The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-12-25
" LITTLE ANNIE May

Poor littIs Annie! She had wandered for
hours through the busy city with that
plsintive question on her lips. She had
looked into all the strange faces that passed
her, and bad dropped her pretty shy
courtesy whenever she found one that she
th3ughs looked kinder than the rest. Her
fest were weary and her heart was heavy
with disappointment at her i'll luck. She
had sold but enc OF her little
punches, and her little fingers closed
tightly over the solitary coin. She thought,
with a swelling hears, not OF her own
hunger, though she had eaten nothing since
brea Sfast, when she saved half of her bread
Cor her lttis brother Willie. She thought
OF her poor, sick mother, stitching all the
bright spring day at those tiresome shirts,
for which she got so little money. IL was
this that made Annie stop and look tear
fully into the tempting shop windows. She
wondered for 8 long timS IL a nickel would
be enough to buy her mother any OF the
MICA things sne saw there.
Poor Anniel this was her first days ex.
perience. II had taken a great deal Of coax
ing TO get her mothers consent. She was
frightened at the thought OF going from
home alone. But Annie was full OF hope
and courage when she tied her worn straw
her arm. Her roses looked so fresh among
their green leaves, shs was sure somebody
would buy Thorn. Annie was a sweet lit lie
creature, delicate and fair. Her deep blus
eyes might have taken the hue of violet,
aud the curls that waved round her
shoulders were of rich, dark chest
nut. II seemed such @ pity that she
was not away in the country.
II was pitiful to sec such wistful. unshared
sorrow in any childish face The step on
which Annie rested belonged to a large,
hands oma house. As she sat there Annie
wondered il the people in the city were ale
ways in hurry. Then she thought OF her
disappointment, and tried to keep back her
tears. She had just made some resolutions
that were very brave for tired little girl,
when she was startled to her feet by the
opening Of the house door, and the sound of
quick. impatient step behind her. Annie
was too frightened TO run away. She saw
a stern looking gentleman carrying silver
headed cane.
won't you please buy soma roses9" The
last word died on her lips in culver Of ap-
prehension, the gentleman having frowned
and turned Sharply around. "Eh. child,
what do you think want with roses2 There,
go along! don't you see that you are in my
wayq"
Annie he'd not word TO say in defense.
She was going away, but he spoke again.
Don't you krow, child, thetit is s vsgranr
lifeE Your mother ought to teach you to do
something better"
Aunie's eyes tilled with tears.
My dear mother says my hands are too
little to work y replied Annie. - But think
sometimes that could do great deal IL |
.waS sure that could earn some money for
her and Brother Willie. We are all hungry
sometimes, ard mother Is so i'll that l am
afraid she will leave Us and 60 to heaven to
our dear papa"
The rich man looked at his watch; he had
an important engagement in toe city.
What i your name. little girl"
Annie May. sir" sne replied.
.tAnnie whst?' He looked at her with a
startled troubled face.
"Annie May" repeated the child.
"And where do you hive"
She named a street in an obscure part OF
the city and the man wrote IL hastily in
his pocket book.
Have you any reIationsw he asked. The
child hesitated as she replied. None that
know Of, except my mother and brother
Willie, and rich grandpapa. | don't think
! have seen my grandpapa, for he was angry
with our poor papa and has never loved US, "
''And, of course, you don't love himp'
said the old gentleman. ''Your mother will
have taught you not 60 do so.",
''No, sir; mother never taught anything
wicked" replied Annie. 'She says am to
love everybody, and always pray for
grandpepa."
The old gentleman was struggling with
emotion. He bowed his head without speak
ing, aud with trembling haste pressed some
money into her little hand, e much larger
sum than Annie had ever had before.
won't you take the roses, STRIP she asked,
bewildsred with joy.
"Not now. little one, +" said be; you may
keep them for me- / will send for them to-
mo row"
The old gentleman forgot his appoint
ment in the city, aud stood gazing after the
little girl until she was out OF sight. Happy
annie was no longer weary. but tiew along