The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1865-08-31
forward this noble and praiseworthy OBJ

y
in-law. 81 think 1 can find objects
charity nearer home than Poland"
''But there is society, of which 20
are member, that think I should lik
to join" said Mrs. Lane, after moment
thought; "the one for clothing and pre-
yidlng for destitute, neglected children.
Mrs. Shaw's countenance frightened
awe shall be delighted" she exclaim
ed. "The initiation fee is only two dol
lars, together with a weekly payment o
ten cents"
81 believe l paid the initiation fee a
bout year ago, when it was first organ
lied. I did that cheerfully, though wha
| then considered to. be duties neare
home prevented my doing more. 1 vii
pay it over again, however, only [ mus
have the privilege of bringing destitute
child with me- [ often see little boy
roaming about the streets, whose forlorr
and neglected appearance fills my hear
with pity"
Certainly: that is what we expect
and desire every member to do as she has
opportunity. We have number of lit.
tie jackets and pants made, and there'l
be some among them that will fit him.
Remember, our next meeting is just g
week from to-day, at Squire Mayo's."
There was merry twinkle in Mrs
Lanes eyes, that night, as she superin-
tended preparations for supper, which ev,
er and anon deepened into smile but
though the children were anxious to
know what their mother was smiling "a
bout she kept her own counsel.
The next Wednesday afternoon, score
or more of ladies were seated in Squire
Mayo's parlcr, with busy fingers and still
more busy tongues.
"There is Mrs. Lane coming up the
walk" exclaimed Mrs. Mayo, who was
seated by the window "Just see what a
wretched- looking boy she is leading by
the hand 1t can't be one of her chill
dren, for they are all models of neatness." !"
Mrs. Shaw was too busy distributing
work to even glance out of the window.
II forgot to tell you, ladies'" she said,
"that my sister-in-law joins our society
this afternoon. The boy with her is no
doubt the one she spoke to me about the
other day, as fit subjectfor our charity.
| take considerable credit to myself" she
added, quite complacently, "for persua-
ding her to this step. Sister Lane is such
home body-so wrapped up in herself
and family"
Mrs. Lane is kind hearted woman" "
replied an old lady, who was knitting in
one corner of the room, "and does a great
deal of good in a quiet way"
"Sister Lane means well-there is no
doubt of that" responded Mrs. Shaw,
with magnanimous air. "But, accord
ing to my way of thinking, charity with
out system and organization is worse than
thrown away"
BY this time Mrs Lane was in the
room.
"Good afternoon, ladies' she said, look
ing around with pleasant smile
"You see, sister Shaw, that kept my
word, and did not come alone," she ad-
ded, as that individual fixed her eyes in
undisguised astonishment upon the boy,
whose reluctant hand she held.
81 found this poor lad" she continued
"in an alley way, playing marbles with a
number of profane and vicious boys, and
who were uttering words in his hearing
that shudder to think of. The black
eye he has got in fight with one of
them, in which it seems he had the worst
of it. He is very dirty and ragged, as
you see but | offer no apology for bring
ing him to you in this condition, as |
know your society was formed for the
benefit of such, and trust that under your
kindly care he will soon present quite an
other appearance"
Twice did Mrs Shaw essay to interrupt
the speaker, but anger and shame choked
her uttcrance When she had concluded
she sprang to her feet.
"Malinda Lane" she CALCULATED, edo
you mean to pretend that you don't know
that that is my boy 7"
"Your boy ~ exclaimed Mrs. Lane,
starting with well dissembled amazemet.
"Ts it possible? Now, that look at him
closer, it does look like Johnny. But
who would have thought it %
81 leave it to you," she added, address
ing the other ladies, eff the mistake was
not very natural one, or if ever child
apparently, stood more in need of your
friendly Offices
This assertion could not be denied by
any present, certainly not by Mrs. Shaw
who was completely silenced though she
looked unutterable things.
Not long after she could have been
seen with poor luckless Johnny in tow,
taking a roundabout course in the direc-
ton for home, for, unlike her sister-in.
law, when she escorted him thither, she
went by the darkest and least frequented
streets.
This sharp but much needed lesson
had most happy result, as was evident
by not only Johnny's improved appear
ance, but by the increased comfort of the
whole family. Mrs Shaw learned what
it is to be feared that too many forget
that no object, however praise worthy
can excuse the wife and mother in the
neglect of home duties. That as there