Year: 1861

10 MIN. nero was mist on his ewes when
she finished her paintivo story He walked
the floor moment as if firresolntc, then stop
ping before her. he took out his pockct-book.
handed her two half.eaglcs She put them
in her purse, and took off her hood


Not now my little angcn he said hnskily;
not now. | am too busy, Tomorrow will do as
we'll; or stay; will come this evening. Till
then do not mention it to any one. Go now on
your m,:sion. my Sister of Charity ard he
led her to the door


How quick her little feet few over the pave
ment She could hardly speak when she
had reached the bakers shop.


Two loaves, sir-large ones, too she gasp
ed, and threw down one of the gold pieces.


The man stared at her curiously. The col
or rose to her brow. but she said nothing and
hurried away with her warm fragrant bundle.


is it you. Marie? What kept yon so long
daughter? Quick break me crumb am
faint


Like IN angel the little stranger looF cd to
them as she gided in. her cheeks like apple
blossoms, and her hair falling over her should
ers like ripples of sunshine.


Marie cannot come home VET she said. in
n voice that was as sweet as 4 robins IN May
time. But she will return tomorrow per-
haps this evening She has sent me with the
bread. See the two nice loaves I've brought
YOU and she tore it in fragments. Tears
coursed down her face as she saw how ca
gerly they cutched them. She had never
dreamed of poverty like this; never known
how hungry folks may be. and live


! must 90 now she said, opening the door;
'but will come again soon and make you
comfortable,' and she hurried to the nearest
grocer and bought basket full of provisions
and engaged him to send in some kindings
and coal


The little boys helped her to build fire in
the coal stove, and when it biazed merrilv,
she put on the kettles and soon had re-
freshing cup of tea for each invalid, and IL
platter of smoking potatoes for the children.


'Where is Marie. do you konw, little angel"
asked the sick mother as she gave back the
cup. ...


o, yes, know she answered cheerfully.
Didn't say she would be home early to-mor-
row Don't worry. Better days are coming
Pll bring her in the morning. Goodbye


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


Murmuring to himself all the tender ad-
jectivcs in the french language. the good
hair. dresser Immediately FASTENED to the
courtroom. The Judge was a friend of his.
too, and he hoped to save the child from pris-
on. She had not yet been brought in. the
court having adjourned for half an hour. He
asked Tor Il private interview with the Judge.
AS soon as it was granted, he told him all
Mares distress, and the generous kindness
of little Theresa


Poor child good childn said his listener,
wiping his glasses. She must 60 to prison,
suppose but it shall be to chamber in my
own house Go into court. and tell the same
story over it will be better than a lawyers
plea


He did so, and there was not dry eye in
the audience when he ceased-Even the ba-
ker hung his head, and seemed to muse. Be-
fore the breathless silence had been broken,
he looked up and said to the Judge, i with
draw 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 hight,
a thoughtful old man went about the crowd
with his hat Peoples fingers found their
pocket-books as if by intuition, and when he
poured the collection into Marie'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 the door not to worry about bread till
spring. for his wagon would leave them all
they wanted every morning. How lightly
she bounded up the starcace. 1t was like Il
birds football, a singing birds in the time Of
flowers.


Have you cme, Mariev q 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 ecao Of u harvest song, the


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


n \ what does it mean, Theresa p
and the mother looked wonderingly at her
beautiful little daughter as she came into the
parlor in obedience to message brought by
a servant, Monsieur B says you prom sed to
see him tonight


4 did. mamma. Did yon bring your scis-
sofa, upon which he sat, and quickly mes.
tied at his feet.


sYes. my dear, seen and he took from
his pocket shining pair.


Theresa, what means this 2 the mother
spoke sternly.


4 have sold my hair to him, mamma, and
he is come t: cut it off,,


Sold your hair cut it off! Were you
crazy Are you IN earnentp And she
gathered her to her side, and laid her hand
protectingly over the precious curls.


Tell her how it was. sir. She won't be
angry, then. Please, sir, tell her.


He did SO Closer and closer to her heart
was the child drawn by the fearful mother,
as the narrator proceeded with his touching
story. And when it was finished she cover
ed her face with kisses, and said, in a broken
voice, of such is the kingdom of Heaven"


A single ringlet was severed from the bean-
tiful head that night-one long, soft, golden