Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

280
THE ATTEMPT
died; and how the widow had striven to bring up her little family in comfort; but
how two or three months before this, she had been attacked by fever, from which she
had never wholly recovered ; and how every day the little store of money became less
and less, until at last, they were on the brink of starvation ; but yet, how in the midst
of all her troubles the mother had not lost heart, but still preserved her trust in Him,
who is ‘ the widow’s Husband,’ and ‘ the Father of the fatherless.’
“ When Charlie had finished his short narration, my mistress exclaimed, while
something like a tear glittered in her eye, ‘ you are a happy boy, to have such a
mother.’
“ ‘ Yes, ma’am, indeed I am,’ replied the lad, while his face was lighted up with
an expression of the greatest gratification ; ‘ I am afraid I do not deserve to have such
a mother.’
“ ‘ Oh I do not think you look much of a scape-grace,’ said my mistress, smiling
as she looked into the boy’s open ingenuous countenance; ‘I-must go and make
your mother’s acquaintance : do you think she would receive a call from me ? ’
“ ‘ 0 ma’am, she would be delighted, ’ returned the boy, adding, however, as he
glanced at the clock on the mantle-piece, ‘ If you please ma’am, I think it is time for
me to go, for mother and Bertie will be wearying for me.’
“ ‘ Who is Bertie 1 ’ enquired the lady.
“ ‘ My little sister ma’am , my father died before she was baptized, so she was
named Eoberta after him, but mother and I always call her Bertie. ’
“4 Well Charlie, I do not wish to keep you too long, but before you go I must give
you this little remembrance!, ’ said my mistress, putting as she spoke, a pound-note into
his hands. 4 Do not be afraid to take it, ’ she continued as she saw the boy hesitate ;
4 It is not the reward of honesty, for honesty seeks no reward : but 1 am so rejoiced
at the restoration of my property, that I think it but right, that since you were the
means of its reovery, you should be partakers in my joy.’
44 Charlie tried in vain to express his thanks to the lady, and left the house with
a much lighter heart than when he entered it.
44 The next day I accompanied my kind mistress to the home of the poor woman,
and in a few minutes the lady and the invalid were conversing together like old
friends. As her time was limited, Mrs Bertram did not then stay long, but on
leaving promised to return the day after with her own doctor, who should inquire
into the nature of the sick woman’s ailments, and prescribe for her accordingly.
44 My mistress was not one to break her promise, so on the following day, accom¬
panied by the physician, she paid her second visit to the invalid.