Year: 1868

II must go now. sne Saio' opening
the door .but will come again soon
and make you comfortable and she
hurried to the nearest grocer and bought
a basketful o. provisions, and told him
to send in some kindlings and coal.


The little boys helped her build fire
in the stove, and when it blazed merriiy,
she put on the kettle and soon had re-
freshing cup Of tea for each invalid, and
q platter of smoking potatoes for the
children


"Where is Maria. do you know, my
little angel p asked the sick mother, as
she handed back the cup.


..Oh. yes, I know" she answered
cheerfully. Didn't say she would be
home early tomorrow Don't worry.
Better days are coming, I'll bring her
in the morning. Good by


1t was as though fairy had come and
vanished; kind hearted fairy, for be-
side the supply Of coal and wood, half
eagle Law in the sick fathers hand.


Murmuring to himself all the tender
adiectives in the French language, the
good hair dresser Immediately hastened
to the court room. The Judge was
friend of his too. She had been brought
in, the court having adjourned for half
an hour. He asked for q private inter-
view with the Judge AS soon as it was
granted, he told him all Maria distress,
J.. I'D of Ia
Theresa.


"Poor child good child!' said the
listener, wiping his glasses. "She must
go to prison. l suppose, but it shall be
to chamber in my own house. Go in
to court, and tell the same story over;
it will be better than lawyers plea"


He did so, and there was not dry
eve in the audience when he ceased
Even the baker hung his head and
seemed to muse. Before the breathless
silence had been broken, he looked up
and said to the Judge, 81 withdraw my
complaint; let her go with me and take
all she wants"


The spacious room rung with applause,
and while the enthusiasm was at its
height, thoughtful Old man went about
the crowd with his hat Peoples fingers
found their pocket books as if by intui-
ton, and when he poured the collection
into Maria's apron. she screamed with
Joy. No more hunger, no more cold,
no more nakedness that winter. They
were rich.


The baker took her home himself, and
told her at tue door not to worry about
the bread till spring, for his wagon would
leave them all they wanted every morn
ing. How lightly she bounded up the
stair case. It was like birds football,
a singing bird in time Of flowers.


Have you come, Maria ?" two voices
spoke at once.


Yes, mother, yes, father, and we are
rich-see !" and she emptied her apron
on the bed. How merrily the silver and
gold coin jingled! It was like the echo
of a harvest song, the distant summer
breeZes.


BLESS you my little sunbeam, bless
you my angel" And two hands were
laid upon her head, and tears and smiles
were strangely mixed together.


What does it mean, Theresa ?'' and
the mother looked wonderingly at her
beautiful little daughter as she came in
to the parlor in obedience to a message
brought by servant. Monsieur 3.
says you promised to see him to night"


II did, mamma. Did you bring your
scissors, sir?' And she carried foot
stool to the sofa. upon which he sat, and
quietly nestled to his feet


Yes, my dear, seer' and he took
from his pocket shining pair


Theresa, what means this 2" the
mother spoke sternly.


Il have sold my hair to him, mamma,
and he has come to cut it off"


''Sold your haircut it off! Were
you crazy? Are you in earnest2" And
she gathered her to her side, and laid
her hand protectingly over the precious
curls.


ell nef now 1t was, sir. She wont
be angry then. Please, sir, tell her"


He did SO. And when it was finished
she covered her face with kisses. and
said in . broken voice:


'sOf such is the kingdom of heaven"


A single ringlet was severed from the |
beautiful head that night-one long, soft,
golden curl, which the hair dresser car |
Tied home as reverently as though it had |
come from an angels wing. On the |
morrow he had il woven into a hearts !
ease, and the sunny, shining human flow
or EdS /: