Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-22
By request, we publish the following which
was published originally in the Lewisbure
Chronicle in 1856.
Real ant Osensible Charity.
sible Charity.
BY LILLY MEAD.

The good ladies of W, town in Ken
lucky, accorded to NJ Milton, wealthy wild
ow, the lead of the ton, and vastly did the vain
young wldcg appreciate her position. She
was about thirty years Of age, mistress OF more
than as many thousands, without family,
quite handsome, and to all appearances very
amiable; what wonder then, should there be,
comfort worshipping inhabitants Of W.
At the time our acquaintance commenced
with her, there was in progress great revival
Of religion in the Presbyterian Church, of
which she was peren.onious member, and the
Pastor had engaged The assistance OF the Rev.
Waldo Elton, who had charge of fine Church
in neig hboring town, and was justly celebra
ted for piety and eloquenee.
During the meeting he preached on his fa-
vorite subject and practice, Charity" and SO
truly amlable did he make beneyolence appear,
that many were iucited to deeds of charity
some from the love ot doing good, and others
in the sight of others. Among the latter class
was Mrs Milton, WAC felt deeply interested in
all Mr.. Elton said, this interest being greatly
enhanced by the act that he was remarkably
handsome bachelor But how to gain a name
OF liberaiity, was to her matter of serious
consideration tor IN justice to truth, on whose
fair side We wish 10 keep, it must be told that,
although possessing more than enough OF this
world s luxuries, poor Mrs. NJ. could not feel
that sit is more blessed to give than receive. .
While lolllng On lounge on Saturday even
ing, and thinking of he new character she
wished to assume. the door OF her dressing
room opened, anG her maid admitted Mary lr
wing, the pretty llttlc nhner of W. She
was an orphan, her last parent, her father,
having died two years before, and With him ex-
nj their me ot this salary a
public 0fice.) Mary was eighteen at the time
of her misfortune, and although her exquisite
beauty and accomplishments gained her many
admirers, and several good offers OF marriage,
she remained fancy ice" and hand untram-
meiled- and as she had no near relative TO ap-
peal to, or was too independent to do SO, she
took boarding at cheap but respectable house,
and opened mlllIners shop. She had now
brought 10 Mrs. Milton some head dresses,
that lady had ordered. Taking them from
Mary, she tried them on and examined them
very particularly, then enqulred the price OF
making them.
My customary price is fifty cents each, but
as you have had TOUR made, L only ask you
thirty-seven and halt cents.
BLESS me, why you people who sew have
| no conscience In charging; why twenty-five
cents is dear, and all Will pay.
And Mrs. Milton knit her brow and pursed
up her lips, as If her wealth was about being
wrested from her and she herself sacrificed on
the altar Of Injustice, and SO she was, Offering
herself ior was she not suffering avarce to
drive from her bosom lts best ana hollest IN
mates, Justice and Mercy? and with them
would not Honour leave, and happiness be-
come wreck? Bus she would not be just in
this case. for she had determined 10 her own
mind to brn wheat Mary out OF fifty cents, and
by like opportunities make levy of Others
rights and contribute the sum thus gained to
the first charitable subject brought befure the
public.
Mary Irving naturally Of week disposition,
in days OF prosperity, was docile as lamb,
and now in her desolation yielded to this Kite,
although she too, had cherished intention to
the destination of that fifty cents. She lnten-
ded to spare that SUN tor Mrs. " Harra, poor
woman. whose husband, al Irish labourer, had
died recently, leaving her ana three young chill
drep nenniless. Finding Mrs MIltou deter
mined in her refusal, Mary concluded to dc
without new collar she had promised herself
| for the next day as she could not crafty buth
wishes. she would give the money to the widow
| to bnv necessaries with, and do without while
longer. altho' In need OF the collar-yet she
| thought no sacrifice too great tor good cause.
| Accepting the offered pay. Mary went from
| Mrs. Milton S elegantly furnished house to the
| cabin of Mrs y Harra, Wnom she found II
rather low spirits, and Oh enquiry found this
moor weman too, had been docked In the price
of her work by the same heartless mistress O
thousands She told Mary she had not seer
the lady herself, but her servant told her shs
would give no lnore than dollar and hal
/ for two dollars worth OF work, as she pretended
| it was not well done She also added she hac
! brought home work fer the next week, from
another of Mays acqualntauces, and in TACT
work she herself had engaged Tor Mrs o.
Harra.
Mary Irving was one who practiced ''Rea
/ Charity" and on learning this woman's mis-
| fortune. had rendered her all the assistance sh
could, 10 the way OF advice, (lor she saw sh
was good hearted industrious, but iuconsid
crate creatare,) and spared all the little chang
she could ior her, but ABOVE all recommends
her TO tie wealthy Of her acquaintance, an
engaged their 3,ioin sea0tng II not their syn
/ yo{hv ior her Mrs. Mil,on had given he
! WORK aad also tue pay thro' servant, ior sh
did not Wish 10 see the poor lIish woman
recommended by Mary, Tor fear of bein
begged for something, or demonstrated wit
about the prices, SO she never saw her.
After sitting long enough to find out th: