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293 Works of T S Arthur

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Who Are Happiest?

Story type: Literature

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“What troubles you, William?” said Mrs. Aiken, speaking in a tone of kind concern to her husband, who sat silent and moody, with his eyes now fixed upon the floor, and now following the forms of his plainly-clad children as they sported, full of health and spirits, about the room. It was evening, and Mr. […]

“Dick!” “Sir.” “I want a young mocking-bird. Can’t you get me one?” “I d’no, sir.” “Don’t you think you could try?” “I d’no, sir. P’r’aps I might.” “Well, see if you can’t. I’ll give you half a dollar for one.” “Will you? Then I’ll try.” And off Dick started for the woods, without stopping for […]

Man’s Judgment

Story type: Literature

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“I wouldn’t give much for his chance of heaven!” was the remark of a man, whose coarse, well-worn garments contrasted strongly with the dark, rich broadcloth of the person to whom he referred. In the tones of the individual who uttered this sentence was a clearly apparent satisfaction at the thought of his rich neighbour’s […]

What Five Dollars Paid

Story type: Literature

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Mr. Herriot was sitting in his office, one day, when a lad entered, and handed him a small slip of paper. It was a bill for five dollars, due to his shoemaker, a poor man who lived in the next square. “Tell Mr. Grant that I will settle this soon. It isn’t just convenient to-day.” […]

Look At T’other Side

Story type: Literature

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“I don’t like Mr. Monto at all,” said Mr. Jones. “Nor I,” replied Mrs. Mayberry. “Take him for better or worse,” added Mr. Lee, “and I think he is the strangest and most inconsistent man I ever saw.” “Inconsistent!” resumed Mr. Jones. “He is worse than inconsistent. Inconsistencies may be pardoned, as constitutional defects and […]

Thin Shoes

Story type: Literature

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“Why, Lizzy, dear!” exclaimed Uncle Thomas, to his pretty niece, Miss Walton, as she stepped upon the pavement from her mother’s dwelling, one morning in midwinter–“You are not going in this trim?” “In what trim?” said Lizzy, glancing first at her gloves, then upon her dress, and then placing her hand upon her neck and […]

The Unruly Member

Story type: Literature

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“In trouble again, I find! Ah, Flora! That restless little tongue of yours is a sad transgressor. Why will you not learn to be more careful? Why do you not place a guard upon your lips, as well as upon your actions?” “So I do, aunt, when I think myself in the company of tattlers […]

The Rich And The Poor

Story type: Literature

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A hot and sultry summer had passed away, and autumn was verging on toward its cooler months, with their long and quiet evenings. Occasionally a colder day than usual made a fire in the grate necessary and drew closer together the happy family of Mr. Barton in their evening circle. It was pleasant to all, […]

ROSA LEE was dressed in her bridal garments, and as she knelt in all the bloom of her maidenly beauty, angels must have rejoiced over her; for the spirit of the maiden was in a heaven of love, and she knelt in the fulness of her joy, to pour out her gratitude to the Heavenly […]

“WE shall certainly be very happy together!” said Louise to her aunt on the evening before her marriage, and her cheeks glowed with a deeper red, and her eyes shone with delight. When a bride says we, it may easily be guessed whom of all persons in the world she means thereby. “I do not […]

OH, sister, darling, though I smile, the tears are in my heart, And I will strive to keep them there, or hide them if they start; I know you’ve seen our mother’s glance ofttimes so full of woe, The grief-sob rises to the lips that bid her first-born go. It is not that she doubts […]

Marriage

Story type: Literature

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IN the truest sense of the word, woman was created to be man’s comforter, a joyous helpmate in hours of sunshine, a soother, when the clouds darken and the tempests howl around his head; then, indeed, we perceive the divinely beautiful arrangement which marriage enforces. Man in his wisdom, his rare mental endowments, is little […]

To An Absent Wife

Story type: Poetry

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‘TIS Morn:–the sea breeze seems to bring Joy, health, and freshness on its wing; Bright flowers, to me all strange and new, Are glittering in the early dew, And perfumes rise from every grove, As incense to the clouds that move Like spirits o’er yon welkin clear,– But I am sad–thou are not here! ‘Tis […]

The Young Housekeeper

Story type: Literature

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“I HOPE, Emily, that you don’t think I expect you to work–to spend the bright morning hours in the kitchen, when we commence keeping house,” said George Brenton to his young wife. This remark was made as he left the room, in reply to something which Emily had been saying relative to their projected plan […]

Love vs. Health

Story type: Literature

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ABOUT a mile from one of the Berkshire villages, and separated from it by the Housatonic, is one of the loveliest sites in all our old county. It is on an exhausted farm of rocky, irregular, grazing ground, with a meadow of rich alluvial soil. The river, which so nearly surrounds it as to make […]

LETTER I. MY DEAR LIZZIE, I have just received the pleasing intelligence of your marriage with one so worthy of your trust and affection. Of course, you are very happy; for there is no more perfect happiness for a young and loving woman than to centre her heart’s best feelings upon one being–to feel her […]

The Word Of Praise

Story type: Literature

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A LITTLE thing is a sunbeam–a very little thing. It streams through our casement, making the cheerful room still more cheerful; and yet so accustomed are we to its presence, that we notice it not, and heed not its exhilarating effect. But its absence would be quickly seen and felt. The unfortunate prisoner in his […]

BE gentle! for you little know How many trials rise; Although to thee they may be small, To her, of giant size. Be gentle! though perchance that lip May speak a murmuring tone, The heart may beat with kindness yet, And joy to be thine own. Be gentle! weary hours of pain ‘Tis woman’s lot […]

The Wife

Story type: Poetry

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BEHOLD, how fair of eye, and mild of mien Walks forth of marriage yonder gentle queen; What chaste sobriety whene’er she speaks, What glad content sits smiling on her cheeks, What plans of goodness in that bosom glow, What prudent care is throned upon her brow, What tender truth in all she does or says, […]

Man And Woman

Story type: Literature

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AN eloquent, true, and beautiful article from the pen of a woman and a wife (and no woman not a wife, do we believe fully competent to write on this subject), recently met our eyes in the pages of a periodical. Its title was “Conjugial Love.” The Latin word conjugial was used by the writer […]

A True Tale Of Life

Story type: Literature

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IN one of the New England States, the little church-bell in Chester village rung merrily in the clear morning air of a bright summer’s day. It was to call the people together, and they all obeyed its summons–for who among the aged, middle-aged, or the young, did not wish to fitness the marriage ceremonies of […]

Elma’s Mission

Story type: Literature

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“EVER, evermore!” repeated a young man, bending with a smile over the fair face that rested on his breast. “Yes! evermore!” softly breathed the smiling lips upon which he gazed, and. evermore shone from the melting, heavenly eyes. “And you believe all these bright fancies you have been telling me of, darling?” asked the young […]

PART I.–LOVE. A GLANCE–a thought–a blow– It stings him to the core. A question–will it lay him low? Or will time heal it o’er? He kindles at the name– He sits and thinks apart; Time blows and blows it to a flame, Burning within his heart. He loves it though it burns, And nurses it […]

A MERCHANT married a Fairy. He was so manly, so earnest, so energetic, and so loving, that her heart was constrained toward him, and she gave up her heritage in Fairyland to accept the lot of woman. They were married; they were happy; and the early months glided away like the vanishing pageantry of a […]

Lady Lucy’s Secret

Story type: Literature

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MR. FERRARS, who sat reading the morning paper, suddenly started with an exclamation of grief and astonishment that completely roused his absent-minded wife. “My dear Walter, what has happened?” she asked, with real anxiety. “A man a bankrupt, whom I thought as safe as the Bank of England! Though it is true, people talked about […]

Living Like A Lady

Story type: Literature

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MR. HAMILTON BURGESS was a man of limited means, but having married a beautiful and amiable woman, he resolved to spare no expense in surrounding her with comforts, and in supporting her, as he said, “like a lady.” “My dear Ammy,” said Mrs. Burgess, to her indulgent husband, about a year after their marriage–“My dear […]

A Word For Wives

Story type: Literature

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WHAT is it? A little pencil note, crumpled and worn, as if carried for a long time in one’s pocket. I found it in a box of precious things that Fanny’s mother had hoarded so choicely, because Fanny had been choice of them. I must read it, for everything of Fanny’s is dear to us […]

“HOME!” How that little word strikes upon the heart strings, awakening all the sweet memories that had slept in memory’s chamber! Our home was a “pearl of price” among homes; not for its architectural elegance–for it was only a four gabled, brown country house, shaded by two antediluvian oak trees; nor was its interior crowded […]

No jewelled Beauty is my Love, Yet in her earnest face There’s such a world of tenderness, She needs no other grace. Her smiles, and voice, around my life In light and music twine, And dear, oh very dear to me, Is this sweet Love of mine. Oh, joy! to know there’s one fond heart […]

WHILE Titans war with social Jove, My own sweet wife and I We make Elysium in our love, And let the world go by! Oh! never hearts beat half so light With crowned Queen or King! Oh! never world was half so bright As is our fairy ring, Dear love! Our hallowed fairy ring. Our […]

The Two Homes

Story type: Literature

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TWO men, on their way home, met at a street crossing, and then walked on together. They were neighbours, and friends. “This has been a very hard day,” said Mr. Freeman in a gloomy voice. “A very hard day,” echoed almost sepulchrally, Mr. Walcott. “Little or no cash coming in–payments Heavy–money scarce, and at ruinous […]

Only A Few Words

Story type: Literature

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MR. JAMES WINKLEMAN shut the door with a jar, as he left the house, and moved down the street, in the direction of his office, with a quick, firm step, and the air of a man slightly disturbed in mind. “Things are getting better fast,” said he, with a touch of irony in his voice, […]

Nellie

Story type: Literature

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THERE she sat, with both little hands covering her face. It was twilight, and beyond the little finger glanced a watchful eye towards the door, to see if Theodore would go. She didn’t think he would. He came back. “Is the little child crying?” he asked, relentingly, as he took the pretty fingers, one by […]

Fannie’s Bridal

Story type: Literature

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PART I. IT was to be a quiet wedding. Fannie would have it so; only his relations. She, poor thing, was an orphan, and only spirit-parents could hover around her on this great era of her life. The bride entered the large, sunny parlour, leaning upon the arm of her stately husband. Her white lace […]

OH! ask not a home in the mansions of pride, Where marble shines out in the pillars and walls; Though the roof be of gold, it is brilliantly cold, And joy may not be found in its torch-lighted halls. But seek for a bosom all honest and true, Where love once awakened will never depart; […]

IN his “Dream Life,” Ik Marvel thus pleasantly sketches the lover and the husband:– You grow unusually amiable and kind; you are earnest in your search of friends; you shake hands with your office boy, as if he were your second cousin. You joke cheerfully with the stout washerwoman; and give her a shilling overchange, […]

OUR married life had commenced, and this was HOME. As I opened my eyes in our new abode, the rays of the morning sun were penetrating the muslin curtains, the air was, fill with the fragrance of mignionette, and in the adjoining room I heard a loved voice warbling my favourite air. On the different […]

Domestic Happiness

Story type: Literature

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THERE are certain pairs of old-fashioned-looking pictures, in black frames generally, and most commonly glazed with greenish and crooked crown glass, to be occasionally met with in brokers’ shops, or more often, perhaps, on cottage walls, and sometimes in the dingy, smoky parlour of a village tavern or ale-house, which said pictures contain and exhibit […]

Trifles

Story type: Literature

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TRULY hath the poet said that, “Trifles swell the sum of human happiness and woe.” Our highest and holiest aspirations, our purest and warmest affections, are frequently called forth by what in itself may be deemed of trivial importance. The fragrant breath of a flower, the passing song of the merry milk-maid, a soothing word […]

THE following passages from the diary of a young English wife may be read with profit here. The lesson taught is well worth treasuring in the memory. May 1.–Just three months to-day since William and I were married. What a happy time it has been, and how quickly it has passed! I am determined to […]

“These summer wings Have borne me in my days of idle pleasure; I do discard them.” “And, Benedick, love on; I will requite thee, Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand.” WE have a young relative, about whom we are going to relate a little anecdote connected with insect history, which requires, however, a […]

“I allude to that false and contemptible kind of decision which we term obstinacy;–a stubbornness of temper which can assign no reasons but mere will, for a constancy which acts in the nature of dead weight, rather than strength-resembling less the reaction of a powerful spring, than the gravitation of a big stone.” FOSTER’S ESSAYS. […]

AND first, let us speak to the young husband, in the words of the author of that excellent little volume, “A Whisper to a Newly-Married Pair.” ‘Earnestly endeavour to obtain among your acquaintance the character of a good husband; and abhor that would-be wit, which I have sometimes seen practised among men of the world–a […]

A Lesson Of Patience

Story type: Literature

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I WAS very unhappy, from a variety of causes, definable and undefinable. My chambermaid had been cross for a week, and, by talking to my cook, had made her dissatisfied with her place. The mother of five little children, I felt that I had a weight of care and responsibility greater than I could support. […]

MR. LAWSON, the tailor, was considered a very good member of society. He was industrious, paid what he owed, was a kind husband and father and a pleasant and considerate neighbour. He was, moreover, attached to the church, and, by his brethren in the faith, considered a pious and good man. And, to say the […]

“Do you know of any poor body who does plain sewing?” asked Mrs. Lander of a neighbour upon whom she called for the particular purpose of making this inquiry. “I have a good deal of work that I want done, and I always like to give my plain sewing to people that need it.” “I […]

Taking Boarders

Story type: Literature

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CHAPTER I. A LADY, past the prime of life, sat thoughtful, as twilight fell duskily around her, in a room furnished with great elegance. That her thoughts were far from being pleasant, the sober, even sad expression of her countenance too clearly testified. She was dressed in deep mourning. A faint sigh parted her lips […]

The New Year’s Gift

Story type: Literature

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“JUST four weeks off,” said a little boy, striking his hands together, “and papa will be home!” “Yes, four weeks more, and we shall see dear father. It will be the happiest New Year’s day we ever had; won’t it, mother?” said the little boy’s sister, a bright smile playing over her face. “I hope […]

Jessie Hampton

Story type: Literature

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“WHAT are you doing here, miss?” The young girl thus addressed was sitting by a centre-table, upon which stood a lamp, in a handsomely furnished drawing-room. She laid aside the book she was reading, and, without making any reply, rose up quickly and retired. Two or three persons, members of the family, were present. All […]

Home At Last

Story type: Literature

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“WE’RE home at last, and I am so glad!” exclaimed a little girl, not over ten years of age, as she paused at twilight with her mother before a small and mean-looking house, one evening late in the month of November. The mother did not reply, but lifted the latch, when both passed in. There […]

“I DECLARE, if these preserves haven’t been working!” exclaimed Aunt Mary, as she opened a jar of choice quinces, and perceived that, since they were sealed up and carefully stored for the winter, fermentation had taken place. “And the peaches, too, as I live!” she added on examining another jar. “Run, Hannah, and bring me […]

Going Home

Story type: Literature

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“IT’S nearly a year, now, since I was home,” said Lucy Gray to her husband, “and so you must let me go for a few weeks.” They had been married some four or five years, and never had been separated, during that time, for twenty-four hours at a time. “I thought you called this your […]

Rights And Wrongs

Story type: Literature

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IT is a little singular–yet certainly true–that people who are very tenacious of their own rights, and prompt in maintaining them, usually have rather vague notions touching the rights of others. Like the too eager merchant, in securing their own, they are very apt to get a little more than belongs to them. Mrs. Barbara […]

The Humbled Pharisee

Story type: Literature

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“WHAT was that?” exclaimed Mrs. Andrews, to the lady who was seated next to her, as a single strain of music vibrated for a few moments on the atmosphere. “A violin, I suppose,” was answered. “A violin!” An expression almost of horror came into the countenance of Mrs. Andrews. “It can’t be possible.” It was […]

Both To Blame

Story type: Literature

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“OF course, both are to blame.” “Of course. You may always set that down as certain when you see two persons who have formerly been on good terms fall out with each other. For my part, I never take sides in these matters. I listen to what both have to say, and make due allowance […]

Romance And Reality

Story type: Literature

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“I MET with a most splendid girl last evening,” remarked to his friend a young man, whose fine, intellectual forehead, and clear bright eye, gave indications of more than ordinary mental endowments. “Who is she?” was the friend’s brief question. “Her name is Adelaide Merton. Have you ever seen her?” “No, but I have often […]

“WAS N’T that young Sanford?” asked Mrs. Larkin of her husband, as the two stood at a window of their dwelling one Sunday afternoon, noticing the passers by. The individual she alluded to was a young man who had ridden gaily along on a spirited horse. “Yes,” was the reply. “He rides past here almost […]

Not At Home

Story type: Literature

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JONAS BEBEE has one merit, if he possesses no other, and that is, the merit of being able to make himself completely at home with all his friends, male or female, high or low, rich or poor, under any and all circumstances. His good opinion of himself leaves no room for his imagination to conceive […]

The Two Husbands

Story type: Literature

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“Jane, how can you tolerate that dull, spiritless creature? I never sat by his side for five minutes, without getting sleepy.” “He does not seem so very dull to me, Cara,” replied her companion. “It is a true saying, that there never was a Jack without a Jill; but I could not have believed that […]

The Mother’s Promise

Story type: Literature

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A LADY, handsomely dressed, was about leaving her house to make a few calls, when a little boy ran out from the nursery, and clasping one of her gloved hands in both of his, looked up into her face with a glance of winning entreaty, saying, as he did so: “Mamma! dear mamma! Won’t you […]

The Fatal Error

Story type: Literature

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“CLINTON!” said Margaret Hubert, with a look of supreme contempt. Don’t speak of him to me, Lizzy. His very name is an offence to my ears!” and the lady’s whole manner became disturbed. “He will be at the ball to-night, of course, and will renew his attentions,” said the friend, in an earnest, yet quiet […]

Visiting As Neighbors

Story type: Literature

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“I see that the house next door has been taken,” remarked Mr. Leland to his wife, as they sat alone one pleasant summer evening. “Yes. The family moved in to-day,” returned Mrs. Leland. “Do you know their name?” “It is Halloran.” “Halloran, Halloran,” said Mr. Leland, musingly. “I wonder if it’s the same family that […]

Following The Fashions

Story type: Literature

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“WHAT is this?” asked Henry Grove of his sister Mary, lifting, as he spoke, a print from the centre-table. “A fashion plate,” was the quiet reply. “A fashion plate? What in the name of wonder, are you doing with a fashion plate?” “To see what the fashions are.” “And what then?” “To follow them, of […]

“FIFTY-FIVE cents a yard, I believe you said?” The customer was opening her purse. Now fifty cents a yard was the price of the goods, and so Mr. Levering had informed the lady. She misunderstood him, however. In the community, Mr. Levering had the reputation of being a conscientious, high-minded man. He knew that he […]

Helping The Poor

Story type: Literature

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“I’M on a begging expedition,” said Mr. Jonas, as he came bustling into the counting-room of a fellow merchant named Prescott. “And, as you are a benevolent man, I hope to get at least five dollars here in aid of a family in extremely indigent circumstances. My wife heard of them yesterday; and the little […]

“JOHN THOMAS!” Mr. Belknap spoke in a firm, rather authoritative voice. It was evident that he anticipated some reluctance on the boy’s part, and therefore, assumed, in the outset, a very decided manner. John Thomas, a lad between twelve and thirteen years of age, was seated on the doorstep, reading. A slight movement of the […]

Making A Sensation

Story type: Literature

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“Do you intend going to Mrs. Walshingham’s party, next week, Caroline?” asked Miss Melvina Fenton of her friend Caroline Gay. “It is said that it will be a splendid affair.” “I have not made up my mind, Melvina.” “O you’ll go of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” “I am much inclined to […]

Common People

Story type: Literature

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“ARE you going to call upon Mrs. Clayton and her daughters, Mrs. Marygold?” asked a neighbor, alluding to a family that had just moved into Sycamore Row. “No, indeed, Mrs. Lemmington, that I am not. I don’t visit everybody.” “I thought the Claytons were a very respectable family,” remarked Mrs. Lemmington. “Respectable! Everybody is getting […]

Something For A Cold

Story type: Literature

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“Henry,” said Mr. Green to his little son Henry, a lad in his eighth year, “I want you to go to the store for me.” Mr. Green was a working-man, who lived in a comfortable cottage, which he had built from money earned from honest industry. He was, moreover, a sober, kind-hearted man, well liked […]

Very Poor

Story type: Literature

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“WHAT has become of the Wightmans?” I asked of my old friend Payson. I had returned to my native place after an absence of several years. Payson looked grave. “Nothing wrong with them, I hope. Wightman was a clever man, and he had a pleasant family.” My friend shook his head ominously. “He was doing […]

Jenny Lawson

Story type: Literature

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CHAPTER I. MARK CLIFFORD had come up from New York to spend a few weeks with his maternal grandfather, Mr. Lofton, who lived almost alone on his beautiful estate a few miles from the Hudson, amid the rich valleys of Orange county. Mr. Lofton belonged to one of the oldest families in the country, and […]

DAY after day I worked at my life-task, and worked in an earnest spirit. Not much did I seem to accomplish; yet the little that was done had on it the impress of good. Still, I was dissatisfied, because my gifts were less dazzling than those of which many around me could boast. When I […]

The Book Of Memory

Story type: Literature

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CHAPTER I. “THERE is a book of record in your mind, Edwin,” said an old man to his young friend, “a book of record, in which every act of your life is noted down. Each morning a blank page is turned, on which the day’s history is written in lines that cannot be effaced. This […]

