The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1892-03-05
NUMBER EIGHTEEN.

her head assentingly. AS she did so
n"ticed tear fall from her eyes
was interested in this prisoner. for
she was far above the usual class of
criminals; for was at the time of which
write second wardress of one of the
county prisons. [ had noticed her su-
,snrlority to her fellow inmates. | con-
tess that had made her lot easier in
good many ways, so on this particular
occasion | needed her help to assert
clothes in the storeroom. When she had
finished her ironing we were soon en-
gagged at the easier task
We were by ourselves. and had not
neen five minutes in the room when sud-
renly my charge burst into fit of sob
nng. and to my surprise threw herself
INTO my arms.
Come, this will never do; what is the
matterT' said quietly. Suppose the
governor were to come in, what should
do3 You would get me into serious
trouble"
She, however, continued to clasp me
around the neck, giving vent to heart
breaking sobs
"You really must be quiet and tell me
the reason of this" said. with a little
Asperity.
Il will be quiet, madam" she said,
18th great effort; IL am very miserable
md unhappy"
OF course" answered as cheerfully
~ | could. ''all are miserable who come
re, except the hardened ones, but You
I'll soon be nome again. One Short
.1nth and you will be with your
lends.
But my child, madam, my dear little
~" she sobbed, he Is ILL., and If do
see HIM ere then ne may die, All
cry is for his mother. and cannot,
t | cannot get to him. What shall
Ga. Ny heart almost breaks to soothe
;., pains and troubles. What shall
- And she LAID her head on my shout
- with faint, despairing cry which
:. :ig my heart for had two bonnie
.!.uren at home and my heart went out
4 her
How do you know this?' | inquired
Wen her grief had subsidized
he lame woman who came IL yester-
- told lne 1T exercise. and that my
.s.rs only cry was for his mother
Well. | replied 'your friends will
s:se care Of HIM and Il month will soon
-; take courage. And kissed her.
a. was a woman. If a war'tress, and apt
=, harden my he&rt 1T times.
But none can take his mothers place"
,vas all that she could say. then. clasp
~ me suddenly 10 her. she whispered
-t:yerly. but If you choose, you could
:clp me-.
What do you mean said.
In this way she said, L want TO be
4 home III three or four days.
Nonsense replied; Won are losing
v,Iur wits. get on with your work.
She obeye.l. bnt continued Il know
;'An get out If You will aid me q little
nd no one shall be the wiser. want
",u to p,st me letter only and before
ing shall be with my dear boy. clasp
.uy her hands and looking intensely at
re.
Now You must put such matters on
';reiy from you SURPRISING" said. to
amor her, Il do 40 you suggest and it
"as found out tho consequences would
- should lose my pension. which il
'nty q few years of, and | have two
-i;lldren to think Of and am a widow
She WAS quiet at this for a time and
I'd her work in n random way; then
Gddenly:
What an,ountfof money do you cal
slate would bring in interest equivalent
"a your pension
"A thousand pounds" said. smiling.
md believing that it would put such
sioughts away from her mind
She dropped the clothing sho held and
."zed my hands firmly. IF you were
- receive e.. 900 would you help mel
wear it by the love you bear your
.nlldren and as you hope for their vel
:,.rc."
oh, yes: I'll promise that, replied,
!" humor her. for thought she must be
4 little distracted with grief.
Remember. that Is solemn promise,
-tse said, and just upon 1t the bell rang
q, close work. and the prisoners bega1
I'd troop to their cells.
At the end Of another hour my duty
would DO over for the night, and after
-.~sing all tho inmates Of tho cells
.tsould transfer my keys to the night
rsrdress in charge and go home Whe1
came to No 1873, cell found he1
sinner. and putting her arms around
80 she embraced and kissed me. whis
y~ins. Good night. dear madam; 70
@smbes. and God will bless you
,.swed out and left her for the night
.oping that she had forgotten her ides
II the letter.
As lived outside l soon put ON m,
rat and cloak, which covered my prison
aniform, and left for the night, and wa
Ason ut home with my children.
Judge Of my establishment. after tax
ing Oh my cloak. when put my hand
into my dress pocket. to find an I'm