North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1850-11-02
THE THANKLEss OFFICE.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.

THE THANKLESS OFFICE. 81
BY t. S. ARTHUR.
Sc An object Of real charity, SAID AndIe" LJon "
hi, ryife as a poor woman withdrew from the room
in which they were seated. >,
If there ever was worthy object, she IS one,
returned Mrs. Lyon, "a widow, with healN SO Zee
HE that extraordinary exertion is too much t her-
vat obliged 10 support, with the labor OF her own
hands, not only herself but three young chhCen,
do not wonder that she is behind with her ren.
"Nor l." said Mr.. Lyon, in voice OF synPathy:
" How much did she say was oue " hel io'io''u
ItTen dollars.' - q.
a. She will not be able to pay it." :. e.
81 fear not, How can she! give herfdl my
extra sewing, and have obtained work tor hel from
several ladies; but with her best efforts she car bare
ly obtain food and decent clothing for herset and
babes.'' .- Fl. - ,a-
"Does it not seem hard,'' remarked Mr.. Lyon
that one like Mrs. Arnold, who SO earnest her
efforts to take of herself and family, shouh not
receive helping hand from some one of the many
who could help herSwithout feeling the effort IT
didn't find it SO hard to make both ends mset, l
would pay off her of rent tor her, and hap
py in so doing" ss
All 20 exclaimed the kind-hearted, wife, show
much wish that we were able to to do this But
we not" : ..s.
.I'II tell you what we can do,'' said Mr.. Lyon,
in a cheerful voice-"or, rather what can do. 1t
will be very light matter for, say ten persons, to
give dollar apiece, in order to relieve Mrs. Arnold
from her present trouble. There are plenty who
would cheerfuy contribute for this good purpose
all that is wanted is some one to take upon himself
the business of making the. collections. That task
shall be mine."
"Iow glad am, James, to hear you say So, smil-
ingly replied Mrs. Lyon. "Oh what relief il will be
to poor Mrs. Arnold 1t will make her heart light
as "a feather. That rent has troubled her sadly. Old
Links her landlord, has been worrying her about it
good deal, and only week ago threatened to put
her things in the street if she didn't pay up"
al should havethonght of this BEFORE remarked
Andrew Lyon. There are hundreds ofpeople who
willing enough to give if they only certain
in regard to the object. Here is worthy enough
in every way. Be it my business to present her
claims to benevolent consideration. Let me see
To whom shall go There are Jones, Green, and
Tompkins. ] can get dollar from each of them.
That will be three dollars,-and one from myself,
will make four. Who else is therel Oh! Nal
colin I'm of dollar from him; and. also, frem
Smith, Todd, and Perry
Confident in the success of his benevolent scheme
Mr.. Lyon started forth early the very next day,
for the purpose of obtaining by subscription, tie
poor widows rent. The first person he called On
was Malcolm. 81
Is All, friend Lyon" said Malcolm. smiling bland
day." '' H''A'"S D'' 'AA 10 ''' you ! :
'' Nothing for me, but something for poor widow
who is behind with her rent, replied Andrew Lyol
81 just want one dollar from you, and as much more
from some elgnL or nine as DeneV0lent as Yourself.
At the word poor widow, the countenance Of Nal.
colin fell, and when his visiter ceased, he replied in
changed and husky voice, clearing his throat two
or three times as he spoke.
Are you sure she is deserving, Mr.. Lyon -
The mans manner had become exceedingly grave.
None more so,' was the prompt answer. - She
is in poor health, and has three children to support
with the product of her needle If any one needs
assistance it is Mrs. Arnold"
"Oh ! ah! The widow of Jacob Arnold?"
''The same" replied Andrew Lyon.
Macolms face did not brighten with feeling of
heart-warm benevolence. But, he turned slowly
away, and opening his money-drawer, Ueru sLoaOEy
toyed with his fingers amid its contents At leuptR
he took therefrom dollar bill, and said, as he pre
sented 1t to Lyon-sighing, inVoluntariy, he did
~ suppose must do my part. But, we are call.
ed upon so often" ..s. s-
- The ardor of Andrew Lyons benevolent feelings
su4eepiy cooled at this unexpected reception. He
nad entered upon his work under the glow of purs
enthusiasm; anticipating hearty response the mo!
ment his errand was made known E-,a .-e
81 thank you fn the widows name," said he a,
he took the dollar. hen he turned from Mr. Nal
coin store, IL was ".i5 pressure on his feelings
1t was not without an effort.th Lyon comneII IIa
himself to call upon Mr.. Green, considered the sna
best man. on his list. But he entered his nIace :
business with far less confidence than he had g,
when calling upon Malcolm. His story told. Grss
from his pocket, and presented them.
ID" " Thank you," said Lyon. y
Welcome" returned Green.
oppressed with a feeling Of embarrassment, Lyc
stood for few moments. Then bowing, he said
"Good morning" 4ee BIZ #s,7s5is, 4. b,
ponded.
And thus the alms-seeker and alms-eiver parte
better be at his shop, attending to his work
em1uered Green to himself, as his visitor retire
Men aln't very apt to get along too well in Il
world world who spend their time in begging for eve
object of charity that happens to turn up. And the
are plenty of such, dear knows. He's got adolf
o1s OF me; may it do him, or fhepoOr widow he tab
ed 90 glibly about, much good ,gl $500.
Gold water had been poured upon the feelings
Andrew Lyon. He had raised two dollars for Ii
poor widow, but, at what sacrifice for one so sens
uve as himself. Instead Of keeping on in his Iwol
oIoeneyoienee, he went to his shop, and entered o.
on the days employment. How disappointed
t;-and this disappointment was mingled with
ing aims for himself.
ca'ch me at this work asainr' he said, ha