The Thankless Office

Story type: Literature

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“AN object of real charity,” said Andrew Lyon to his wife, as a poor woman withdrew from the room in which they were seated. “If ever there was a worthy object, she is one,” returned Mrs. Lyon. “A widow, with health so feeble that even ordinary exertion is too much for her; yet obliged to […]

“I AM hopeless!” said the young man, in a voice that was painfully desponding. “Utterly hopeless! Heaven knows I have tried hard to get employment! But no one has need of my service. The pittance doled out by your father, and which comes with a sense of humiliation that is absolutely heart-crushing, is scarcely sufficient […]

“I SUPPOSE you will all be off to Saratoga, in a week or two,” said Uncle Joseph Garland to his three nieces, as he sat chatting with them and their mother, one hot day, about the first of July. “We’re not going to Saratoga this year,” replied Emily, the eldest, with a toss of her […]

Not Great, But Happy

Story type: Literature

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How pure and sweet is the love of young hearts! How little does it contain of earth–how much of heaven! No selfish passions mar its beauty. Its tenderness, its pathos, its devotion, who does not remember, even when the sere leaves of autumn are rustling beneath his feet? How little does it regard the cold […]

Good-Hearted People

Story type: Literature

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THERE are two classes in the world: one acts from impulse, and the other from reason; one consults the heart, and the other the head. Persons belonging to the former class are very much liked by the majority of those who come in contact with them: while those of the latter class make many enemies […]

The Married Sisters

Story type: Literature

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“COME, William, a single day, out of three hundred and sixty-five, is not much,” “True, Henry Thorne. Nor is the single drop of water, that first finds its way through the dyke, much; and yet, the first drop but makes room for a small stream to follow, and then comes a flood. No, no, Henry, […]

Slow And Sure

Story type: Literature

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“YOU’D better take the whole case. These goods will sell as fast as they can be measured off.” The young man to whom this was said by the polite and active partner in a certain jobbing house in Philadelphia, shook his head and replied firmly– “No, Mr. Johnson. Three pieces are enough for my sales. […]

The School Girl

Story type: Literature

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“WHERE now?” said Frederick Williams to his friend Charles Lawson, on entering his own office and finding the latter, carpet-bag in hand, awaiting his arrival. “Off for a day or two on a little business affair,” replied Lawson. “Business! What have you to do with business?” “Not ordinary, vulgar business,” returned Lawson with a slight […]

Don’t Mention It

Story type: Literature

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“DON’T mention it again for your life.” “No, of course not. The least said about such things the better.” “Don’t for the world. I have told you in perfect confidence, and you are the only one to whom I have breathed it. I wouldn’t have it get out for any consideration.” “Give yourself no uneasiness. […]

Unredeemed Pledges

Story type: Literature

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TWO men were walking along a public thoroughfare in New York. One of them was a young merchant–the other a man past the prime of life, and belonging to the community of Friends. They were in conversation, and the manner of the former, earnest and emphatic, was in marked contrast with the quiet and thoughtful […]

The Heiress

Story type: Literature

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KATE DARLINGTON was a belle and a beauty; and had, as might be supposed, not a few admirers. Some were attracted by her person; some by her winning manners, and not a few by the wealth of her family. But though sweet Kate was both a belle and a beauty, she was a shrewd, clear-seeing […]

Number Twelve

Story type: Literature

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WHEN I was a young man, working at my trade as a mason, I met with a severe injury by falling from a scaffolding placed at a height of forty feet from the ground. There I remained, stunned and bleeding, on the rubbish, until my companions, by attempting to remove me, restored me to consciousness. […]

Arthur Leland

Story type: Literature

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ARTHUR LELAND was a young lawyer of some twenty-seven years of age. His office stood a stone’s throw from the court-house, in a thriving town in the West. Arthur had taken a full course in a Northern college, both in the collegiate and law department, and with some honour. During his course he had managed […]

The Scarlet Poppy

Story type: Literature

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ONE warm morning in June, just as the sun returned from his long but rapid journey to the distant east, and sailed majestically up through the clear blue sky, the many bright flowers of one of the prettiest little parterres in the world, who had opened their eyes–those bright flowers–to smile at the sunbeams which […]

The White Dove

Story type: Literature

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THE little Lina opened her eyes upon this world in the arms of her father, the good Gotleib. He kissed the child with a holy joy: “For,” said he, “now is a thought of God fixed in an eternal form;” and he felt that a Divine love flowed into this work of the great God–this […]

Hester

Story type: Poetry

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WHILE Hester lived, the day was bright With something more than common light– ‘Twas the moon’s difference to the night. As summer sun and summer shower Revive the tree, the herb, and flower, Hers was the gift of warmth and power. She was not what the world calls wise; Yet, the mute language of her […]

The Little Children

Story type: Literature

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IT was Sabbath morning. Soft and silvery, like stray notes from the quivering chords of an archangel’s harp, floated the clear, sweet voice of the church-bells through the hushed heart of the great metropolis, while old men and little children–youth in its hope, and manhood in its pride–came forth at their summons, setting a mighty […]

What Is Noble?

Story type: Poetry

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WHAT is noble? to inherit Wealth, estate, and proud degree? There must be some other merit, Higher yet than these for me. Something greater far must enter Into life’s majestic span; Fitted to create and centre True nobility in man! What is noble? ’tis the finer Portion of our mind and heart: Linked to something […]

Thistle-Down

Story type: Literature

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THERE is no time like these clear September nights, after sunset, for a revery. If it is a calm evening, and an intense light fills the sky, and glorifies it, and you sit where you can see the new moon, with the magnificent evening star beneath it, you must be a stupid affair, indeed, if […]

"Be Strong"

Story type: Poetry

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IN the flush, and the rush, and the crush of Life’s battle, When the stern blow of Right dashes loud on steeled Wrong, Half-drowning the voice of the babe’s holy prattle, Remember the watchword–the motto–“Be strong!” When the clouds of the past gather brooding above thee, And gloam o’er thy pillow the aching night long, […]

Baby Is Dead

Story type: Essay

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“BABY is dead!” How many hearts have throbbed with anguish, and eyes overflowed with tears at the utterance of these thrilling words! A tender bud is intrusted to a rejoicing family. Very precious does it become to them. With what ecstatic joy do they note the first dawn of intelligence as it beams from the […]

I AM thinking how, one April eve, Upon the old arm-chair I sat, and how I fondly played With this brown lock of hair; Your head was pillowed on my breast, Your eyes were fixed on mine, I knew your heart was all my own, I know my own was thine. The balmy breath of […]

THERE are few whose idea of happiness does not include peace as essential. Most men have been so tempest-tossed, and not comforted, that they long for a closing of all excitements at last in peace. Hence the images of the haven receiving the shattered bark, of the rural vale remote from the noise of towns, […]

The Anemone Hepatica

Story type: Literature

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TWO friends were walking together beside a picturesque mill-stream. While they walked, they talked of mortal life, its meaning and its end; and, as is almost inevitable with such themes, the current of their thoughts gradually lost its cheerful flow. “This is a miserable world,” said one; “the black shroud of sorrow overhangs everything here.” […]

September 15th, eight o’clock.–This morning, while I was arranging my books, Mother Genevieve came in, and brought me the basket of fruit I buy of her every Sunday. For nearly twenty years that I have lived in this quarter, I have dealt in her little fruit-shop. Perhaps I should be better served elsewhere, but Mother […]

WHO has not observed in passing through the crowded streets of our city, how great, comparatively, is the number of those, who are more or less deformed? My heart aches for these poor unfortunates, who are deprived of some of the legitimate avenues of enjoyment which God has so bounteously vouchsafed to me. Here is […]

The light of her young life went out, As sinks behind the hill The glory of a setting star; Clear, suddenly, and still. –WHITTIER. YOU ask me to tell you of her, the sweet friend we have loved and lost. You impose on me a difficult task; I find it so harrowing to my feelings, […]

EACH owns some secret law;–the flowers that flourish Bloom in their season, in their season die; Dews flow beneath, their feeble strength to nourish, The wind, Earth’s angels, life’s sweet breath supply. As in the wondrous world of faultless Nature, So in the moral universe of man, Given for the spirit’s every form and feature, […]

The Neglected One

Story type: Literature

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“I never was a favourite; My mother never smiled On me with half the tenderness That blessed her fairer child.” “CHRISTINE, do be obliging for once, and sew this button on my glove, won’t you?” cried Ann Lambert, impatiently, throwing a white kid glove in her sister’s lap. “I am in such a flurry! I […]

TWILIGHT.–The dewy morning of childhood has passed, and the noon of youth has gone, and the gloom of twilight is gathering over my spirit. Alas! alas! how my heart sinks in a wan despair! One by one my hopes have died out, have faded like the gleams of sunshine that have just vanished beneath the […]

TIME and Patience! These are Angels By our Heavenly Father sent; Whispering to our restless spirits, “Cease to murmur–be content; God, who is thy truest friend, Doth our aid in trials send. When thy weary spirit faileth, ‘Neath the weary cross it bears, God is not unmindful of thee– He is listening to thy prayers; […]

BESIDE the toilsome way, Lowly and sad, by fruits and flowers unblest, Which my lone feet tread sadly, day by day, Longing in vain for rest, An angel softly walks, With pale, sweet face, and eyes cast meekly down, The while from withered leaves and flowerless stalks She weaves my fitting crown. A sweet and […]

IT was a golden sunset, which was fondly gazed upon by an old man on whose broad brow the history of seventy winters had been written. He sat in the wide porch of a large old-fashioned house: his look was calm and clear, though years had quelled the fire of his eagle glance; his silver […]

WHAT! can this be true in this dark world of ours, where the thick clouds of sorrow, disappointed hopes, and bereavements are continually hanging over us, obscuring even the bright star of hope; where upon every passing breeze is borne deep wailings of woe, bitter sighs ascending from bruised and broken hearts mourning over lost […]

Water

Story type: Literature

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GOD is the author of all our blessings. There is no truth, perhaps, to which we are more ready to give our assent than this; and yet, a great many people seem to act as if they did not believe it, or, at least, as if they were prone to forget it. A traveller stopped […]

WOULDST thou be beautiful? Ah, then, be pure! be pure! An angel’s face Is the transparent mirror of her soul. If ghastly guilt on fairest brows you trace, Then do you hear the knell of beauty toll. Let Purity her seal on thee impress, And thine shall be angelic loveliness. The pure are beautiful. Wouldst […]

The Dead Child

Story type: Essay

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“Though our tears fell fast and faster, Yet we would not call her back; We are glad her feet no longer Tread life’s rough and thorny track. We are glad our Heavenly Father Took her while her heart was pure; We are glad He did not leave her, All life’s troubles to endure. We are […]

How quietly she lies! Closed are the lustrous eyes, Whose fringed lids, so meek, Rest on the placid cheek; While, round the forehead fair, Twines the light golden hair, Clinging with wondrous grace Unto the cherub face. Tread softly near her, dear ones! Let her sleep,– I would not have my darling wake to weep. […]

