Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1888-03-24
The Littlc Man Conscience.


Every window of the parlor was wide
open, and although the sun, shining from
the cast, laid bright bands of golden light
across the carpet, yet the crisp, cold air OF
january sent y blasts along with the sun.
shine.
Christie was sweeping; not such short,
careless sweeps us less pronounced char
acter could he sa istied TO give, but clearly
strokes, that at once cleaned the carpet and
raised but little dust; in fact. Just as every
body knew c. rist:e woull work.
Christie WAS n curiosity TO the members
of TIE hou,el old; at once rs simple and as
light of heart as cLild, yet on occasion a
woman upon whose judgment they could
rely, true and brave TO great degree.
On tie particular day on which you are
looking Mt her through a strangers eyes.
she was in a quandarv; her mind contained
an unusual burden, for she was not sing
ing as usual, and her big gray eyes had a
look of trouble that was so intense that it
seemed TO bring suspicion of tears to
them.
Some of the family would Y that tears
and Christies eyes could never be seen to-
getLer, But more folks than she have many
sad moments MIXED i'll with the gay ones: for
life il made up of suns line aud shadows,
AID If he dark clouds never came over
head, we should rever know how bright
the san ca shine.
In n sort of unconscious way Christie
swept over and over figure of green and
gold that was worked into the carpet; then
she paused, and clasping both Lands over
the top of the boom, rested her chin upon
them, still thinking upon the bothers.
just then gentle knO k at the door, and
the tuning of tie handle. disclosed to view
the face of little Iacky, Christies especial
pet.
Can | come in, Chrstie?" he asked.
"Not when the cold il coming into the
windows at such a rate my darling"
But aren't you cold, Christie?"
"No, lit lie kid; my dress is thicker than
yours, AMI have silk handke chief over
my ears and pair of mitters upon my
hands. Whereas if You become too cold
you might turn into Il big icicle."
Jacky gradually disappeared behind the
door and Christie continued her work. She
was thinking Just as hard, but there had
come into her eyes more hopeful look, that
dispersed the mist of tears. Il know how
to set lie it; Jacky shall decide it for me. :"
So when the windows were closed and the
room had become warmer, she called the
boy, and, perchng him upon table, she
knelt beside him.
"Jacky, little man, do you know what a
Judge does?"
Hasn't he court, Christie? | think
papa said so to John last evening""
ayes, you are quite right. Now, this
room Is the court, you are the Judge and
am the prisoner. DO you understand"
Yes"
"And you are to pass sentence upon me?"
"Oh, But, Christie, you would not do
what told you unless you chose to, and 1
couldn't make you, you know"
"Yes, | will"
What is the matter, prisoner" asked
Jacky, with mock gnity.
Just this. | am invited to go to place
of amusement this evening, and"
"And won't mamma let you go?"
Il have not asked her yet"
swell, why don't your"
81 am not quite sure that it is right for
me to go; how shall find out?"
"Oh. Christie. don't you know? Papa
says that everybody big and little, has in
their head lit lie man, Conscience, that
can help them every time. You had better
ask him."
81 ought to know that without being told
by baby like you"
Ask the little man if it is ilht, and if
he docs not say yes very quickly, then he
means that you IN better not do it,"
That is istit, PEI"
And papa says to ask tie questions
quickly, and TO take his first answer, be-
cause he likes to 10 played with some
times, and then we 90 wrong"
81 thank you much, dam ng; you have
given me a lesson that shall never for
get. And hereafter | shall not need the
help of any enc except the little man,
Conscience, to show me what is best to do.
ladies Home JOHrRaI.