Page 34 - HSLChristmasAnthology

HSL Christmas Anthology Page 34
AND THE POOR CHILDREN. 11
But Heinrich had some blessings. He
was a healthy little thing, with a loving and
nappy disposition. His mother was very
kind-hearted, and when she was not crazy,
she treated her little boy with great affec
tion. Often would she lie down beside him
when he went to his little bed, and hold his
hand in hers, and wet his bright hair with
her tears. Alas, for the fond mother! she
often went hungry herself, that the little one
might have a scanty supper. The thought
often came over her, " What does my poor
boy do when the fits are on me, when he has
no one to care for him ? " This would make
her weep bitterly. And so the little Hein
rich seldom saw the sunshine or a smiling
face. He heard cursing and swearing, but
never the warbling of birds, or the ringing
laughter of the innocent and happy. He
learned of his mother the habit of sighing,
and would look into her eyes with such a
.sad expression, that it made the heart ache.
But when he was two years old, a little sister
was born to him ; and this little sister be
came the blessing of his young life. She
was very beautiful, with her golden hair,
and her large blue eyes, so sad and gentle.
After she came, like a sunbeam, into that
dark and miserable home, the mother's health