IT is a trite saying, and an unique one, that there is “a skeleton in every house.” That every form however erect, that every face however smiling, covers some secret malady of mind that no physician can cure. This may be true, and undoubtedly is; but we contend that, as everything has its opposite, there […]

Annie

Story type: Poetry

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THE grave is Heaven’s gate, they say; And when dear Annie passed away, One calm June morning, I saw upon the heavenly stairs, A band of angels, unawares, Her path adorning. The grave is Heaven’s gate, they say; And when dear Annie passed away, A music flowing Filled my sad soul with love and light, […]

IT is observable that the trivial services of social life are best performed, and the lesser particles of domestic happiness are most skilfully organized, by the deepest and the fairest heart. It is an error to suppose that homely minds are the best administrators of small duties. Who does not know how wretched a contradiction […]

A Hymn Of Praise

Story type: Poetry

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I BLESS Thee for the sunshine on the hills, For Heaven’s own dewdrops in the vales below, For rain, the parent cloud alike distils, On the fond bridegroom’s joy–the mourner’s woe! And for the viewless wind, that gently blows Where’er it listeth, over field and flood, Whence coming, whither going, no man knows, Yet moved […]

The Darkened Pathway

Story type: Literature

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“TO some the sky is always bright, while to others it is never free from clouds. There is to me a mystery in this–something that looks like a partial Providence–for those who grope sadly through life in darkened paths are, so far as human judgment can determine, often purer and less selfish than those who […]

O, IT is life! departed days Fling back their brightness while I gaze– ‘Tis Emma’s self–this brow so fair, Half-curtained in this glossy hair, These eyes, the very home of love, The dark thin arches traced above, These red-ripe lips that almost speak, The fainter blush of this pure cheek, The rose and lily’s beauteous […]

Aunt Rachel

Story type: Literature

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WE remember as it were yesterday the first time we saw her, though it was a brief glance, and she was so quickly forgotten that most of us had passed into the supper-room and the rest had reached the door, heedless of the stranger, when one of our party, perhaps more thoughtful than the others, […]

NOT to the man of dollars, Not to the man of deeds, Not to the man of cunning, Not to the man of creeds, Not to the one whose passion Is for a world’s renown, Not in a form of fashion, Cometh a blessing down. Not unto land’s expansion, Not to the miser’s chest, Not […]

DWELL’ST thou with thine own people? are the joys, The hopes, the blessings of “sweet home” thine own? “The Word is nigh thee;” hear the sacred voice! At morn, bow with thy loved ones round the throne; At noon-tide read and pray; and in the hour When evening’s shades close round thee, let the truth […]

The Old Village Church

Story type: Literature

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TWENTY years! Yes, twenty years had intervened since I left the pleasant village of Brookdale, and not once during all this period had I visited the dear old spot that was held more and more sacred by memory. hundred times had I purposed to do so, yet not until the lapse of twenty years was […]

Do They Miss Me?

Story type: Poetry

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Do they miss me at home? Do they miss me? ‘Twould be an assurance most dear, To know at this moment some loved one Was saying, “I wish he was here!” To feel that the group at the fireside Were thinking of me as I roam! Oh, yes! ‘twould be joy beyond measure, To know […]

Speak Kindly

Story type: Poetry

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SPEAK kindly, speak kindly! ye know not the power Of a kind and gentle word, As its tones in a sad and weary hour By the trouble heart are heard. Ye know not how often it falls to bless The stranger in his weariness; How many a blessing is round thee thrown By the magic […]

Have Patience

Story type: Literature

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IT was Saturday evening, about eight o clock. Mary Gray had finished mangling, and had sent home the last basket of clothes. She had swept up her little room, stirred the fire, and placed upon it a saucepan of water. She had brought out the bag of oatmeal, a basin, and a spoon, and laid […]

HOW much comprised in the simple word, kindness! One kind word, or even one mild look, will oftentimes dispel thick gathering gloom from the countenance of an affectionate husband, or wife. When the temper is tried by some inconvenience or trifling vexation, and marks of displeasure are depicted upon the countenances and perhaps, too, that […]

The Son Of My Friend

Story type: Literature

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“I’VE been thinking,” said I, speaking to my husband, who stood drawing on his gloves. “Have you?” he answered; “then give me the benefit of your thoughts.” “That we shall have to give a party. You know we’ve accepted a number of invitations this winter, and it’s but right that we should contribute our share […]

The Father’s Dream

Story type: Literature

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WHEN Mr. William Bancroft, after much reflection, determined upon matrimony, he was receiving, as a clerk, the moderate salary of four hundred dollars, and there was no immediate prospect of any increase. He had already waited over three years, in the hope that one or two hundred dollars per annum would be added to his […]

“SAVING? Don’t talk to me about saving!” said one journeyman mechanic to another. “What can a man with a wife and three children save out of eight dollars a week?” “Not much, certainly,” was replied. “But still, if he is careful, he may save a little.” “Precious little!” briefly returned the other, with something like […]

The Poor Debtor

Story type: Literature

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“THERE is one honest man in the world, I am happy to say,” remarked a rich merchant, named Petron, to a friend who happened to call in upon him. “Is there, indeed! I am glad to find you have made a discovery of the fact. Who is the individual entitled to the honourable distinction?” “You […]

The Sunday Christian

Story type: Literature

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TWO things are required to make a Christian–piety and charity. The first has relation to worship, and in the last all social duties are involved. Of the great importance of charity in the Christian character, some idea may be gained by the pointed question asked by an apostle–“If you love not your brother whom you […]

Just Going To Do It

Story type: Literature

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EVERY man has some little defect of character, some easily-besetting sin that is always overtaking him, unless he be ever on the alert. My friend, Paul Burgess, was a man of considerable force of mind; whatever he undertook was carried through with much energy of purpose. But his leading defect was a tendency to inertia […]

Making Haste To Be Rich

Story type: Literature

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“CENT to cent, shilling to shilling, and dollar to dollar, slowly and steadily, like the progress of a mole in the earth! That may suit some, but it will never do for Sidney Lawrence. There is a quicker road to fortune than that, and I am the man to walk in it. ‘Enterprise’ is the […]

JACOB JONES was clerk in a commission store at a salary of five hundred dollars a year. He was just twenty-two, and had been receiving his salary for two years. Jacob had no one to care for but himself; but, somehow or other, it happened that he did not lay up any money, but, instead, […]

IT happened sometime within the last ten or fifteen years, that, in my way through this troublesome world, I became captivated with the idea of starting a newspaper. That I had some talent for scribbling, I was vain enough to believe, and my estimate of the ability I possessed was sufficiently high to induce me […]

“Do not go out to-night, Amanda. The pavements are damp, and the air is loaded with vapour.” “Indeed, ma, I must go.” “Amanda, there is no necessity for your attending this party; and very urgent reasons why you should stay at home. Your cough is still troublesome, and a little exposure might give it permanency. […]

I Knew How It Would Be

Story type: Literature

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“HE’LL never succeed!” was the remark of Mr. Hueston, on reference being made to a young man named Eldridge, who had recently commenced business. “Why not?” was asked. “He’s begun wrong.” “In what way?” “His connection is bad.” “With Dalton?” “Yes. Dalton is either a knave or a fool. The former, I believe; but in […]

Taking It For Granted

Story type: Literature

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MR. EVERTON was the editor and publisher of the—-Journal, and, like too many occupying his position, was not on the best terms in the world with certain of his contemporaries of the same city. One morning, on opening the paper from a rival office, he found an article therein, which appeared as a communication, that […]

Let Her Pout It Out

Story type: Literature

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I HOPE there is no coolness between you and Maria,” said Mrs. Appleton to her young friend, Louisa Graham, one evening at a social party. “I have not seen you together once to-night; and just now she passed without speaking, or even looking at you.” “Oh, as to that,” replied Louisa, tossing her head with […]

MY friend Peyton was what is called a “fine, generous fellow.” He valued money only as a means of obtaining what he desired, and was always ready to spend it with an acquaintance for mutual gratification. Of course, he was a general favourite. Every one spoke well of him, and few hesitated to give his […]

Emma’s aunt had given her a sixpence, and now the question was, what should she buy with it? “I’ll you what I will do, mother,” she said, changing her mind for the tenth time. “Well, dear, what have you determined upon now?” “I’ll save my sixpence until I get a good many more, and then […]

A Day In The Woods

Story type: Literature

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“School!” said Richard White, to himself; “School! I don’t want to go to school. Why am I sent to school every day? What good is there in learning grammar, and arithmetic, and geography, and all them things? I don’t like school, and I never did.” “Dick!” called out a voice; and the lad, who had […]

Temptation Resisted

Story type: Literature

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Charles Murray left home, with his books in his satchel, for school. Before starting, he kissed his little sister, and patted Juno on the head, and as he went singing away, he felt as happy as any little boy could wish to feel. Charles was a good-tempered lad, but he had the fault common to […]

Evening Prayer

Story type: Poetry

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Heavenly Father! Through the day, Have we wandered from thy way? Have our thoughts to error turned? Has within us evil burned? Heavenly Father! Oh, remove Evil thoughts and evil love! Give us truth our minds to fill; Give us strength to do thy will. Often we are led astray From the true and righteous […]

What Shall We Build?

