The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-01-03


absence Of many months the vessel returneW
home, but the long expected husband did n 4
make his appearance The unhappy -
sought The captain who informed her thai
husband had been left behind, hopelessy n
and was now probably dead. She refused to
accept his death as certain, and resolved TO seek
him. Her efforts to find him were vain, and
hope deferred was making her heart sick and
Respondent when an epidemic broke out and
she fell an easy victim to it. Her slender
means were soon exhausted, and | found her
very nearly destitute. She has shelter and
good nursing i'll the hospital, but she continues
TO be so hopeless that fear she will never raj
ly" We reached the hospital as Sister Glare
ceased speaking, and she conducted me through
a long corridor into large, comfortable apart
ment. A fire burned on the hearth and before
it, on rug, knelt lovely little sprite.
can airy fairy, Lillian" Glare whispered,
touching the little cues golden hair, as she
passed on to the couch where was lying wan,
emaciated, but still beautiful woman.
"Ah. kind, dear sister, the only friend left
me- the lady exclaimed with quiverng lips.
Don't say so, Glare cried, bending down and
kissing her forehead. See, have brought
another friend-one who is fun OF sympathy
and eagerness to help and cheer YOU" A
silent grasp OF my hand and grateful look
from the sad brown eyes thanked me; and then
followed a burst Of passionate weeping.
NAY, nay" said Glare, bending tenderly
over the weeping woman. 'Do not despond.
More things are wrought 10y prayer than this
world dreams ASK and We shall receive.
Who knows? The plying Christ may yet
heal your bleeding heart, and restore your lost
and loved one TO you Her voice had fallen
to a whisper aud her eyes seemed "homes of
silent prayer Tie tears would not down at
my bidding as watched the Two, end turning
away l knelt beside the little tot Oh the rug
Childreus hearts arc easily won, and soon
Lillian and | were the best OF friends. AS /
sat with my arm around her the thought that
J. might make this Christmas merry one to
her, nj least came suddenly to me-
Seeing the mother had grown quiet again, I
led the little one to her side and said:
"Will you give Lillian to me for this even
ing?" She gave me q quick, startled look
that yielded, however, to one Of evident pleas
uTe, as ! continued: 81 shall only want her
for an hour or two. This is the childreus
night. and Lillian must share its pleasure.
u will take good care of her, and nil her
hands and heart with Christmas cheer"
She put the little ones hand in mine.
~ can safely trust my darling with you. dear
lady. | see it in your face, and in Sister
Clare SMILE" she said
Saying good.6y to the mother, I wrapned
the child an well as | could in its thread-bare
cloak, thinking reanwlilo OF a very COM
d IL, one | had stored away in lavender.
Tho little one who had once worn it was slcep-
ing soundly beneath the watching winter stars
and would need it never again. / stOpped at
home long enough TO enyelop lillian
IN SOIL, heeGey folds, then summoned
ward brilliantly Illuminated ,to'i"'q build
ing cleaning proudly in the distance
II was a truly benevolent inspiration which
had moved band Of large-hearted women to
90 into the by-ways and hedges Of our CITY
and gather together the humble little dwelIers
On "Poyerty's fat" for the purpose OF filling
their hearts with JOY on this the happy Christ
mas eve.
'Inasmuch as We have done it unto the least
Of one Of these, ye have done it unto me" nv
heart whispered as ] passed into the room al
ready crowded with bright faces Some were
with substantial tempting yiands, while
others laughed and chatted merrly beneath
the Christmas trees that held present for
each little one there
Lillian was wild with delight ooh, Teddy,
What booful tree" she cried 10 my bow. "ai1d