The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-04-13

above the swampy soil, in which the whole
hut threatened TO sink and vanish. In the
middle part there was dark, vaulted room,
and on the right-hand door might be read :
Sewing Needles & Yarn For Sale Here"
a narrow staircase, close by the door, led
to the garrett. The interior of the little
shop was in no way better than the outside.
A huge stove, bed, few chairs, wooden
table and chest Of drawers formed the
furniture, and these were old, black and
worn.
A little pile of thread on the chest of
drawers, and few small needles consti-
tuted the whole stock in trade. The store
was cold and the windows covered with
moisture; even the floor was wet and the
whole hut fearfully cold and damp.
AT the window sat an old woman knitting.
A child was asleep on the ledge of the big
stove. The woman was not over 40 but
misery and want had made her gray and
her face covered with wrinkles. She wore
wadded gown and had yellow handker-
chief around her head The child might be
years old. a sheepskin coat, intended TO
provide for rapid growth, reached down to
his feet, which were hidden in wooden
shoes. The old woman was whispering
prayers without interrupting her work.
The little boy blew into his chilled hands
and tried to attract the old woman's atten-
ton. At last he cried:
Mother, l am so coldH
You good for nothing! Breathe into
your hands, Andrew, and you will soon be
warm"
"Why don't you buy wood, motherP 1t is
no longer so dear. The sexton bought
whole wagon load yesterday for ruble."
Because, first, you must have the ruble.
just wait till the 1st of the month. Then
your brother will get money. Then Wen
be nice and warm here"
Two days longer, and to-day have had
no breakfast at ALL l am hungry, mother;
give me something to eat!''
Wait, child; at you will have dinner"
What will there be for dinner?"
What we always have. There is some
bread left and four cucumbers."
Every day the same thingp and the
poor boy began to cry. At that moment
some one Knocked very gently. The woman
rose to open the door and whispered to lit
tie Andrew as she passed him.
"Bshave nowl You know it is not nv
fault Quick! Dry your tears. Somebody
is cOmingr"
She drew the latch and opened the door.
On the threshold stood a young girl; her
pretty, sunburnt face had the color of
health, her features were pleasing and
cheerful, her hair light and her hands
showed that they were familiar with work.
She was wrapped in warm fur cloak, and
her feet were protected by comfortable boots
lined with fur. Der simple dress was utterly
lacking in elegance. and yet no one could
help noticing the natural grace which
showed in the whole presence of the girl,
especially in her large blue eyes, full of
gentleneSs and delicacy.
Miller of Millertown looked over the girls
shoulder into the room.
How are you, Helen, my angelo ex-
claimed the old woman; come here to me,
my child"
'Ah! Is it HelenP" cried the boy rejoic-
ing She surely brings something TO eat"
With these words he sprang up from his
bench and began to examine the girls pock-
cts. Now Miller also entered.
j." Dear neighbour" he said, "give me a
little black thread; you see my coat is in
great trouble; | have to sew again the
whole evening""
&" Directly, neighb0r."
She went to the drawers TO get the thread
In the meantime, little Andrew had found
paper with raisins in Helen's pocket
Shouting with joy be fell upon them, while
Helen laughed merrily.
Miller.
.'Tolersbly; thank you
=" Have you seen Nicholas recently?"
81 4 week ago. He never has time. On
the first of the month he brings me half of
his pay; he gives me that. Otherwise we
see him rarely He has no time. He earns
fifty rnbles month and gives us twenty
i've. Uuder such circumstances man has
to work hard
You have good son, Mrs Lima, have
you not?"
oh. sir; he is our Providence. What
could l, unfortunate woman, do without
nun lie denies himself OF everything to
provide for our wants, and / really do not
see how he manages to live and dress for %
rubles, for at the Ministry they expect them
always to be well dressed. Fortunately.
they have promised him promotion and an
advance in salary besides, as reward for
his exemplary conduct. They advanced
him months pay, so that we might be
able to buy warm clothes. But there [ am
talking toyou of our domestic affairs, that
cannot possibly interest any one, and least
of all you, dear neighbor."
:" On the contrary. You know how [ like
to come to see you, ana how often | come
down from my garnet to have a pleasant.
chat with you, especially when have the
good luck to meet this fair young lady
mere, whom admire so greatly, as | do all
her SEX"
You scapegraeeI' exclaimed the old
woman, and just then, noticing Andrew de-
vouring the raisins, she added "What are
you doing there? Surely you have taken
something again from Miss Heleni Are You
not ashamed to beg and at the same time TO
stealr "
but must eat something" replied the
boy, with cheeks stuffed full; "you never
give me anything"
Old Lima was very red with anger,
Are you not ashamed to say so, when
your brother Is working hard to give Won
your daily bread. But bread yon will not
eat. You want candy and sweets AS il
bread tha cf.,ff Of ifa