Lucy (Chapter_11)

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for the support of this poor family, whose wants increased, with the increasing rigour of the season. { ?} and almost naked, Becky and her children had to go daily into the slashes to eat the brush-wood, which was their only fuel. Often would Lucy (who was now wholely confined to her bed), as she watched the bright flames these faggots afforded, and saw how quickly they expired think that the hours of happiness she had known were as bright and as short lived, and perhaps her life itself would be as soon extinguished. When left alone with Becky, she often suffered in common with her children from the ill humour, which continual want produced, for the poor woman's temper was as much affected as her faith, by these trials.

Last edit over 3 years ago by shashathree
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More than once had she murmured that a stranger should eat, what her children craved and to Lucy bitter indeed was every morsel taken from this almost starving family. [The indefatigable Richard, worked on day after day, grateful if he carried enough home to keep them alive. His return used to diffuse cheerfulness, if not relief and his observations drawn from that inexhaustible reservior, his Bible, was the only comfort and support that remained to the unfortunate wanderer. "Dont be so down hearted," he would say when things come to the worst they must mend; after winter comes spring, after rain comes sunshine--take patience-patience is the best salve for any sore--all will soon go well--Congress will come and then I shall get a plenty of work." "But we may all starve afore

Last edit over 3 years ago by shashathree
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congress comes" said Becky. "Well wify does grumbling put victuals in your mouth? No truly, it only sharpens the stomach you may depend on't, whereas the bible says, and I have found it to be true, "he that hath a merry heart, hath a continual feast." "I shall not argufy the matter with you" said Becky, provoked at his continual good humour--if you own a merry heart, with an empty stomach, its more than I can." Soon after Richard had gone as usual to his days work and left his wife in this ill humour, a good old woman, and a most humble and zealous christian came in. She belonged to the methodist church, and during her husband's life had lived in comfort and abundance, for her husband was a popular preacher, extremely beloved by his people, who never let him or his family want for any of the comforts of life. After his death,--this excellent

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having no family of her own, literaly devoted herself to the sons and daughters of poverty and affliction. When from her own scanty stores she had nothing to give, she used to beg of those who had and even when this resource failed, she still had her time; and her cares, her advise and her consolation to give to the poor, the sick and the ignorant. At one of their late meetings, Richard had informed her of the condition of poor Lucy, and the good widow had now come, to comfort if she could not assist her. Lucy, was dosing when she entered and when roused by the loud complaining voice of Becky, who was giving a history of her grievances, she shrunk from the notice of a stranger. Becky complained most bitterly, that her husband had taken in a poor wanderer, who was a heavy burden on them, obliging her to stay at home, instead of going out to work, and so in fact bringing them all into a state of starvation.

Last edit over 3 years ago by shashathree
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This conversation, which Lucy over heard, increased her distress, almost beyond endurance. She covered her head and wept until in silent anguish. This, agitation accellerated the hour of trial, and before the old lady left the cabin, Lucy was a mother, tho' one of the most forlorn and wretched mothers that ever brought a luckless babe into the world. Not one article of cloathing had been prepared; the whole stock our poor wanderer possessed was insufficient to keep herself warm, and Becky and her children were not better off. Yet from their scanty store, something must be taken and the pious widow, with a kindness, which puts to shame the cold heartedness of the rich, took off her cotton apron to wrap round the new born babe. Hearing Lucy's sobs, she carried the infant to her, saying, "be of comfort poor soul, and rejoice that a child is born into the world, and a fine, beautiful boy he is.

Last edit over 3 years ago by shashathree
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