Story type: Literature

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Four children were playing on the sea-shore. They had gathered bright pebbles and beautiful shells, and written their names in the pure, white sand; but at last, tired of their sport, they were about going home, when one of them, as they came to a pile of stones, cried out: “Oh! let us build a […]

A Noble Act

Story type: Literature

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“What have you there, boys?” asked Captain Bland. “A ship,” replied one of the lads who were passing the captain’s neat cottage. “A ship! Let me see;” and the captain took the little vessel, and examined it with as much fondness as a child does a pretty toy. “Very fair, indeed; who made it?” “I […]

William Baker, and his brother Thomas and sister Ellen, were playing on the green lawn in front of their mother’s door, when a lad named Henry Green came along the road, and seeing the children enjoying themselves, opened the gate and came in. He was rather an ill-natured boy, and generally took more pleasure in […]

A Picture

Story type: Literature

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What have we here? That kind-looking old gentleman must have something for these children; his hand is in his pocket, and they are all gathering around him. I wonder who he is, and what he is going to give them? “He’s their uncle, may be.” “Or their grandfather.” “Or somebody else that is kind to […]

The Miner

Story type: Poetry

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Down where the daylight never comes Toileth the miner on; He sees not the golden morning break– He sees not the setting sun. Dimly his lamp in the dark vault burns, And he sits on the miner’s hard floor, Toiling, toiling, toiling on; Toiling for precious ore! The air is wet; for the dew and […]

Something Wrong

Story type: Literature

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What’s the matter here? There is something wrong. It is clear that the little boy in the picture is not receiving kind treatment at the hands of his sister. But what is she doing to him? Not pulling his ear, we hope. Something is wrong; what can it be? We must try and make it […]

The Mine

Story type: Literature

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There are three kingdoms in nature–the Mineral kingdom, the Vegetable kingdom, and the Animal kingdom–the former for the sake of the latter, and all for the sake of man. Without the Vegetable kingdom animals could not exist, and without the Mineral kingdom vegetables could not exist. It is also worthy of remark, that in all […]

I. Our tasks are all done, come away! come away! For a right merry time–for a Saturday play. See! the bright sun is shining right bravely on high; Make haste, or he’ll soon be half over the sky. Come! first with our sleds down the glassy hill side, And then on our skates o’er the […]

“Come, Rover!” said Harry, as he passed a fine old Newfoundland dog that lay on a mat at the door; “come, Rover! I am going down to the river to sail my boat, and I want you to go with me.” Rover opened his large eyes, and looked lazily at his little master. “Come! Rover! […]

How To Avoid A Quarrel

Story type: Literature

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“Here! lend me your knife, Bill; I’ve left mine in the house,” said Edgar Harris to his younger brother. He spoke in a rude voice, and his manner was imperative. “No, I won’t! Go and get your own knife,” replied William, in a tone quite as ungracious as that in which the request, or rather […]

I. The ground was all cover’d with snow one day, And two little sisters were busy at play, When a snow-bird was sitting close by on a tree, And merrily singing his chick-a-de-de, Chick-a-de-de, Chick-a-de-de, And merrily singing his chick-a-de-de. II. He had not been singing that tune very long, Ere Emily heard him, so […]

Yes, go, little butterfly, Fan the warm air With your soft silken pinions, So brilliant and fair; A poor, fluttering prisoner No longer you’ll be; There! Out of the window! You are free–you are free! Go, rest on the bosom Of some favorite flower; Go, sport in the sunlight Your brief little hour; For your […]

Old Ned

Story type: Literature

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Not many years ago, Farmer Jones had an old horse named “Ned,” who appeared to have almost as much sense as some people. Ned was a favorite with his master, who petted him as if he were a child instead of a dumb animal. The horse seemed to understand every word that the farmer said […]

“Father, I don’t like to go to school,” said Harry Williams, one morning. “I wish you would let me always stay at home. Charles Parker’s father don’t make him go to school.” Mr Williams took his little boy by the hand, and said kindly to him, “Come, my son, I want to show you something […]

Come, faint old man! and sit awhile Beside our cottage door; A cup of water from the spring, A loaf to bless the poor, We give with cheerful hearts, for God Hath given us of his store. Too feeble, thou, for daily toil, Too weak to earn thy bread– For th’ weight of many, many […]

The Use Of Flowers

Story type: Literature

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Just one moment longer, cousin Mary, I want to put this flower in your hair. Now doesn’t it look sweet, sister Aggy?” “Oh, yes! very sweet. And here is the dearest little bud I ever saw. I took it from the sweet-briar bush in the lane. Put that, too, in cousin Mary’s hair.” Little Florence, […]

THE ivy in a dungeon grew,Unfed by rain, uncheered by dew;Its pallid leaflets only drankCave-moistures foul, and odours dank. But through the dungeon-grating highThere fell a sunbeam from the sky;It slept upon the grateful floorIn silent gladness evermore. The ivy felt a tremor shootThrough all its fibres to the root;It felt the light, it saw […]

Rebecca

Story type: Poetry

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HER words were few, without pretenceTo tricks of courtly eloquence,But full of pure and simple thought,And with a guileless feeling fraught,And said in accents which conferredPoetic charm on household word. She needed not to speak, to beThe best loved of the company–She did her hands together pressWith such a child-like gracefulness;And such a sweet tranquillityUpon […]

A FIRE in winter, a flower in summer! If you can have a fine print or picture all the year round, so much the better; you will thus always have a bit of sunshine in your room, whether the sky be clear or not. But, above all, a flower in summer! Most people have yet […]

WE are to consider the facts and circumstances which confirm the doctrine that the Lord’s providence is at once universal and particular; and indeed that he leads us by a way unknown to ourselves. And who that has reflected upon his own life, or upon the life of others, or upon the current events of […]

“WHOSE sorrow is like unto my sorrow?” Such is the language of the stricken soul, such the outbreak of feeling, when affliction darkens the horizon of man’s sunny hopes, and dashes the full cup of blessings suddenly from the expectant lips. “Console me not; you have not felt this pang,” cries the spirit in agony, […]

Aunt Mary

Story type: Literature

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A LADY sat alone in her own apartment one clear evening, when the silver stars were out, and the moon shone pure as the spirit of peace upon the rebellious earth. How lovely was every outward thing! How beautiful is God’s creation! The window curtains were drawn close, and the only light in the cheerful […]

WHO says that life is a treadmill? You, merchant, when, after a weary day of measuring cotton-cloth or numbering flower barrels, bowing to customers or taking account of stock, you stumble homeward, thinking to yourself that the moon is a tolerable substitute for gas light, to prevent people from running against the posts–and then, by […]

How To Be Happy

Story type: Literature

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OLD Mr. Cleveland sat by his comfortable fireside one cold winter’s night. He was a widower, and lived alone on his plantation; that is to say, he was the only white person there; for of negroes, both field hands and house servants, he had enough and to spare. He was a queer old man, this […]

“My voice shall yet be heard in those halls!” said a young man, whom we will call James Abercrombie, to his friend Harvey Nelson, as the two walked slowly, arm in arm, through the beautiful grounds of the Capitol at Washington. “Your ambition rises,” Nelson replied, with a smile. “A seat in our State Legislature […]

The Last Penny

Story type: Literature

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Thomas Claire, a son of St. Crispin, was a clever sort of a man; though not very well off in the world. He was industrious, but, as his abilities were small, his reward was proportioned thereto. His skill went but little beyond half-soles, heel-taps, and patches. Those who, willing to encourage Thomas, ventured to order […]

A Vision Of Consolation

Story type: Literature

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THE tempest of grief which, for a time, had raged so wildly in the heart of Mrs. Freeland, exhausted by its own violence, sobbed itself away, and the stricken mother passed into the land of dreams. To the afflicted, sleep comes with a double blessing–rest is given to the wearied body and to the grieving […]

A Way To Be Happy

Story type: Literature

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I have fire-proof perennial enjoyments, called employments. RICHTER. “Always busy and always singing at your work; you are the happiest man I know.” This was said by the customer of an industrious hatter named Parker, as he entered his shop. “I should not call the world a very happy one, were I the happiest man […]

Fort Motte, Fort Granby, Fort Watson, the fort at Orangeburg, and every other post in South Carolina, except Charleston and Ninety-Six, had yielded successively to the American arms, under the command of Greene, Sumter, Marion, and Lee; and now General Greene turned all his energies to the reduction of Ninety-Six, giving orders at the same […]

The April Fool

Story type: Literature

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Nothing is so much enjoyed, by some men, as a practical joke; and the greater the annoyance they can occasion, the greater their delight. Of this class was Mr. Thomas Bunting, who resided in a village a few miles out of New York. Bunting kept a store for the sale of almost every article known […]

Bear And Forbear

Story type: Literature

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“DON’T talk to me in such a serious strain, Aunt Hannah. One would really think, from what you say, that James and I would quarrel before we were married a month.” “Not so soon as that, Maggy dear. Heaven grant that it may not come so soon as that! But, depend upon it, child, if […]

“TOM! Here!” said a father to his boy, speaking in tones of authority. The lad was at play. He looked toward his father, but did not leave his companions. “Do you hear me, sir?” spoke the father, more sternly than at first. With an unhappy face and reluctant step, the boy left his play and […]

The Step-Mother

Story type: Literature

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THERE are few positions in social life of greater trial and responsibility than that of a step-mother; and it too rarely happens that the woman who assumes this position, is fitted for the right discharge of its duties. In far too many cases, the widower is accepted as a husband because he has a home, […]

The Gentle Warning

Story type: Literature

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“Do not accept the offer, Florence,” said her friend Carlotti. A shade of disappointment went over the face of the fair girl, who had just communicated the pleasing fact that she had received an offer of marriage. “You cannot be happy as the wife of Herman Leland,” added Carlotti. “How little do you know this […]

The Young Mother

Story type: Literature

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[The following brief passage is from our story, “The Wife,” in the series “Maiden,” “Wife,” and “Mother.”] A NEW chord vibrated in Anna’s heart, and the music was sweeter far in her spirit’s ear, than any before heard. She was changed. Suddenly she felt that she was a new creature. Her breast was filled with […]

The Social Serpent

Story type: Literature

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A LADY, whom we will call Mrs. Harding, touched with the destitute condition of a poor, sick widow, who had three small children, determined, from an impulse of true humanity, to awaken, if possible, in the minds of some friends and neighbours, an interest in her favour. She made a few calls, one morning, with […]

The Good Match

Story type: Literature

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“MY heart is now at rest,” remarked Mrs. Presstman to her sister, Mrs. Markland. “Florence has done so well. The match is such a good one.” Mrs. Presstman spoke with animation, but her sister’s countenance remained rather grave. “Mr. Barker is worth at least eighty thousand dollars,” resumed Mrs. Presstman. “And my husband says, that […]

"My Fortune’s Made"

Story type: Literature

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My young friend, Cora Lee, was a gay, dashing girl, fond of dress, and looking always as if, to use a common saying, just out of a bandbox. Cora was a belle, of course, and had many admirers. Among the number of these, was a young man named Edward Douglass, who was the very “pink” […]

Kate’s Experiment

Story type: Literature

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KATE HARBELL, a high-spirited girl, who had a pretty strong will of her own, was about being married. Like a great many others of her age and sex who approach the matrimonial altar, Kate’s notions of the marriage relation were not the clearest in the world. Ferdinand Lee, the betrothed of Kate, a quiet, sensitive […]

The Home Of Taste

Story type: Literature

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THERE are three words, in the utterance of which more power over the feelings is gained than in the utterance of any other words in the language. These are “Mother,” “Home,” and “Heaven.” Each appeals to a different emotion–each bears influence over the heart from the cradle to the grave.–And just in the degree that […]

“COME, Henry,” said Blanche Armour to her brother, who had seemed unusually silent and thoughtful since tea time,–“I want you to read while I make this cap for ma.” “Excuse me, Blanche, if you please, I don’t feel like reading to-night,” the brother replied, shading his face both from the light and the penetrating glance […]

The Evening Prayer

Story type: Literature

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“Our Father.” “OUR Father.” The mother’s voice was low, and tender, and solemn. “Our Father.” On two sweet voices the words were borne upward. It was the innocence of reverent childhood that gave them utterance. “Who art in the heavens.” “Who art in the heavens,” repeated the children, one with her eyes bent meekly down, […]

The Two Systems

Story type: Literature

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“IT’S no use to talk; I can’t do it. The idea of punishing a child in cold blood makes me shiver all over. I certainly think that, in the mind of any one who can do it, there must be a latent vein of cruelty.” This remark was made by Mrs. Stanley to her friend […]

