that was
made up at just the last minute.
'rhose waxballs are very pretty" said
Paul coming nearer to see them, "but
think pond-lilies would be prettier, there's
picture of lady at window down town,
and she has them on her hair, and don't
believe but l can get you some down to
Brier pond"
In his earnestness be had come close to
me; he had in hiS hand q small bottle oi
some dark-colored fluid: it slipped flon,
his fingers aud the next i"ssant muddy
stream was coursing down my skirt.
My disappointment and wounded vanity
wrought together, upon my hasty temper; l
seized him by the shoulders, shook him :,
and pushed him rud ,ly from the room.
20, mother! your dress is not spoiled
you will not have to stay from the party?"
mo l shall co." l replied petulantly,
but first my dress must be taken all of the
skirt; l shall wear it," but as thought of
all the trouble evolved, my anger blazed
afresh; dealt blow at his little hot cheek,
and cried:
"rhere! go along out of my sight; don't
much care if l never see you again, for
you're the plague of my life!'
20, mother!" the pleading look in those
brown eyes, what q haunting memory it
has been to me all these sad years since. I
met them as he stood before me in his in
nocent' youthful beauty; he turned slowly
from me- then hexrd his heavy footsteps
pass along the hall. 1 ran to the window
tor two minutes after the outer door closed,
repentance came. l saw him with his head
bowed sorrowly upon his breast; called,
paul, Paul, my boy. come backl" but he
bad passed beyond hearing.
With heavy heart called in nv dress.
maker and we began to refit the dress; but
all pride and pleasure in it was over. Nv
cruel anger stood between me and happi-
ness. In two hours it was ready, and was
again dressed for the entertainment.
My husband came home pronounced me
fa'ltless told Of the pride be should have
i'll presenting me to his friends, bnt no an
s"erlng emotion stirred my heart; mind /
was not mourning my sin but its conse-
9uences.
"Where is Paul?" inquired my husband:
che is usually at home before this time, Mill
cent"
He bad hardly ceased speaking, before a
domestic announced a gentlemen to see
him on business; I felt vague sense OF
lear; never could tell after it if thought
OF coming sorrow in any distinct form: I
Eeard his step ascending the stairs as il
weighted; he opened the door as if in the
presence OF some solemn scene. l said:
'Henry7"
'Mlllcenu" he answered, and drew me
upon his breast, "our boy; our dear little
PAUL." then he drew down the blinds, and
we sat in silence; it seemed a long time; at
last it was broken by the trampling of feet;
they paused before our door, measured steps
came through the hall; hand in hand We
went below, and there lay our boy. our lit
tie Pau, with his wet hair c,insinE about
bis face; he was dead, drowned! one hand
was closed over a pond-lily!
20, l not to 60 out so far" cried Henry
storer his choicest boy playmate; "but he
said it was such beauty, he must have it
for his mother!"
Alice need | tell you more, save that in
an old trunk, iron bound, keep that pale
blue silk, that took off from my sinful per.
son that dreadful night and trampled be.
Meath my feet in my bitter selfupbraidine
and remorse; since, through Christ, have
been enabled to trample out the cruel, unjust
anger from my heart that slew my boy, oul
little Paul! here, she added, drawing q smsll,
locket from her bosom. 1 wear this owe,
my heart; if ever feel any of the remains
Of pride or anger. stirring there, open il
and look upon that withered pond-lily.
20, Aunt Milicent, Aunt Milicent, 1 will
strive with Gods help to overcome thi.
sinful and passionate nature of mine; will
strive to be patient with my dear Gerty; my
he art overflows with gratitude to you fol
this sad, but I dare hope seasonable les.
son."
Death OF q Southern Congress-
man.
Colonel Thomas H. Herndoc, member
of congress from the First Alabama Dis