Year: 1862

/, dead mother, and the loneliness, the pail
/. the sorrow that must be on all her con
D ing life.


The softuess Of his heart gave unwont
ed eloquence 10 his words,
J Mrs. Thompson did not answer, bu


presently turning toward the chambe
where her husband had deposited Mag
gle, and pushing open the door, wen
quietly in. Joe did not follow; he sav
that her state had changed, and felt tba
it would be best TO leave her alone will


the child. So he went'o his shop, which


stood near the house, ald worked unit


dusky evening released vim from labor


A light shining through he little cham


Der window was the first object that at


tracted Joe's attention on turning toward:


the house-it was a good amen. The


path led him by the window, and when
opposite, he could not help Stopping tc
look in. 1t was now dark enough out.
side to screen him from observation
Maggie lay, little raised on the pillow,
with the lamp shining full upon her face
Mrs. Thompson was sitting by the bed
talking to the child but her back was
toward the window, 50 that her counte-
nance was not seen From Maggie
face, therefore, Joe must read the charac-
ter of their intercourse. He saw that
her eyes were intently fixed upon his
wife; that now aud then few words
came, as if in answers, from her lips ;
that her expression was sad and tender !;
6ut be saw nothing of bitterness or pain.
A deep drawn breath was followed by
one Of relief, as a weight lifted itself from
his heart.


On entering, Joe did not go immedi-
ately to the little chamber HIS heavy
tread about the kitchen brought his wife
somewhat hurriedly from the room where
she had been with Maggie. Joe thought
it best not to refer 10 the child, nor to
manifest any concern in regard to her.


How soon will supper be ready he
asked.


Right soon, answered Mrs, Thomp-
son, bustling about. There was no as
perity in her voice.


After washing from his hands and face
the dust and soil Of work, Joe left the
kitchen and went to the little bedroom.
A pair of large bright eyes looked up at
him tenderly, gratefully, pleadingly.- -
How his heart swelled in his bosom
With what a quicker motion came the
heartbeats Joe sat down, and now for
the first time examining the thin face
under the lamplight, saw that it
was an attractive face, and full of child |
sh sweetness, which suffering had not
been able to obliterate.


Your name is Maggie 2 he said, as
he sat down aud took her soft little hand |
n his.


Yes, sir


Her voice struck a chord that quiyer-
ID in low strain of music.


Have you been sick long,


Yes, sir


What a sweet patience was in her
one!


Has the doctor been to see you !?


He used to come


But not lately?'


No, sir


Have you any pain?'


Sometimes, but not now.


When had you any pain"


This morning my side ached, and my
ack hurt when you carried me-.


1t hurts you to be lifted or moved
bout?'


Yes, sir


Your side doesn't ache now ?


No, sir.


Does it ache a great deal?'


Yes, sir ; but it hasn't ached any since
We been on this soft bed"


The soft bed feels good ?


'Oh, yes, sir--so good!'


What satisfaction mingled with graf
ude, was in her voice


Supper is ready said Mrs. Thomp-
on, looking into the room little while
fterward.
Joe glanced from his wife's face to
lat of Maggie; she understood him, and
nswered-
She can wait until we are done then
will bring her something to eat


There was an effort at indifference on =,
ie part of Mrs. Thompson; but her
lsband had seen her through the wiz p
wv, and understood that the coldness b
as assumed. Joe waited, after sitting i
,wn to the table, for his wife to intro
ice the subject uppermost in both their