Home

Story type: Literature

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SOCIETY is marked by greater and smaller divisions, as into nations, communities, and families. A man is a member of the commonwealth, a smaller community, as a hamlet or city, and his family at the same time; and the more perfectly all his duties to his family are discharged, the more fully does he discharge […]

Sisters

Story type: Essay

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[We make the following extract from one of our books–“Advice to Young Men on their Duties and Conduct in Life.”] IF you have younger sisters, who are just entering society, all your interest should be awakened for them. You cannot but have seen some little below the surface, and already made the discovery that too […]

“IT is too bad, Rachael, to put me to all this trouble; and you know I can hardly hold up my head!” Thus spoke Mrs. Smith, in a peevish voice, to a quiet-looking domestic, who had been called up from the kitchen to supply some unimportant omission in the breakfast-table arrangement. Rachael looked hurt and […]

The Daughter

Story type: Literature

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IT often happens that a daughter possesses greatly superior advantages to those enjoyed, in early years, by either her father or mother. She is not compelled to labour as hard as they were obliged to labour when young; and she is blessed with the means of education far beyond what they had. Her associations, too, […]

MR. EDGAR was a money-lender, and scrupled not in exacting the highest “street rates” of interest that could be obtained. If good paper were offered, and he could buy it from the needy seeker of cash at two or even three per cent. a month, he did not hesitate about the transaction on any scruples […]

Engaged At Sixteen

Story type: Literature

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“MRS. LEE is quite fortunate with her daughters,” remarked a visitor to Mrs. Wyman, whose oldest child, a well grown girl of fifteen, was sitting by. “Yes; Kate and Harriet went off in good time. She has only Fanny left.” “Who is to be married this winter.” “Fanny?” “She is engaged to Henry Florence.” “Indeed! […]

The Love Secret

Story type: Literature

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“EDWARD is to be in London next week,” said Mrs. Ravensworth; “and I trust, Edith, that you will meet him with the frankness he is entitled to receive.” Edith Hamilton, who stood behind the chair of her aunt, did not make any answer. Mrs. Ravensworth continued–“Edward’s father was your father’s own brother. A man of […]

Passing Away

Story type: Literature

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[From our story of “The Two Brides,” we take a scene, in which some one sorrowing as those without hope may find words of consolation.] IN the very springtime of young womanhood, the destroyer had come; and though he laid his hand upon her gently at first, yet the touch was none the less fatal. […]

The Circuit-Preacher

Story type: Literature

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THE Methodist circuit-preacher is in the way of seeing human nature in many rare and curious aspects. Under the itinerating system, the United States are divided into conferences, districts, and circuits. The conference usually embraces a State, the district a certain division of the State or conference, and the circuit a portion of the district. […]

NOT many years ago, a farmer who lived a hundred or two miles from the seaboard, became impressed with the idea that unless he adopted a close-cutting system of retrenchment, he would certainly go to the wall. Wheat, during the preceding season, had been at a high price; but, unluckily for him, he had only […]

“DOCTOR,” said a man with a thin, sallow countenance, pale lips, and leaden eyes, coming up to the counter of a drug-store in Baltimore, some ten years ago–“Doctor, I’ve been reading your advertisement about the ‘UNIVERSAL RESTORER, AND BALSAM OF LIFE,’ and if that Mr. John Johnson’s testimony is to be relied on, it ought […]

A SHREWD Yankee, with about five hundred dollars in his pocket, came along down South, a few years ago, seeking for some better investment of his money than offered in the land of steady habits, where he found people, as a general thing, quite as wide awake as himself. In Philadelphia, our adventurer did not […]

A Tipsy Parson

Story type: Literature

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IN a village not a hundred miles from Philadelphia, resided the Rev. Mr. Manlius, who had the pastoral charge of a very respectable congregation, and was highly esteemed by them; but there was one thing in which he did not give general satisfaction, and in consequence of which many excellent members of his church felt […]

Taking A Prescription

Story type: Literature

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SUMMER before last, the time when cholera had poisoned the air, a gentleman of wealth, standing and intelligence, from one of the Southern or Middle States, while temporarily sojourning in Boston, felt certain “premonitory symptoms,” that were rather alarming, all things considered. So he inquired of the hotel-keeper where he could find a good physician. […]

THE efforts which certain young men make, on entering the world, to become gentlemen, is not a little amusing to sober, thoughtful lookers on. To “become” is not, perhaps, what is aimed at, so much as to make people believe that they are gentlemen; for if you should happen to insinuate any thing to the […]

EARLY in life, Mr. Jenkins had been what is called unfortunate in business. Either from the want of right management, or from causes that he could not well control, he became involved, and was broken all to pieces. It was not enough that he gave up every dollar he possessed in the world. In the […]

That John Mason

Story type: Literature

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“WHAT kind of people have you here?” I asked of one of my first acquaintances, after becoming a denizen of the pleasant little village of Moorfield. “Very clever people, with one or two exceptions,” he replied. “I am sure you will like us very well.” “Who are the exceptions?” I asked. “For I wish to […]

“DID you see that?” said Mrs. Jones to her friend Mrs. Lion, with whom she was walking. “See what?” “Why, that Mrs. Todd didn’t speak to me.” “No. I thought she spoke to you as well as to me.” “Indeed, then, and she didn’t.” “Are you sure?” “Sure? Can’t I believe my own eyes? She […]

Almost A Tragedy

Story type: Literature

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A REMINISCENCE OF MR. JOHN JONES. IT is now about five years since I met with a little adventure in the West, which may be worth relating. It caused me a good deal of excitement at first; regrets afterward, for the temporary pain I inflicted, and many a hearty laugh since. New things come up […]

Marrying A Count

Story type: Literature

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“IS any body dead?” “Yes, somebody dies every second.” “So they say. But I don’t mean that. Why are you looking so solemn?” “I am not aware that I look so very solemn.” “You do, then, as solemn as the grave.” “Then I must be a grave subject.” The young man affected to smile. “You […]

Driving A Hard Bargain

Story type: Literature

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WE know a great many businessmen, famous for driving hard bargains, who would consider an insinuation that they were not influenced by honest principles in their dealings a gross outrage. And yet such an insinuation would involve only the truth. Hard bargains, by which others are made to suffer in order that we may gain, […]

“HADN’T you better give your landlord notice to-day, that we will move at the end of the year, Mr. Plunket?” “Move! For heaven’s sake, Sarah, what do we want to move for?” “Mr. Plunket!” “Mrs. Plunket!” “It’s a very strange way for you to address me, Mr. Plunket. A very strange way!” “But for what […]

A Shocking Bad Memory

Story type: Literature

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“MUST I give up every thing?” asked Mr. Hardy of his lawyer, with whom he was holding a consultation as to the mode and manner of getting clear of certain responsibilities in the shape of debt. “Yes, every thing, or commit perjury. The oath you have taken is very comprehensive. If you keep back as […]

A PHYSICIAN’S STORY. I WAS once sent for, in great haste, to attend a gentleman of respectability, whose wife, a lady of intelligence and refinement, had discovered him in his room lying senseless upon the floor. On arriving at the house, I found Mrs. H–in great distress of mind. “What is the matter with Mr. […]

The Factory Girl

Story type: Literature

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THERE was something wrong about the affairs of old Mr. Bacon. His farm, once the best tilled and most productive in the neighbourhood, began to show evidences of neglect and unfruitfulness; and that he was going behindhand in the world, was too apparent in the fact, that, within two years he had sold twenty acres […]

The Code Of Honour

Story type: Literature

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TWO young men, one with a leather cap on his head and military buttons on his coat, sat in close conversation, long years ago, in the bar-room of the–Hotel. The subject that occupied their attention seemed to be a very exciting one, at least to him of the military buttons and black cap, for he […]

WHAT a blessed era in the world’s history that was when the ladies had no nerves! Alas! I was born too late instead of too early, as the complaint of some is. I am cursed with nerves, and, as a consequence, am ever and anon distressed with nervous fears of some direful calamity or painful […]

Gentle Hand

Story type: Literature

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I DID not hear the maiden’s name; but in my thought I have ever since called her “Gentle Hand.” What a magic lay in her touch! It was wonderful. When and where, it matters not now to relate–but once upon a time as I was passing through a thinly peopled district of country, night came […]

A LITTLE thing clouded the brow of Mrs. Abercrombie–a very little thing. But if she had known how wide the shadows were often diffused, and how darkly they fell, at times, on some hearts, she would have striven more earnestly, we may believe, to keep the sky of her spirit undimmed. It will not be […]

Blessing of a Good Deed

Story type: Literature

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“I SHOULD like to do that, every day, for a year to come,” said Mr. William Everett, rubbing his hands together quickly, in irrepressible pleasure. Mr. Everett was a stock and money broker, and had just made an “operation,” by which a clear gain of two thousand dollars was secured. He was alone in his […]

The Two Invalids

Story type: Literature

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THE chamber in which the sick woman lay was furnished with every thing that taste could desire or comfort demand. Yet, from none of these elegant surroundings came there an opiate for the weary spirit, or a balm to soothe the pain from which she suffered. With heavy eyes, contracted brow, and face almost as […]

Marrying Well

Story type: Literature

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“AND so, dear,” said Mrs. Waring to her beautiful niece, Fanny Lovering, “you are about becoming a bride.” The aunt spoke tenderly, and with a manner that instantly broke down all barriers of reserve. “And a happy bride, I trust,” returned the blushing girl, as she laid her hand in that of her aunt, and […]

The Lay Preacher

Story type: Literature

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WHETHER the Rev. Andrew Adkin had or had not a call to preach, is more than we can say. Enough, that he considered it his duty to “hold forth” occasionally on the Sabbath; and when “Brother Adkin” saw, in any possible line of action, his duty, he never took counsel of Jonah. Brother Adkin kept […]

CHAPTER I “WELL, Mr. Tompkins, what do you think about it? I wish you would speak. I’ve been talking at you for full ten blessed minutes, and you haven’t as much as opened your lips in reply.” “About what?” asked Mr. Tompkins, looking up with an air of surprise. “About what, indeed!” rejoined the lady, […]

Will it pay?

Story type: Literature

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“I WANT an hour of your time this morning,” said Mr. Smith, as he entered the counting-room of his neighbour, Mr. Jones. “Will it pay?” inquired Mr. Jones, smiling. “Not much profit in money,” was answered. Mr. Jones shrugged his shoulders, and arched his eye-brows. “Time is money,” said he. “But money isn’t the all-in-all […]

Match-Making

Story type: Literature

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“YOU are a sly girl, Mary.” “Not by general reputation, I believe, Mrs. Martindale.” “Oh no. Every one thinks you a little paragon of propriety. But I can see as deep as most people.” “You might as well talk in High Dutch to me, Mrs. Martindale. You would be equally intelligible.” “You are a very […]

“IT’S nearly a year now since I was home,” said Lucy Gray to her husband; “and so you must let me go for a few weeks.” They had been married some four or five years, and never during that time had been separated for a single night. “I thought you called this your home,” said […]

Euthanasy

Story type: Literature

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“YOU remember Anna May, who sewed for you about a year ago?” said one fashionably-dressed lady to another. “That pale, quiet girl, who made up dresses for the children?” “The one I sent you.” “Oh yes; very well. I had forgotten her name. What has become of her? If I remember rightly, I engaged her […]

SCENE FIRST. “IT is in vain to urge me, brother Robert. Out into the world I must go. The impulse is on me. I should die of inaction here.” “You need not be inactive. There is work to do. I shall never be idle.” “And such work! Delving in and grovelling close to the very […]

Paying the Doctor

Story type: Literature

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AFTER a day of unusual anxiety and fatigue, Dr. Elton found himself snugly wrapped up in a liberal quantity of blankets and bed-quilts, just as the clock struck twelve one stormy night in February. For over half an hour he had lain awake, racking his brain in reference to two or three critical cases which […]

The Little Bound-Boy

Story type: Literature

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IN a miserable old house, in Commerce street, north of Pratt street Baltimore,–there are fine stores there now–lived a shoemaker, whose wife took a particular fancy to me as a doctor, (I never felt much flattered by the preference,) and would send for me whenever she was sick. I could do no less than attend […]

On Guard

Story type: Literature

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“O, MAMMA! See that wicked-looking cat on the fence! She’ll have one of those dear little rabbits in a minute!” Mattie’s sweet face grew pale with fear, and she trembled all over. “It’s only a picture, my dear,” said Mattie’s mother. “The cat can’t get down, and so the rabbits are safe.” “But it looks […]

What Can I Do?

Story type: Literature

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HE was a poor cripple–with fingers twisted out of all useful shape, and lower limbs paralyzed so that he had to drag them after him wearily when he moved through the short distances that limited his sphere of locomotion–a poor, unhappy, murmuring, and, at times, ill-natured cripple, eating the bread which a mother’s hard labor […]

After A Shadow

Story type: Literature

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“ARTY! Arty!” called Mrs. Mayflower, from the window, one bright June morning. “Arty, darling! What is the child after? Just look at him, Mr. Mayflower!” I leaned from the window, in pleasant excitement, to see what new and wonderful performance had been attempted by my little prodigy–my first born–my year old bud of beauty, the […]

A Visit With The Doctor

Story type: Literature

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“HOW are you to-day, Mrs. Carleton?” asked Dr. Farleigh, as he sat down by his patient, who reclined languidly in a large cushioned chair. “Miserable,” was the faintly spoken reply. And the word was repeated,–“Miserable.” The doctor took one of the lady’s small, white hands, on which the network of veins, most delicately traced, spread […]

Little Lizzie

Story type: Literature

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“IF they wouldn’t let him have it!” said Mrs. Leslie, weeping. “O, if they wouldn’t sell him liquor, there’d be no trouble! He’s one of the best of men when he doesn’t drink. He never brings liquor into the house; and he tries hard enough, I know, to keep sober, but he cannot pass Jenks’s […]

MRS. CALDWELL was so unfortunate as to have a rich husband. Not that the possession of a rich husband is to be declared a misfortune, per se, but, considering the temperament of Mrs. Caldwell, the fact was against her happiness, and therefore is to be regarded, taking the ordinary significance, of the term, as unfortunate. […]

A Good Name

Story type: Literature

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TWO boys, named Jacob Peters and Ralph Gilpin were passing along Chestnut Street one evening about ten years ago, when one of them, stopped, and said,– “Come, Ralph, let us have some oysters. I’ve got a quarter.” They were in front of an oyster-cellar. “No,” replied Ralph, firmly. “I’m not going down there.” “I didn’t […]

Coffee vs. Brandy

Story type: Literature

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“WE shall have to give them a wedding party,” said Mrs. Eldridge to her husband. Mr. Eldridge assented. “They will be home to-morrow, and I think of sending out of invitations for Thursday.” “As you like about that,” replied Mr. Eldridge. “The trouble will be yours.” “You have no objections?” “O, none in the world. […]

Dressed For A Party

Story type: Literature

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A LADY sat reading. She was so absorbed in her book as to be nearly motionless. Her face, in repose, was serious, almost sad; for twice a score of years had not passed without leaving the shadow of a cloud or the mark of a tempest. The door opened, and, as she looked up, pleasant […]

Alice And The Pigeon

Story type: Literature

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ONE evening in winter as Alice, a dear little girl whom everybody loved, pushed aside the curtains of her bedroom window, she saw the moon half hidden by great banks of clouds, and only a few stars peeping out here and there. Below, the earth lay dark, and cold. The trees looked like great shadows. […]

Amy’s Question

Story type: Literature

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“AMY!” Mrs. Grove called from the door that opened towards the garden. But no answer came. The sun had set half an hour before, and his parting, rays, were faintly tinging with gold and purple few clouds that lay just alone the edge of the western sky. In the east, the full moon was rising […]

An Angel In Disguise

Story type: Literature

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IDLENESS, vice, and intemperance had done their miserable work, and the dead mother lay cold and still amid her wretched children. She had fallen upon the threshold of her own door in a drunken fit, and died in the presence of her frightened little ones. Death touches the spring of our common humanity. This woman […]

Other People’s Eyes

Story type: Literature

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“OUR parlor carpet is beginning to look real shabby,” said Mrs. Cartwright. “I declare! if I don’t feel right down ashamed of it, every time a visitor, who is anybody, calls in to see me.” “A new one will cost–“ The husband of Mrs. Cartwright, a good-natured, compliant man, who was never better pleased than […]

“DID you ever see such a queer looking figure?” exclaimed a young lady, speaking loud enough to be heard by the object of her remark. She was riding slowly along in an open carriage, a short distance from the city, accompanied by a relative. The young man, her companion, looked across the, road at a […]

The Failing Hope

Story type: Literature

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“SHALL I read to you, ma?” said Emma Martin, a little girl, eleven years of age, coming up to the side of her mother, who sat in a musing attitude by the centre-table, upon which the servant had just placed a light. Mrs. Martin did not seem to hear the voice of her child; for […]

Taking Toll

Story type: Literature

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MR. SMITH kept a drug shop in the little village of Q–, which was situated a few miles from Lancaster. It was his custom to visit the latter place every week or two, in order to purchase such articles as were needed from time to time in his business. One day, he drove off towards […]

"Thou Art The Man!"

Story type: Literature

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“HOW can you reconcile it to your conscience to continue in your present business, Mr. Muddler?” asked a venerable clergyman of a tavern-keeper, as the two walked home from the funeral of a young man who had died suddenly. “I find no difficulty on that score,” replied the tavern-keeper, in a confident tone: “My business […]

The Touching Reproof

Story type: Literature

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“HERE, Jane,” said a father to his little girl not over eleven years of age, “go over to the shop and buy me a pint of brandy.” At the same time he handed her a quarter of a dollar. The child took the money and the bottle, and as she did so, looked her father […]

The Temperance Song

Story type: Literature

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“DEAR father,” said Mary Edwards, “don’t go out this evening!” and the young girl, who had scarcely numbered fourteen years, laid her hand upon the arm of her parent. But Mr. Edwards shook her off impatiently, muttering, as he did so, “Can’t I go where I please?” “O! yes, father!” urged Mary, drawing up to […]

The Distiller’s Dream

Story type: Literature

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FROM the time Mr. Andrew Grim opened a low grogshop near the Washington Market, until, as a wealthy distiller, he counted himself worth a hundred thousand dollars, every thing had gone on smoothly; and now he might be seen among the money-lords of the day, as self-complacent as any. He had stock, houses, and lands: […]

The Ruined Family

Story type: Literature

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PART FIRST. “HOW beautiful!” ejaculated Mary Graham, as she fixed her eyes intently on the western sky, rich with the many-coloured clouds of a brilliant sunset in June. “Beautiful indeed!” responded her sister Anna. “I could gaze on it for ever!” Ellen, a younger and more enthusiastic sister remarked, with fervent admiration. “Look, Ma! was […]

“HOW much have you taken in to-day, Sandy?” asked a modern rum-seller of his bar-tender, after the doors and windows of his attractive establishment were closed for the night. “Only about a dollar, Mr. Graves. I never saw such dull times in my life.” “Only about a dollar! Too bad! too bad! I shall be […]

How To Cure A Toper

Story type: Literature

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[THE following story, literally true in its leading particulars, was told by a reformed man, who knew W–very well. In repeating it, I do so in the first person, in order to give it more effect.] I was enjoying my glass of flip, one night, at the little old “Black Horse” that used to stand […]

The Broken Pledge

Story type: Literature

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“IT is two years, this very day, since I signed the pledge,” remarked Jonas Marshall, a reformed drinker, to his wife, beside whom he sat one pleasant summer evening, enjoying the coolness and quiet of that calm hour. “Two years! And is it, indeed, so long?” was the reply. “How swiftly time passes, when the […]

A MAN, who at first sight, a casual observer would have thought at least forty or fifty years of age, came creeping out of an old, miserable-looking tenement in the lower part of Cincinnati, a little while after night-fall, and, with bent body and shuffling gait, crossed the street an angle; and, after pausing for […]

Jim Braddock’s Pledge

Story type: Literature

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“YOU’LL sign it, I’m sure,” said a persevering Washingtonian, who had found his way into a little village grogshop, and had there presented the pledge to some three or four of its half-intoxicated inmates. The last man whom he addressed, after having urged the others to no effect, was apparently about thirty years of age, […]

“WHAT will you take, Haley?” “A glass of water.” “Nonsense! Say, what will you take?” “A glass of water. I don’t drink anything stronger.” “Not a teetotaller? Ha! ha! ha!” rejoined the young man’s companion, laughing in mingled mirth and ridicule. “Yes, a teetotaller, if you please,” replied the one called Haley.–“Or anything else you […]

“Is there a good fire in the little spare room Jane?” said Mr. Wade, a plain country farmer, coming into the kitchen where his good wife was busy preparing for supper. “Oh, yes, I’ve made the room as comfortable as can be,” replied Mrs. Wade; “but I wish you would take up a good armful […]

The Iron Will

Story type: Literature

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“FANNY! I’ve but one word more to say on the subject. If you marry that fellow, I’ll have nothing to do with you. I’ve said it; and you may be assured that I’ll adhere to my determination.” Thus spoke, with a frowning brow and a stern voice, the father of Fanny Crawford, while the maiden […]

A Cure For Low Spirits

Story type: Literature

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A HOUSEHOLD SKETCH. FROM some cause, real or imaginary, I felt low spirited. There was a cloud upon my feelings, and I could not smile as usual, nor speak in a tone of cheerfulness. As a natural result, the light of my countenance being gone, all things around me were in shadow. My husband was […]

Three Hundred A Year

Story type: Literature

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THE CALL. “HOW much salary do they offer?” asked Mrs. Carroll of her husband, who was sitting near her with a letter in his hand. He had just communicated the fact that a Parish was tendered him in the Village of Y–, distant a little over a hundred and fifty miles. “The money is your […]

I’ll See About It

Story type: Literature

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MR. EASY sat alone in his counting room, one afternoon, in a most comfortable frame, both as regards mind and body. A profitable speculation in the morning had brought the former into a state of great complacency, and a good dinner had done all that was required for the repose of the latter. He was […]

The Fiery Trial

Story type: Literature

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“THE amount of that bill, if you please, sir.” The man thus unceremoniously addressed, lifted his eyes from the ledger, over which he had been bending for the last six hours, with scarcely the relaxation of a moment, and exhibited a pale, care-worn countenance–and, though still young, a head over which were thickly scattered the […]

The Maiden’s Error

Story type: Literature

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THE story of Julia Forrester is but a revelation of what occurs every day. I draw aside the veil for a moment, would that some one might gaze with trembling on the picture, and be saved! The father of Julia had served an apprenticeship to the tanning and currying business. He had been taken when […]

“MOTHER!” “As I was saying”– “Mother!” “Miss Jones wore a white figured satin”– “Oh! mother!” “With short sleeves”– “Mother! mother!” “Looped up with a small rosebud”– “I say! mother! mother!” The child now caught hold of her mother’s arm, and shook it violently, in her effort to gain the attention she desired, while her voice, […]

Losing One’s Temper

Story type: Literature

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I WAS sitting in my room one morning, feeling all “out of sorts” about something or other, when an orphan child, whom I had taken to raise, came in with a broken tumbler in her hand, and said, while her young face was pale, and her little lip quivered,– “See, Mrs. Graham! I went to […]

Trouble With Servants

Story type: Literature

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“OH, dear Mrs. Graham!” said my neighbour Mrs. Jones to me one day, “what shall I do for good help? I am almost worried out of my senses. I wish somebody would invent a machine to cook, wash, scrub, and do housework in general. What a blessing it would be! As for the whole tribe […]

Haven’t The Change

Story type: Literature

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IT was house-cleaning time, and I had an old coloured woman at work scrubbing and cleaning paint. “Polly is going, ma’am,” said one of my domestics, as the twilight began to fall. “Very well. Tell her that I shall want her tomorrow.” “I think she would like to have her money for to-day’s work,” said […]

Old Maids’ Children

Story type: Literature

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“IF that were my child, I’d soon break him of such airs and capers. Only manage him right, and he’ll be as good a boy as can be found anywhere.” “Very few people appear to have any right government over their children.” “Very few. Here is my sister; a sensible woman enough, and one would […]

The Mother and Boy

Story type: Literature

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“TOM, let that alone!” exclaimed a mother, petulantly, to a boy seven years old, who was playing with a tassel that hung from one of the window-blinds, to the imminent danger of its destruction. The boy did not seem to hear, but kept on fingering the tassel. “Let that be, I tell you! Must I […]

The Christmas Party

Story type: Literature

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CHRISTMAS had come round again–merry old Christmas, with his smiling face and wealth of good cheer; and every preparation had been made by the Arlingtons for their annual Christmas party, which was always a gay time for the young friends of the family. Some hundreds of miles away, in a quiet New-England village, lived Mr. […]

Is She A Lady?

Story type: Literature

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“MRS. TUDOR is a perfect lady,” said my wife, Mrs. Sunderland, to me one day, after having received a visit from the individual she named. “She may have the manners of a lady,” I replied, “when abroad; but whether she be a lady at home or not, is more than I can tell. It is […]

Going Into Mourning

Story type: Literature

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THE weeping mother bent over the beautiful form of innocent childhood–beautiful still, though its animating spirit had fled–and kissed the pale cheek of her dear departed one. When she lifted her head, a tear glistened on the cold brow of the babe. Then the father looked his last look, and, with an effort, controlled the […]

If That Were My child!

Story type: Literature

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“AH, good evening, Mr. Pelby! Good evening, Mr. Manly! I am glad to see you! Mrs. Little and I were just saying that we wished some friends would step in.” “Well, how do you do this evening, Mrs. Little?” said Mr. Pelby, after they were all seated. “You look remarkably well. And how is your […]

I Will!

Story type: Literature

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“YOU look sober, Laura. What has thrown a veil over your happy face?” said Mrs. Cleaveland to her niece, one morning, on finding her alone and with a very thoughtful countenance. “Do I really look sober?” and Laura smiled as she spoke. “You did just now. But the sunshine has already dispelled the transient cloud. […]

A Mother’s Influence

Story type: Literature

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“THERE come the children from school,” said Aunt Mary, looking from the window. “Just see that Clarence! he’ll have Henry in the gutter. I never saw just such another boy; why can’t he come quietly along like other children? There! now he must stop to throw stones at the pigs. That boy’ll give you the […]

The Power Of Patience

Story type: Literature

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I HAVE a very excellent friend, who married some ten years ago, and now has her own cares and troubles in a domestic establishment consisting of her husband and herself, five children, and two servants. Like a large majority of those similarly situated, Mrs. Martinet finds her natural stock of patience altogether inadequate to the […]

“I AM not a very old man,” said a venerable friend to me, one day, “yet my head has become whitened and my cheeks furrowed:–and often, as I pause and lean upon my staff, at the corners of the streets, the present reality gives place to dreams of the past, and I see here, instead […]

The Right of Way

Story type: Literature

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MR. EDWARD BOLTON had purchased himself a farm, and taken possession thereof. Once, while examining the premises, before deciding to buy, he had observed a light wagon moving along on the extreme south edge of the tract of land included in the farm, but it had occasioned no remark. It was late in the afternoon […]

Coals of Fire

Story type: Literature

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“I AM sorry, Mr. Grasper, that you should have felt it necessary to proceed to extremities against me,” said a care-worn, anxious-looking man, as he entered the store of a thrifty dealer in tapes, needles, and sundry small wares, drawing aside, as he spoke, the personage he addressed. “There was no need of this.” “There’s […]

A New Pleasure

Story type: Literature

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THE whole purpose of Mr. Bolton’s life had been the accumulation of property, with an end to his own gratification. To part with a dollar was therefore ever felt as the giving up of a prospective good; and it acted as the abridgment of present happiness. Appeals to Mr. Bolton’s benevolence had never been very […]

The Daughter-In-Law

Story type: Literature

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“I SHALL love your mother very much, Charles, but do you think she will love me?” said a graceful young creature, leaning with an air of tender confidence upon the arm of her companion, and looking earnestly in his face. She was a little above the ordinary stature, with a form so delicate as to […]

ONCE upon a time, it happened that the men who governed in the municipal affairs of a certain growing town in the West, resolved, in grave deliberation assembled, to purchase a five-acre lot at the north end of the city–recently incorporated–and have it improved for a park or public square. Now, it also happened, that […]

He Must Have Meant Me

Story type: Literature

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“HOW do you like our new preacher?” was asked by one member of another, as they walked home from church. “Only so so,” was replied. “He cuts close,” remarked the first speaker. “Yes, a little too close.” “I don’t know about that. I like to see the truth brought home to the heart and conscience.” […]

For The Fun Of It

Story type: Literature

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“JUST look at them young lovers,” said Harry Mears, glancing from his companion to a young man and maiden, who, for the moment unconscious that they were in the midst of a large company, were leaning towards each other, and looking into each other’s faces in rather a remarkable manner. “Isn’t it ridiculous? I thought […]

Forgive And Forget

Story type: Literature

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Forgive and forget! Why the world would be lonely, The garden a wilderness left to deform, If the flowers but remembered the chilling winds only, And the fields gave no verdure for fear of the storm! C. SWAIN. “FORGIVE and forget, Herbert.” “No, I will neither forgive nor forget. The thing was done wantonly. I […]

Paying The Minister

Story type: Literature

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“MONEY, money, money! That’s the everlasting cry! I’ll give up my pew. I won’t go to church. I’ll stay at home and read the Bible. Not that I care for a few dollars more than I do for the dust that blows in the wind; but this selling of salvation for gold disgusts me. I’m […]

Had I Been Consulted

Story type: Literature

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“HE’S too independent for me,” said Matthew Page. “Too independent by half. Had I been consulted he would have done things very differently. But as it is, he will drive his head against the wall before he knows where he is.” “Why don’t you advise him to act differently?” “Advise him, indeed! Oh, no–let him […]

MR. MINTURN was a rising man; that is, he was gaining money and reputation in his profession. That he felt himself rising, was clearly apparent to all who observed him attentively. His good lady, Mrs. Minturn, was also conscious of the upward movement, and experienced a consequent sense of elevation. From the height they had […]

The Means Of Enjoyment

Story type: Literature

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ONE of the most successful merchants of his day was Mr. Alexander. In trade he had amassed a large fortune, and now, in the sixtieth year of his age, he concluded that it was time to cease getting and begin the work of enjoying. Wealth had always been regarded by him as a means of […]

Two Pictures

Story type: Literature

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Two beautiful children, a boy and a girl, the oldest but six years of age, came in from school one evening, later than usual by half an hour. Both their eyes were red with weeping, and their cheeks wet with tears. Their father, Mr. Warren, who had come home from his business earlier than usual, […]

Brandy As A Preventive

Story type: Literature

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THE cholera had made its appearance in New York, and many deaths were occurring daily. Among those who weakly permitted themselves to feel an alarm amounting almost to terror, was a Mr. Hobart, who, from the moment the disease manifested itself, became infested with the idea that he would be one of its victims. “Doctor,” […]

The Temperance Pledge

Story type: Literature

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“I WANT a quarter of a dollar, Jane.” This was addressed by a miserable creature, bloated and disfigured by intemperance, to a woman, whose thin, pale face, and heart-broken look, told but too plainly that she was the drunkard’s wife. “Not a quarter of a dollar, John? Surely you will not waste a quarter of […]

Time, Faith, Energy

Story type: Literature

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“I DON’T see that I am so much better off,” said Mr. Gordon, a man who had recently given up drinking. “I lost my situation on the very day I signed the pledge, and have had no regular employment since.” “But you would have lost your situation if you hadn’t signed the pledge, I presume,” […]

Flushed With Wine

Story type: Literature

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“WASN’T that Ernestine Lee that we passed this moment?” asked Harvey Lane, a young M.D., of his friend James Everett, in a tone of surprise. “Yes, I believe it was–“Everett returned, rather coldly. “You believe it was! Surely, James, nothing has occurred to destroy the intimacy that has for some time existed between you.” “You […]

Swearing Off

Story type: Literature

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“JOHN,” said a sweet-faced girl, laying her hand familiarly upon the shoulder of a young man who was seated, near a window in deep abstraction of mind. There was something sad in her voice,–and her countenance, though, lovely, wore an expression of pain. “What do you want, sister?” the young man replied, without lifting his […]